Certified Arborist
A certified arborist is a tree care professional certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) who has proven knowledge and hands-on experience in tree biology, proper pruning, disease and pest management, soil health, risk assessment, and safe tree work practices. Certification requires passing a comprehensive exam, meeting work-experience standards, and completing ongoing education to stay current with industry best practices. Arborists focus on maintaining tree health, safety, and longevity—not just cutting trees down.
Why is it important to use a Certified Arborist?
Trees are valuable living assets, and proper care requires more than just cutting branches or removing limbs. A Certified Arborist is a trained professional who understands how trees grow, respond to stress, and stay healthy over time.
Certified Arborists are credentialed through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and must meet strict education, experience, and testing requirements. They also stay current through ongoing training and industry standards.
When you hire a Certified Arborist, you benefit from:
✔ Proper Tree Care
Certified Arborists know how to prune, trim, and manage trees without causing unnecessary damage that can lead to decay, disease, or failure.
✔ Safety First
Tree work is dangerous. Certified Arborists are trained to assess risks, identify structural weaknesses, and perform work safely for your property, your family, and nearby structures.
✔ Long-Term Tree Health
Incorrect pruning or removal techniques can shorten a tree’s lifespan. An Arborist focuses on preserving the health, stability, and appearance of your trees whenever possible.
✔ Accurate Diagnoses
From pests and disease to storm damage and root issues, Certified Arborists can properly diagnose problems and recommend the right solution—not guesswork.
✔ Compliance With Local Regulations
Many cities and HOAs have tree protection rules. A Certified Arborist understands these requirements and helps ensure work is done correctly and legally.
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The Bottom Line
Hiring a Certified Arborist means you’re not just paying for tree work—you’re investing in professional expertise, safety, and the long-term health of your landscape.
FAQs
Can a certified arborist tell if my tree is dangerous?
Yes. Certified arborists are trained to assess tree risk by identifying structural defects, decay, root issues, and other hazards that may not be visible to an untrained eye.
Do certified arborists remove trees?
Yes, when necessary. However, they evaluate whether a tree can be preserved safely before recommending removal and follow industry standards when removal is required.
Can a certified arborist diagnose tree diseases and pests?
Yes. Certified arborists are trained to identify common and complex tree diseases, pests, and environmental stressors and recommend appropriate treatments.
How does proper pruning benefit my trees?
Proper pruning improves tree structure, reduces the risk of limb failure, encourages healthy growth, and prevents disease and decay caused by improper cuts.
Is hiring a certified arborist more expensive?
Not necessarily. While quality tree care may cost more upfront, it often saves money long-term by preventing tree failure, property damage, and premature tree removal.
Do certified arborists follow safety standards?
Yes. Certified arborists follow ANSI and ISA safety and pruning standards to protect your property, your trees, and the people working on them.
How do I verify an arborist’s certification?
You can verify certification through the International Society of Arboriculture’s online directory: