As you spend more time outdoors this summer, you might start wondering when to call in a professional for your tree care needs. Tree care requires more than a simple weekend DIY project—that’s where a certified arborist comes in. These plant whisperers are not just guys who are really into trees; they’re your best friends for all things arboriculture. But what exactly do they do, and why should you trust them with your trees?

What is an ISA certified arborist?

We know that an arborist is a tree care expert, but a certified arborist does you one better. At the root of it all, an ISA Certified Arborist is a tree care professional certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), and accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This certification confirms they’ve passed a knowledge exam, have over 3 years of full-time tree service experience, and hold a degree in arboriculture, horticulture, landscape architecture, or forestry from a regionally accredited university. These experts are trained in diagnosing tree diseases, prescribing treatments, and carrying out tree care health strategies – think of them as the doctors of the tree world. Much like doctors, a certified arborist must also continuously stay up-to-date on new practices in order to maintain their certification.

How to select the right arborist for the job?

When selecting the right arborist for your tree care project, it’s important to verify their ISA certification and membership to professional tree care institutions such as the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) or the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA). You should also be checking their prior experience, checking for permits and licenses, asking for proof of insurance, and reviewing their references. A certified arborist will have the proper credentials, a track record of successful projects, and positive feedback from previous clients. Also, it’s always a good idea to be a smart shopper. Get more than one estimate, but be mindful of a deal that might sound too good to be true. Lastly, remember what your dad always said about getting it in writing? That applies here, too. Don’t allow any tree work before you’ve seen a contract and have signed on the dotted line.

Services provided by certified arborists

ISA certified arborists are more than capable of providing a wide range of tree care services, including:

• Tree Trimming and Pruning: They can trim dead and dangerous tree branches to prevent risk or size of the tree. Certified arborists also specialize in pruning plants and trees to improve their health and appearance, and in removing limbs that obstruct homes, streets, and sidewalks.
• Diagnosing and Treating Diseases: Certified arborists are great at assessing the health of trees, identifying diseases, and recommending the best course of action to revive or remove the affected tree.
• Tree Removal and Planting: Certified arborists are experts in safely removing dead, overcrowded, infested, or hazardous trees with minimal disruption to surrounding plants. Sometimes, even healthy trees must be removed due to construction or when pruning can’t resolve an obstruction. A certified arborist will determine if removal is necessary. They can also plant new trees (young or mature) to upgrade the landscape for years to come.
• Emergency Tree Care: Certified arborists are also knowledgeable in assessing storm damage. After a storm, trees can be left damaged and unstable, posing a risk to homeowners and their property. Certified arborists can quickly judge the damage, provide emergency care to stabilize trees, and recommend long-term solutions to nip the possibility of future issues in the bud.
• Other Services: Other services also include plant health care and preventive maintenance, branch support with cabling and bracing, root growth enhancement, lightning protection system installation, expert consulting and legal services for tree-related matters, thorough tree risk assessments, and tree protection solutions during construction projects.

What does this mean for you?

Think of it as a health insurance policy for your trees. One of the key services provided by certified arborists is tree pruning. Pruning – and pruning well – requires a deeper understanding of trees and what makes them tick. Certified arborists make cuts that give your trees their best chance for healthy growth.

Why should you care?

Hiring a certified arborist is the best way to protect your valuable trees and, by extension, your property value. These professionals come equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform more dangerous tree care services, like emergency tree removals. While the goal is always to preserve trees whenever possible, there are situations where removal is necessary, such as when a tree is dead, dying, or poses a safety hazard. Going out on a limb—pun intended—without a certified arborist could potentially endanger both your trees and your property.

When it comes to tree care, don’t leave anything to chance. At Executive Tree Care, we have certified arborists just a call away who are ready to assist you with all your tree care needs. Hire us today for expert, dependable service that will keep your trees and your property in their best condition yet.