When to Call an Arborist

A certified arborist is not the same as a tree removal crew. Arborists assess, diagnose, and preserve; removal crews cut. You want the diagnosis first — then, if removal is really the answer, you hire someone to do the cutting.

Call an arborist when

• A tree has a new lean, especially after a storm.
• You see mushrooms, conks, or exposed rot at the base.
• A large limb has broken or is hanging.
• More than a third of the canopy looks thin or dead.
• You're planning construction, driveway work, or trenching within 20 feet of a mature tree.
• A tree company has quoted removal and you want a second opinion.
• You bought a house and want to know which trees are keepers.

What to look for in an arborist

• ISA Certification — International Society of Arboriculture. Ask for the certification number.
• Local experience with coastal species — live oaks, longleaf and loblolly pines, bald cypress.
• Written assessment, not just a verbal walk-through.
• Insurance — general liability and workers' comp.
• No pressure to remove. A good arborist will preserve wherever it's reasonable.

What it typically costs

A residential assessment in Brunswick County runs $75–$200 for a single tree, $150–$400 for a full yard. A written report with recommendations is worth every dollar — it also gives you something to hand to insurance if a tree later fails.

We can point you to certified arborists in the county who do independent assessments. Just ask.