Forester. Logger. Tree Cutter. Tree Service. Arborist.
These are just some of the names you hear when talking about people who work on trees. As a landowner, understanding these terms and the differences between them will help you make sure that you get the right professional working on your property.
Professionals who work in forests:
Foresters and loggers work with groups of trees, generally several acres or more.This article from the US Forest Service provides a good explanation of the difference between the two professions. Please visit the Qualified Forester Listfor more information on foresters in Michigan.
Professionals who work on trees:
Tree services generally work on non-forest trees, and focus on aesthetics and individual tree health. They provide services such as pruning, fertilization, and chemical management of insects and diseases. Tree services may or may not employ arborists, who are tree care professionals certified through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). If you need a tree near your house assessed for safety, pruned, or removed, you'll most likely want an arborist. As with foresters, certification does not guarantee quality of work but can help ensure that the practitioner is familiar with (and follows) industry standards. To find an arborist near you or verify a certification, visit the ISA website. Please note that there are two levels of certification through the ISA, Certified Arborist and Board Certified Master Arborist. Tree care professionals may also be members of the American Society of Consulting Arboristsand/or the Tree Care Industry Association. Tree services should carry state licenses and certifications for chemical application.
Please remember: As a landowner, it is your responsibility to make sure that anyone working on your property is properly licensed and insured.
Clare CD's List of Service Providers
The Forestry Assistance Program of the Clare & Gladwin Conservation Districts have created the following documents including local businesses in the area. The Conservation Districts do not endorse any consultant over another and they are arranged in no order. You are advised to check references when hiring any type of contractor.
