Arborists: essential allies in preserving our trees
In urban or rural environments, trees are not just aesthetic elements: they regulate the climate, improve air quality, reduce noise pollution, and enhance residents’ well-being. However, their survival in sometimes hostile environments—compacted soils, pollution, drought, limited space—is not guaranteed. This is where the arborist comes in: a trained professional dedicated to caring for, maintaining, and above all protecting this living heritage.
Experts in tree health
An arborist is прежде all a specialist in plant biology. Their role is to diagnose the health of trees and recommend appropriate interventions. They can identify signs of disease, pests, or environmental stress long before these issues become critical. Thanks to their expertise, they implement respectful and sustainable treatments that help extend the life of trees and avoid unnecessary removals.
In urban environments, where every tree matters, this monitoring is essential. A diseased or poorly maintained tree can quickly become a public safety hazard. The arborist therefore ensures both the health of the tree and the safety of the community.
A key role in combating urban heat islands
Trees are our best allies against urban heat islands. To provide this cooling effect, they must be healthy and have dense foliage. Arborists promote their growth through formative pruning, structural corrections, infrastructure clearance, and soil care such as decompaction, amendments, and targeted fertilization.
These interventions improve tree vigor and allow them to fully perform their role as “natural air conditioners.”
Safety first
A poorly maintained tree can become unstable and pose a risk during storms or strong winds. Falling branches are a frequent cause of accidents in urban settings. Arborists have the technical expertise to identify structural weaknesses—such as weak unions, dead branches, or internal decay—and to recommend appropriate solutions like cabling, targeted weight-reduction pruning, or, as a last resort, removal.
Their expertise helps prevent accidents while maintaining a balance between tree preservation and public safety.
Preserving rather than removing
Contrary to common belief, the arborist’s profession is not about cutting branches. On the contrary, the goal is to preserve the tree for as long as possible. When intervention is necessary, arborists always prioritize techniques that minimize injury and respect the tree’s physiology.
A tree takes decades to reach maturity, and its ecological and social value is invaluable. Every time a removal can be avoided through proper care, a living heritage is preserved for future generations.
An advocate for public awareness
Beyond technical interventions, arborists also play an educational role. They raise awareness among property owners, municipalities, and the general public about the importance of respectful tree care.
Advising on appropriate species selection, proper planting methods, watering, and correct pruning is an integral part of their mission. This educational dimension is fundamental, as informed citizens become attentive stewards of their trees’ needs.
Essential professionals for sustainable cities
The cities of tomorrow cannot do without arborists. Faced with the challenges of climate change, air pollution, and urban densification, trees will require ongoing care and support.
The arborist is—and will increasingly become—the guardian of a harmonious coexistence between people and nature in urban environments.