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Arborist vs tree service: who should you call first?
The two names overlap, and many companies are both. Here is the simple difference, when each one fits, and how to check who you are really hiring.
By Umair Nawaz, founder of Lirevon Updated How we check facts
Lirevon is not a tree company.
The short answer
An arborist is a tree-care specialist who studies tree health and care. A tree service is a company that does the work, such as trimming, removal and stump grinding. Many tree services employ arborists, and some arborists work alone as consultants. For a sick tree, a dispute or a big decision, ask for an arborist's written opinion. For a plain trim or removal, a good insured tree service is often enough.
The two choices
Arborist
Someone trained in tree biology and care. Some hold a certification from a national tree-care body, which you can check. Arborists look at health, structure and risk, and they write reports. Some also do the work, and some only advise.
Tree service
A company with crews, trucks and equipment that does the hands-on work: trimming, removal, storm cleanup, stump grinding. The quality varies. Some have certified arborists on staff, and some do not. The words "tree service" are not a license.
Side-by-side table
A quick comparison. Your tree and yard may differ, so ask a pro who has looked at the job.
| Topic | Arborist | Tree service |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | Judge tree health and risk; advise on care | Do the cutting, climbing, hauling and cleanup |
| Typical output | A written report or plan | A written quote, then the work |
| Equipment | Often little, unless the company also does the work | Trucks, chippers, saws, sometimes a crane |
| Best for | Sick or odd trees, a second opinion, a report for a dispute or permit | Trimming, removal, storm damage, stumps |
| Training you can check | A certification number you can look up | Ask if a certified arborist leads the work |
| Insurance to ask about | Liability, and ask about cover for advice | Liability and workers compensation |
| Conflict of interest | An independent consultant has no job to sell you | A company that does the work may also want the job |
| Cost | Get a written quote for the visit or report | Get two or three written quotes for the same scope |
On a phone, swipe the table sideways to see all columns. We do not list prices for tree work. Get two or three written quotes.
When to choose each
Choose Arborist when
- A tree looks sick and you do not know why.
- You want a second opinion on a removal quote.
- A permit, an HOA, a neighbor dispute or an insurance claim needs a written report.
- A valuable tree is near a build and you want a protection plan.
Choose Tree service when
- You need trimming, removal or stump grinding.
- A tree is down or damaged after a storm and needs a crew.
- You already know what you want done and need a price.
- You want a company that can start the job soon.
You do not always have to pick one. Many good tree services have certified arborists on staff. Ask who will lead your job. If you are unsure whether a tree is a danger, read is my tree dangerous?. Our page on arborist certifications explains the common ones.
Questions to ask
Ask every company the same questions, so you can compare quotes for the same work.
Is a certified arborist on this job, and what is their certification number?
You can look the number up with the group that issued it. Do not rely on a logo.
Will you give me a written quote that lists exactly what will be done?
Vague quotes lead to fights later. Ask for the scope in writing.
Do you carry liability and workers compensation insurance?
Ask to see the certificates, and check they are current.
Do you do the work, or only advise?
An independent consultant may not do the cutting. That can be a plus.
What is your opinion based on?
Good advice points to things you can see: cracks, decay, lean, root problems.
Are there local rules I should know about?
Some cities need a permit to remove a tree. Our tree permits guide explains how to check.
Can you give me references from recent local jobs?
Also read their Google reviews. Check that the business name and phone match.
More help: how to hire a tree service, the full list of questions to ask and the hiring checklist.
Common questions
What is the difference between an arborist and a tree service?
An arborist is a tree-care specialist who studies tree health and advises on care. A tree service is a company that does the work. Many tree services employ arborists, and some arborists only consult.
Do I need a certified arborist to remove a tree?
Not always. Many insured tree services remove trees safely. A certified arborist helps when the tree is sick, valuable or protected, or when you need a report. Check local rules too.
How do I know if someone is a certified arborist?
Ask for the certification number and look it up with the group that issued it. Our page on arborist certifications explains what the common ones mean.
Is "arborist" a protected title?
It depends on the state and city, and the rules vary. Do not assume the word means a license. Ask for proof of training and insurance. Short explanation, not legal advice.
Should I get an arborist report before removing a tree?
It can be worth it for a large, old or protected tree, for a permit, or when you doubt a removal quote. The report gives you a written, independent opinion.
What if a tree service says my tree must come down?
Ask what they see and how it affects safety. For a big decision, get a second opinion from another company or from an independent arborist. Get all quotes in writing.
Which one should I call after a storm?
If a line is down, call your utility. If anyone is in danger, call 911. For cleanup, call a local, insured tree service. Never use a chainsaw on storm-loaded wood yourself.
Does Lirevon offer arborist services or recommend companies?
No. Lirevon does not do tree work and does not list or rank tree companies. We help tree service owners run their business. This guide is general information for homeowners.
What does certified arborist mean?
It usually means the person passed an exam from a professional tree-care organization and has to keep learning to stay certified. Ask for the credential and check it with the group that issued it.
Do I need an arborist for a simple trim?
Not always. Routine trimming of a healthy tree can go to a trained, insured crew. An arborist is the better first call for a sick tree, a valuable older tree, a dispute or a written report.
Go deeper: arborist, certified arborist, tree risk assessment, do I need a certified arborist?, tree care by state.
This page is general information, not legal or insurance advice. We do not give prices for tree work; get two or three written quotes from local, insured pros. If a tree is down on a power line, call your utility. If anyone is in danger, call 911.
Next step: find a local pro
Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews. Lirevon does not list, rank or get paid by any tree company.
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