Tree Health Maintenance & Arborist Services

Pruning trees can be dangerous work. If pruning involves working on large trees the knowledge and use of specialized equipment is very important, not only for the safety of the person(s) pruning the tree but also for the surrounding property where the tree stands; homes, businesses, automobiles, on lookers and passers by can be put at serious and unnecessary risks’. Other considerations need to be taken as well when working on trees that are next-to or near-by electrical power lines or have electrical lines running through their branches. A professional arborist can provide the services of a trained crew, all the required safety equipment, liability insurance and of course the knowledge and experience that can only come with the job.

What Is a Certified Arborist?

An arborist by definition is an individual who is trained in the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining individual trees. ISA arborist certification is a nongovernmental, voluntary process by which individuals can document their base of knowledge. It operates without mandate of law and is an internal, self-regulating device administered by the International Society of Arboriculture. Certification provides a measurable assessment of an individual’s knowledge and competence required to provide proper tree care.

Certification is not a measure of standards of practice. Certification can attest to the tree knowledge of an individual but cannot guarantee or ensure quality performance.

Certified Arborists are individuals who have achieved a level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care through experience and by passing a comprehensive examination developed by some of the nation’s leading experts on tree care. Certified Arborists must also continue their education to maintain their certification. Therefore, they are more likely to be up to date on the latest techniques in arboriculture.

Be an Informed Consumer

One of the best methods to use in choosing an arborist is to educate yourself on some of the basic principles of tree care. ISA offers several other brochures in this series, which discuss many of the basic principles of tree care. Your local garden center, extension agent, or city arborists are also excellent sources of information if you should have further questions. They may also be able to refer you to an ISA Certified Arborist in your area.