Just as most problems in landscapes are caused by maintenance gardeners hired to maintain the landscapes, many of the problems with trees are caused by those hired to fix such problems. Arboriculture, which is the horticulture of trees, really should be performed, or at least directed, by professional arborists. It is too specialized to expect it to be done properly by those lacking education and experience.
Even the few proficient gardeners who can perform most aspects of gardening well are not likely as proficient with proper arboriculture as arborists are, not only because it is so different from other gardening, but also because of the techniques and tools involved. Gardeners compare to arborists something like those who clean windows on skyscrapers. Custodians who clean windows on the highest floors from the inside probably would not want to clean the same windows from the outside like window washers do. There are just too many differences in the two related but vastly different types of work.
Arborists who are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture, or ISA certified arborists, are the most qualified to assess the health, stability and structural integrity of trees, and to then prescribe any necessary arboricultural procedures. These arborists have passed an examination of their arboricultural expertise, and maintain their certification by continued involvement with ISA educational seminars, workshops and classes.
Arborists and the tree service businesses that they are affiliated with are easy to find at the website of the ISA at www.isaarbor.com. They can be found directly by name, or regionally by city or ZIP code. The website is also an excellent resource for those wanting to learn more about trees and the importance of proper arboriculture.
Trees are the most substantial features of landscapes, and are really worthy of more respect than they commonly get. Structural problems or instability can be serious problems, not only to the affected trees, but also to anything around them that might be damaged or destroyed by falling limbs or even entire trees. Proper arboriculture helps to keep trees healthy and reasonably safe for many decades or centuries.
Tony Tomeo 
More than once, I’ve recommended a friend get in touch with an arborist. It makes a lot of difference to the tree’s life and health (and sometimes the roof).
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Most of the problems that I encounter with trees were caused by those who were payed to take care the landscapes around them. so-called ‘gardeners’ do more damage than anyone. Horticultural industries attract those who care nothing of horticulture. They have no regard for arborists or other horticultural professionals.
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Yes, it took us a while to stop the landscape maintenance crew from creating mulch volcanos around the trees. They still prune some things after they’ve set buds, too. AAaarrgh.
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They will shear anything that is within their reach. The primary problem here is that, since irrigation is so important through the long and dry summer, they set the automated irrigation systems to operate daily. Landscapes become swamps, here where we are supposed to ‘conserve’ water. Roots rot and trees fall over.
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ay ay ay. That’s bad. But up the hill from me, they do the same and some summers the sprinklers are running in a downpour.
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That is why I can not work for so-called ‘landscape’ companies. I used to inspect for a few, but found it to be too ridiculous.
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