Now that your tree has been evaluated and you have identified damage that needs to be addressed, do you do the work yourself or do you hire someone? Reasons to do the work yourself It is cheaper than hiring someone. You are familiar with your tree and its importance in your landscaping. The amount of work is minor and easily accomplished with typical home equipment. You are a professional tree care worker. Reasons to hire a professional Years of experience and training. In-depth evaluation for hidden damage. Risk and liability are placed on the professional. Work can be done promptly. Opportunity for long-term tree care from a professional that is familiar with your trees. Minimum qualifications for professional tree care worker Bonded Insured List of references - Be specific! * Homeowners in your area * Completed in the last 2-3 years * Pertain to your specific storm * Pertain to your specific needs (pruning, removal, staking, etc) Detailed work plan and cost estimate in writing Expected dates of work List of recent training programs and memberships in associations such as International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the National Arborist Association (NAA), American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA), the state arborist association or the Society of American Foresters (SAF). Arborist vs. Urban Forester vs. Tree Care Worker   Arborists are trained tree care professionals that specialize in individual tree care work with        a background in tree maintenance (pruning, removal, etc) and insect and disease diagnosis.        They are often members of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA),         the National Arborist Association (NAA), American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA)   Certified Arborists are very highly trained arborists that have demonstrated their proficiency        through testing and continuing education. They are certified through ISA.   Urban Foresters are trained foresters that are specially trained in managing urban tree        communities with a background in tree hazard evaluation, tree maintenance and insect and        disease diagnosis.        Urban foresters are well qualified to assess the damage to your tree and offer        recommendations, but they rarely do the actual work (pruning, removal, etc) themselves.        They are often members of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the state arborist        association and the Society of American Foresters (SAF).   Tree Care Workers usually have experience in various types of tree care, such as pruning,        removal and staking. Often they do not have the amount of training that arborists or urban        foresters have, and their references should be checked carefully. For more information on these and other tree care organizations, check out Who Do I Contact. Whether you choose to hire someone or do the work yourself, there are certain risks involved. Regardless of the proper care to your tree, it may not be possible to save it or mitigate all the damage. In addition, your tree may have additional damage that is not immediately obvious which may result in your tree care efforts not being as effective as you had hoped.These are NOT reasons to postpone or cancel tree maintenance. Remember that trees are living things that may not respond even to the best care available. Last Updated: