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Arborists & Landscapers: What’s the Difference?

Jun 22, 2021

Which Outdoor Service is Right For You?

Not all professionals who work with trees do the same thing. There are ‘arborists’ as well as ‘arborist vs landscaper’ – but what exactly is the difference? And who should you get in touch with should you need help with the trees in your yard?

Read below to learn about the distinction between these outdoor specialists.

READ MORE: The Top Reasons for Tree Removal

What is a Landscaper?

The term ‘landscaper’ can be used for a variety of professionals and outdoor hobbyists. Ultimately, the term refers to people who work with land elements to improve the visual appearance of an area. They may maintain or add to an outdoor space. A landscaper may, for example, tackle a specific part of a yard to make it look nicer – say, by cutting the grass at a golf course or by gardening at someone’s home.

It’s also worth noting that a landscaper might not always be involved with the physical work that goes into a property. That’s because the term can also be used to describe someone involved in the planning phase of construction. A Tree landscaper might determine what a physical space will look like, and coordinate with construction professionals or other clients.

Examples of What Landscapers Do

A landscaper may specialize in one of these areas, or they may do multiple activities that are listed:

  • Lawn growth, cutting, and maintenance

  • Gardening

  • Working with water-based appliances and structures (i.e. sprinkles and fountains)

  • Outdoor equipment installation and maintenance

  • Trimming and pruning trees and hedges

  • Landscape design and planning

What is an Arborist?

An arborist’s work is specifically centred around trees. They learn about how trees grow, how to take care of trees, and what to do when a tree’s health is poor.

An arborist learn about how trees function from a biological perspective so they can better understand why trees act the way they do above ground. Depending on what a tree’s specific circumstance is, an arborist may trim, prune, mulch or take down a tree.

You may choose to think about an arborist like a doctor but for trees instead of humans. Their goal is to protect the health of trees, and their services are performed in order to maintain positive tree health.

Arborists also work with other parts of your yard, like Ottawa Shrub Fertilization and vines.

Examples of What Arborists Do

An arborist will typically be able to perform all of these duties:

  • Tree pruning

  • Safe tree removal

  • Tree planting and cultivation

  • Emergency tree care

  • Fertilization

  • Pest control

READ MORE: How to Prepare For Your Emergency Tree Removal Appointment

When Should I Choose an Arborist?

Since arborists and landscapers are two distinct types of outdoor specialists, which one should you contact should you need assistance with your yard?

It may seem like landscapers cover a wider variety of services, but this isn’t the right line of thinking. The professional you choose will depend on what kind of service you need.

The most important distinction is that define landscaper can improve your yard’s appearance while arborists can improve the health of the trees in your yard. Both are important for different reasons.

So, if you want your lawn’s grass to be smoother or a new garden-related fixture installed, calling a landscaper is probably your best bet. If you’re concerned with helping your trees grow strong and avoid disease or pests, you should contact an arborist.

Keep in mind that an arborist’s work still affects the appearance of your yard – after all, diseased and dead trees covered in pests won’t leave your yard looking spotless.

READ MORE: Do I Need Permission To Cut Down My Own Tree?

How Green Thumb Can Help

At Green Thumb, our team of experts offers plenty of services to keep your trees healthy and tall. Contact us today about these services:

Conclusion

Arborists and landscapers are two types of outdoor professionals that can provide useful services. By learning the difference, you’ll be able to ensure that you can contact the right person when you want to refresh your yard’s appearance or check on your trees’ health. Contact us at Green Thumb Tree Specialists today.

We take pride in offering our professional Tree Care services in Ottawa. Feel free to reach out to Green Thumb Tree Specialist for any of the following Tree Services: