Scott Reese, American Society of Landscape Architects (retired)
Gregston D. Young; ISA Certified Master Arborist, Tree Risk Qualified, Registered Consulting Arborist
In the Coachella Valley climate, maintaining the health and beauty of trees requires ongoing commitment from both homeowners and the HOA. When considered as a group, Montage palm trees are the second most valuable asset for the HOA, following the streets. In 2016, the Board discovered that many perimeter date palm trees were aging, inadequately maintained, and in decline. At that time, the Board hired the Herman Group, Landscape Architects, to evaluate the palms and develop a replacement program.
Montage engaged Master Consulting Arborist Gregston D. Young through a competitive selection process to help manage the new and aging palms based on his extensive expertise in streetscape palm tree management and risk assessment. Mr. Gregston has consulted on Montage palm tree risk assessment, care, and replacement at Montage since 2020.
When it comes to tree care, what is the difference between a Gardener, a Certified Arborist, and a Consulting Arborist?
While gardeners may have been trained on the job and be skilled at pruning and general plant care, the main differences between a Certified Consulting Arborist and a Certified Arborist lie in their expertise, scope of work, and certification requirements.
Certified Arborist
- Credentialed by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arboristas an ISA Certified Arborist.
- Focuses on tree care, maintenance, pruning, removal, and health assessments.
- Typically works for tree service companies, municipalities, or landscape firms.
- Requires passing the ISA Certified Arborist exam and maintaining continuing education credits.
Certified Consulting Arborist
- Credentialed by organizations like the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA).
- Specializes in high-level tree risk assessments, legal and insurance reports, expert witness testimony, and urban forestry planning.
- Often works independently or with homeowners associations, municipalities, law firms, and developers.
- Most have university training in arboriculture, horticulture, forestry, or a related field.
- Requires advanced training, experience, and in many cases, the Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA) designation.
In short, a Certified Arborist is hands-on with tree care, while a Certified Consulting Arborist provides expert analysis, reports, and professional advice on complex tree-related issues. Both adhere to a code of ethics, ensuring high standards in tree maintenance and safety practices.
Why HOAs and Residents Hire a Consulting Arborist?
Given these challenges, the expertise of a consulting arborist is invaluable to homeowners and HOAs. They provide:
- Expert Knowledge in tree biology and pest identification, to diagnose and treat tree diseases and pests to ensure trees are healthy and well-maintained, preventing issues before they become severe.
- Risk Assessment is the reason Montage hired a consulting arborist. Arborists qualified in Tree Risk Assessment are trained to evaluate trees’ health and structural soundness. They can identify and mitigate potential hazards, such as weak branches or trees at risk of falling, as happened once in Montage.
- Pruning skills, expertise, and equipment to safely perform pruning and tree removal, reducing the risk of property damage and personal injury while shaping trees to maximize their visual appeal and minimize wind damage to enhance the beauty and value of a property
- Water Management is crucial. Consulting Arborists can recommend species well-suited to the local environment, advise on best irrigation practices, and help select drought-tolerant species, conserving water while ensuring tree health.
Gregston said, “Working with the HOA and Montage homeowners has been a real pleasure. Montage wanted to learn how to reduce tree risk and make and keep their perimeter palms healthier. Consulting arborists in the Valley encounter many issues, such as those impacting Montage palms that stem from the area’s extreme climate. Heat stress can lead to leaf scorch, stunted growth, and even death. Proper water management is the number one issue, but is especially crucial in the Coachella Valley; too little water can leave trees parched and create a weakened structure, while too much can cause root rot.”
“To a lesser extent, pest control is also a significant challenge. The local climate attracts pests such as the Palo Verde Beetle and the Desert Locust, which can wreak havoc on trees. Selecting drought-tolerant tree replacements and ensuring they receive proper care can mitigate some of these issues. Regular pruning and maintenance are essential to remove dead or diseased branches, reduce wind impacts, and promote overall health and aesthetics. Regular care extends the lifespan of trees, reducing costs and risk while providing long-term benefits for the HOA; according to Young,”
What to Look for in Hiring a Certified Consulting Arborist
Whether you are a homeowner or a homeowners’ association, the benefits of professional tree care are a clear and long-lasting investment in your property’s health, safety, and beauty. Look to hire an arborist with ISA & ASCA certification, extensive experience, knowledge of local tree species, and a strong safety record. They should also provide references, have good communication skills, and adhere to the ISA & ASCA Code of Ethics.
The average hourly rate for a certified master consulting arborist in the Coachella Valley ranges from $200 to $400 per hour. In contrast, general arborists charge $75/ to $150 per hour depending on the complexity and size of the job. Factors such as the need for specialized equipment or additional labor can also influence the cost.
You can find a list of certified consulting arborists through the American Society of Consulting Arborists. They offer a “Find a Consulting Arborist” search tool on their website asca-consultants.org.
Gregston Young
- Palm Specialist
- International Society of Arboriculture
- Board Certified MASTER Arborist WE-9732B
- Irrigation Association Certified CAIS, CIC, CID, CIT, CLIA, CLIA, CLWM-86964
- Member American Society of Consulting Arborists
- ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #731
- ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified