The Role of ISA-Certified Arborists in Commercial Tree Care Services

ISA Certification Explained

An ISA-certified arborist is certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). They must demonstrate a high level of knowledge in arboriculture before completing the ISA exam. ISA-certified arborists undergo ongoing education and keep up with arboriculture research and improved techniques in the field. As a result, certification ensures arborists follow a strict Code of Ethics and only use industry-accepted best practices and standards.

How do arborists become certified?

To become certified, an arborist must have the following experience to take the certification examination:

• A minimum of three years of full-time experience in arboriculture or a combination of education and practical arboricultural experience
• 1,795 hours of work for each year, which might include the following:
• Pruning
• Fertilization
• Installation and establishment
• Diagnosis and treatment of tree problems
• Cabling, bracing, and climbing
• Experience can be obtained at, but is not limited to, any of the following:
• Tree care companies
• Nurseries
• Landscape companies
• Municipalities
• State forestry agencies
• Utility companies
• Consultancies

The Role of Arborists in Tree Care

Arborists keep your trees healthy and safe, with expertise in the following commercial services:

• Trimming and pruning: Trimming and pruning are essential tree services that keep your trees looking their best. They also ensure loose or unruly branches don’t present a danger to tenants or the property. ISA-certified arborists provide a pruning schedule to encourage growth and mitigate risks.
• Tree removal: Tree removal is a necessary evil for dead, dying, damaged, or diseased trees presenting risk. Trees might also be removed if they crowd other trees on your property, cause obstructions, or infringe on structures or utilities. ISA-certified arborists also adhere to California tree laws ensuring they are not removing heritage trees.
• Emergency tree care: When trees become dangerous due to sudden damage, arborists perform safe emergency tree care or removal to keep your commercial property safe.
• Tree planting: New trees provide many benefits to commercial properties. Arborists understand tree species and care and will choose suitable species for planting. They use tree planting best practices and recommend maintenance plans to protect your tree and property.
• Tree inspections: Routine inspections evaluate tree health. From there, arborists then provide care solutions, considering the tree’s health, your property, and the best way to treat problems that present risks.
• Tree risk assessment: Risk assessments provide an arborist report to help guide important decisions about your landscape assets and improve your tree’s health and longevity.
• Tree treatments: Trees are exposed to diseases and pests that can damage or even kill the trees on your property. Arborists provide essential treatments to prevent disease and pest infestation.
• Vegetation management: Arborists help municipalities manage vegetation that infringes on infrastructure corridors, including roadway, utility, and railroad corridors. They maintain community canopies, ensuring trees grow without infringing on the infrastructure.

Arborist Consultations

As a property manager, it helps to have a comprehensive overview of your property. Arborist consultations provide objective input that enables you to make smarter decisions regarding the health and safety of your trees. An arborist consultation is a perfect opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the trees on your property while also accessing a broader selection of specific tree services, including:

• Preparing comprehensive tree management contracts
• Diagnosis and tree risk assessments
• Preparing arbor reports
• Identifying diseases and pests
• Developing tree care programs
• Training and education for effective property management
• Appraisals
• Tree planting plans and programs
• Tree protection strategies for property construction

Benefits of Hiring ISA-Certified Arborists

ISA-certified arborists offer many benefits for your property, including:

• Training and certification: Certified Arborists specialize in tree care. As a result, they are focused on saving trees and maintaining their health. With proper training and certification, they assess tree health, recommend care and maintenance plans, and optimize health to reduce liabilities and improve “curb appeal.”
• Expert recommendations: Arborists don’t waste time or money on unnecessary services. They have your tree’s health in mind and will never compromise tree health to increase their income. They proactively prevent tree damage that puts your property and trees at risk.
• Increase property value: Well-maintained trees increase property value, presenting a welcoming view that attracts and retains top tenants. As a result, arborists protect your investment and help maintain property value.
• Cost savings: Although it might seem that paying for ongoing tree maintenance is expensive, it is far more cost-effective than dealing with emergencies, tree removal, property damage, etc. An arborist provides species and property-appropriate preventative maintenance plans to save your trees, property, and money.
• Valuable resources: Arborists are valuable resources ready to answer questions and offer advice to optimize tree health.

How to Find and Verify Certified Arborists

You can start your search using the ISA’s Find an Arborist free search tool. You can also search by tree service using their free tool to verify that a tree service or individual holds an ISA credential. If you find a local tree service displaying the ISA Certified Arborist badges, you can feel 100% confident they are legitimate by searching the ISA site before hiring them. You should also take the following steps before hiring a certified arborist:

• Ask for a quote from a few arborists to get an idea of pricing
• Don’t go for the lowest bid; always put credentials, references, and the types of services offered as the priority, as it will save you money in the long run
• Ask for proof of insurance as well as all required licenses and permits
• Ask for references or read online testimonials and reviews
• Avoid bargain offers from arborists selling their services (as opposed to you soliciting a bid)
• Get everything in writing with a contract that includes the expected services, the cost, the frequency (for maintenance and care services), and the timing, if applicable

ISA-certified arborists provide proper tree care for your commercial property. As a result, you can reduce liabilities, increase property value, and attract dependable tenants who will be more likely to stay for the long term.