Springtime the Right Time for Certified Arborists to Add Beauty and Value to Your Home, says IAA

ANTIOCH, IL, March 31, 2011

The robins have begun returning and the color green means more than leftover St. Patrick's Day decorations. Spring is in the air across Illinois and with it, a chance for homeowners to assess their property after another long winter. Whether you are a new homeowner or have lived at your present location for decades, there are trees on your property. A conversation with a certified arborist can aid your trees today and help set you on a path for future growth, says Illinois Arborist Association (IAA) President Mark Younger, municipal arborist for the city of Evanston, Ill.

The areas of expertise a certified arborist can assist property owners with are numerous, including:

• Advice on proper pruning techniques
• Answering plant health care questions
• Recognizing insect pests and diseases/ both good and bad, and advising on the most effective control methods at minimal cost
• Help with site planning, preservation and treatment of trees affected by construction projects
• Tree removal questions, including supplying the client with options so they can make the proper decision
• After severe storms, an arborist can provide proper equipment and skills to help with any hazardous situations - especially those affecting family safety.

"Owning a home is an investment," Younger said. "Whether there is one tree or a dozen on the property, homeowners require sound advice from a certified arborist. An arborist answers questions and provides insight gained from experience. This includes general care and maintenance, or long-range planning for the benefit of your trees and your entire property."

For at home do-it-yourselfers, a certified arborist can provide information to guide you through proper plant health care. Some certified arborists are specialists in the areas of tree and landscape appraisals, hazardous tree evaluations, trees damaged by construction or cable, bracing and lightning protection.

To locate a certified arborist in your area, contact the IAA at (877) 617-8887 or visit http://www.illinoisarborist.org.

Illinois Arborist Association background

The Illinois Arborist Association is a non-profit organization that educates members and the general public in proper tree care. IAA supports research on trees and is based on the mission to "Foster interest, establish standards, exchange professional ideas and pursue scientific research in Arboriculture."