Keep Your Trees Healthy with the Right Arborist Tools
If you’re a tree owner in New Jersey or just curious about how professional arborists do their job, you might be wondering: what tools are actually used to keep trees healthy, safe, and thriving?
From tree inspection tools to arborist watering supplies and safety glasses, having the right equipment is crucial to maintaining healthy trees. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the must-have arboriculture tools, breaking them down by function, and explain how professionals use them for expert tree care.
Tree Inspection Tools Professionals Trust
Before pruning or treating a tree, an arborist will begin with a thorough inspection. This helps them detect signs of disease, decay, or instability early.
Common Tree Inspection Tools:
- ️ Resistograph – Tests internal decay in tree trunks
- Diameter tape – Measures tree DBH (diameter at breast height)
- Inspection mirrors – Help arborists view hard-to-see spots in the canopy
- Digital camera or drone – Used to document conditions or get an aerial view
These tools allow arborists to make informed decisions about trimming, cabling, or even removal.
Best Arborist Watering Supplies for Tree Health
Tree hydration is one of the most overlooked aspects of proper tree care. During periods of drought or heat, arborists use professional tools to ensure optimal watering.
Top Watering Tools Include:
- Deep root watering probes – Deliver water directly to a tree’s root zone
- Soaker hoses & drip irrigation – Ensure slow, steady moisture release
- ️ Moisture meters – Measure soil water levels to avoid over/underwatering
These tools are especially helpful when maintaining newly planted or stressed trees.
Arborist Safety Glasses & Protective Gear
Safety is paramount when working with chainsaws, climbing equipment, or chemicals. That’s why professional arborists are always equipped with:
- Safety glasses and face shields – Protect eyes from flying debris
- Cut-resistant gloves – Essential when handling branches and blades
- Hard hats – Prevent head injuries from falling limbs
- Harnesses and climbing gear – Secure arborists during elevated work
These items are required under OSHA and ANSI Z133 standards for safe tree care.
️ Must-Have Arboriculture Tools for Tree Service Work
Arborists rely on a wide range of manual and powered tools to do everything from pruning to disease treatment.
Top Tree Service Tools:
- ✂️ Bypass pruners and loppers – For clean, precise cuts
- Hand saws and pole pruners – Reach and cut larger branches
- Battery-powered chainsaws – Quiet, clean, and ideal for urban settings
- Injection systems – For delivering nutrients and treatments (see Tree Injections)
These are the same tools we use at American Tree Experts for tree maintenance in Montclair and surrounding areas.
Bonus Tools for Specialized Tree Care
- Tree cabling kits – For structural support of weak limbs
- pH soil testers – Help determine nutrient needs
- Traffic cones & barriers – Keep work areas safe in public spaces

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What tools do arborists use to inspect trees?
Arborists use resistographs, drones, and visual inspection gear to assess a tree’s health and structure.
What safety gear should arborists wear?
Safety glasses, gloves, helmets, and harnesses are essential for preventing injury during tree work.
Are deep root watering tools necessary?
Yes! They help deliver water where it matters—deep into the root zone for better absorption.
Need Professional Tree Care in New Jersey?
At American Tree Experts, we don’t just use the best tools—we bring years of expertise to every tree we care for. Whether you need tree inspections, pruning, injections, or storm prep, we’ve got the equipment and experience to get the job done right.
Serving Montclair, NJ, and nearby areas Call us at (973) 744-6091 or visit americantree.com to request a consultation.
Regularly inspect your trees for signs of tree-damaging pests, which can hide among leaves, branches, and the trunk. Check for discolored leaves and examine tree trunks for holes or frass. Promptly addressing issues can prevent infestations from spreading. If you notice a branch infested with beetles or other pests, remove it promptly to mitigate further damage. Familiarizing yourself with these signs can reduce future maintenance.
If you notice your soil consistently drying out during the summer months, consider implementing a slow, deep watering technique using a drip or soaker hose for your larger trees requiring hydration. Different trees have varying water needs, so it’s essential to avoid guesswork. A general guideline is to apply 5 gallons of water for every 1 inch of trunk diameter, repeating this process weekly in the absence of significant rainfall.
Overextended limbs refer to branches that have grown longer and larger than the tree trunk can adequately support. Typically, these branches extend horizontally and bear the weight of foliage. As a tree ages, it becomes increasingly vulnerable to strain, especially if afflicted by disease, pests, drought, or harsh weather conditions.
Making the right pruning cuts is essential for the tree’s health and safety. Improper cuts, such as flush cuts (too close to the trunk) or stub cuts (too far from the trunk), can cause irreversible damage.
Mulching is essential in maintaining tree health. By conserving soil moisture, especially during periods of high heat and low rainfall, mulch provides essential hydration to tree roots. Additionally, it acts as a filter for rainwater, minimizing impurities and slowing evaporation to aerate and fertilize the soil beneath.
Nutrient-deficient trees often have weaker branches that are prone to breakage. This weakness is commonly associated with a
For younger trees that have yet to establish their root systems fully, anchoring can provide extra stability during storms.
Sunlight plays a vital role in a tree’s health as it stimulates the photosynthesis process necessary for growth. However, when branches become overgrown, they can obstruct sunlight from reaching the tree’s leaves, limiting its energy production.
When dealing with borer infestations, pruning off affected branches is a practical approach. Inspect your cut for any signs of borer holes or tunnels. If you detect a hole, you’ll need to make another cut further along the branch towards the trunk.