Top Five iPhone Apps for Tree Care Professionals

Professional arborists spend more time out in the field than they do in cubicles, so having high-quality, portable technology is almost mandatory. Many tree care professionals now use devices such as iPhones or iPads in order to make everyday tasks such as invoicing, project management, and field research streamlined.

If you’re a professional arborist who is constantly on-the-go, consider downloading these applications to your mobile device:

Chipero. Too many woodchips, and no place to dispose them? Try downloading Chipero to find a place to empty your chip truck! Chipero connects you with nearby homeowners, farms, schools and other organizations that want your excess wood chips. This app is free initially, but also offers the option of signing up for their discounted Supporter Plan once the trial period expires. Click here to learn more about Chipero.

Arborist Knots. This helpful index is the mobile version of the popular knot guide at www.arbtalk.co.uk. The galleries in this app contain all of the most important knots every arborist should know, plus several extras thrown in for good measure. Download this app, and you’ll never have to second-guess your knot work on the jobsite. Click here to learn more about Arborist Knots.

Tree Fungi ID App. Another popular tool from ArbTalk, this application provides access to a fungi directory. This is an excellent tool for assisting in plant health diagnoses while out in the field. Get some peace of mind, and never second-guess your recommendation again! Click here to learn more about the Tree Fungi ID App.

Talking2Trees.  Are you managing a large, urban tree canopy? Talking2Trees can help you maintain straightforward tree inventories and related data, which you can then use to generate useful reports - or even export to existing GIS databases. You can view your tree inventory as a list or a map, and sync it to your office computer as a backup measure. Click here to learn more about Talking2Trees.

Square.  This last recommendation isn’t exactly an app, nor is it tree care specific - but the Square Credit Card reader is too useful to ignore! Square is a small device that you can plug into your phone’s audio jack, and then use to process credit card payments. Naturally, there is a small processing fee applied to each transaction, but it’s well worth the convenience of being able to accept plastic wherever you go. Click here to learn more about Square.

Are you a professional arborist who uses iPhone apps in the field? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

TCI EXPO Speaker Needed

Are you an expert on iPhone apps and tree care? Do you also want a chance to speak at TCI EXPO 2014? We’re looking for a speaker to discuss iPhone apps and tree care for TCI EXPO 2014, which will be held in Hartford, CT November 13 – 15. If you are interested, please email Diane Morgan, TCIA Meeting Planner, at dmorgan@tcia.org with your proposal.