abreast of industry trends and best practices in tree pest management. “Arborists are dealing with hundreds of species of trees, hundreds of species of pests, so there’s always something new to learn, and there are so many prod- ucts available out there to you,” Ware says. “There might be better ways to do what you’re doing to lower the risk to yourself.” Duffy adds that in his role working to equip arborists with the right tools, keeping up your certification credits is key. “To me, I guess the people that are cer- tified are proud of it, and they advertise it all the time,” he explained. “If some- one says to me, ‘What tree company should I call?’ I start off with someone that’s a certified arborist.” Whether through workshops, certifi- cations, or industry conferences, em- bracing lifelong learning helps an ar- borist enhance their expertise, deliver superior services, and contribute to the advancement of sustainable tree care practices. THE BOTTOM LINE As guardians of our urban forests, ar- borists play a vital role in preserving the health and vitality of trees for gen- erations to come. That’s why responsi- ble spraying isn’t just a task, it’s a com- mitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being. By embracing principles of responsi- ble pest management, arborists can uphold standards of excellence in tree care. Through continuous learning and adaptation, we can ensure a greener, healthier future for our planet and its inhabitants.
Altec’s ST55 PTO-driven pump can move 37 gallons per minute and draws on five tanks for a total of 640 gallons. Offering mechanical agitation in a 30-stainless compartment, it uses a micromix system for isolated mixing.
Duffy explained that an issue tree care companies oen face is that, while the client is usually in a better position logistically to notify their neighbors, they oen won’t do it. However, many areas have strict laws about notifying properties that are highly sensitive to pesticides. “It becomes a burden on the tree com- pany sometimes to find out who the neighbors are so they can notify them,” he explained. By fostering open dialogue and provid- ing clear guidance, tree care profes- sionals can empower clients to actively participate in the preservation of tree health and environmental stewardship, while making your job a bit easier in the process. CONTINUING EDUCATION The field of tree care is dynamic, with new products, techniques, and regula- tions constantly emerging. Continuous learning and professional develop- ment are essential for arborists to stay
cleaned in a long period of time, and they just become reservoirs and con- centrate all of this product that we’re trying to protect ourselves from.” By prioritizing equipment mainte- nance and PPE compliance, arborists uphold standards of safety and profes- sionalism in tree care practices. EDUCATING CLIENTS Effective communication and client ed- ucation are integral components of re- sponsible spraying practices. Tree care companies are responsible for inform- ing clients about spraying, potential risks, and necessary precautions. This includes advising clients on how to pre- pare for spraying sessions, such as re- moving pets, covering sensitive plants, or temporarily vacating the area. “That benefits everybody, especially you as the arborist,” says Ware. “Be- cause now, hopefully they’re able to do that ahead of time and you spend less time on property asking them to move the car and close the windows and keep the dog inside.” Moreover, many state regulations re- quire proper notification of neighbors or public areas to ensure transparency and community awareness.
Continuous learning and professional development are essential for arborists to stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in tree pest management.
40 | ArborTIMES Spring 2024
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