Institute of Professional Arborists

What is it? This initiative transitions urban tree care from general labor to specialized science. It mandates that only certified experts—professionals who deeply understand tree biology, physics, and structural integrity—manage our canopy. This approach replaces unskilled "chainsaw operators" with qualified, independent arborists hired from the competitive market to ensure expert management of our green assets.

Why it matters for Yerevan. In our harsh, semi-arid climate, a tree is critical infrastructure for survival, not just decoration. Unskilled pruning often treats living organisms like timber, leaving large, open wounds that decay rapidly in Yerevan's dry, alkaline soil. When untrained workers remove structural branches or "top" trees, they destroy the canopy exactly when residents need shade the most, weakening the city's natural defense against summer heat and dust.

The Standard. The municipality must contract exclusively with certified arborists who adhere to international best practices. Rather than relying on internal staff who may lack specific training, the city will verify and engage private experts skilled in modern structural pruning and safety. This guarantees that every cut is calculated to support the tree’s long-term health, preserving our vital cooling infrastructure.

Current Status. The official professional criteria for working as an arborist on behalf of the city is not known, but judging by the results, whoever can hold a chainsaw qualifies automatically.