What the Certified Arborist Title Really Means
Tree care experts who earn the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certification are worth your business as they understand the nuances of tree care. In order to achieve such a title, tree experts must have a minimum of three years of full-time experience caring for trees. Furthermore, these professionals must have an education in horticulture, landscape architecture and forestry. Once the ISA exam is passed, the prospective arborist must continue his or her education or take the exam again every three years to keep their certification valid.
Hiring an arborist is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Proper tree care is an investment which can lead to substantial returns. Well-cared-for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to your property. Poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability. Arborists make a career of caring for trees. Here are several tips for selecting an arborist:
Selecting the Right Arborist for the Job
Avoid arborists who routinely top trees. What is topping?
Have more than one arborist look at the job, and get a written bid specifying the work to be done.
Ask for and check local references.
Determine if the arborist is a member of the International Society of Arboriculture, (ISA) or the Tree Care Industry Association, (TCIA). Membership does not guarantee quality, but lack of membership casts doubt on the person’s professionalism.
Beware of an arborist who wants to remove a living tree. Removal of live trees is sometimes needed, but should be a last resort.
When possible hire an ISA Certified Arborist. ISA Certified arborists are experienced professionals who have passed an extensive examination covering all aspects of tree care.
When reviewing arborists ads, avoid those that advertise topping or demossing. Look for ads that promote their ISA Certification or membership in ISA or NAA.
Ask for certification of personal and property liability insurance and workman’s compensation. Then phone the insurance company to make certain the policy is current.
Low price is a poor gauge of a quality arborist. Often, the better ones are more expensive because of more specialized equipment, more professional help, and insurance costs.
story from - https://www.floridaisa.org/how-to-hire-an-arborist/
Advanced Arborist LLC Certified Arborist: Joseph Kidder #PD-2451A
Serving the Entire Tampa Bay Area for over 20 years.We specialize in difficult projects. We don’t cut corners to maximize our profit.
