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Are you looking for a Certified Arborist?
to request a publication for more information- please click
here
List of
local Certified Arborists
Why do I need to hire an Arborist?
As a homeowner, local government, school, or business you may have the need
to hire someone to provide technical expertise or services to care for trees.
These trees may be specimen trees around your home. They may provide shade to
children while they play on playground equipment. Perhaps they are part of a
business infrastructure, providing shade to parking areas or beautification to
your building. Regardless, it is important to consider their health and
wellbeing. In addition, the design and planting of new trees is an important
decision to consider for future natural resource benefits and economic benefits
to your home value or business.
An arborist is a specialist that cares for individual trees. This type of
specialist is different from a consulting forester that may care for large
acreage tracts of timber. Arborists provide specialized expertise or services to
care for trees around homes, businesses, parks,
streetscapes or other areas that are more visible and that people frequent.
Hiring an arborist to care for these resources is an important decision.
Improper tree health and care can be a liability. In addition, pruning or
removing trees, especially large trees, can be dangerous work. This type of work
should only be completed by those trained and equipped appropriately.
Remember that tree care is about reducing stress and providing an optimum
growing environment. The loss of a tree can happen in weeks, but the replacement
of that same tree can take years.
Services that arborists provide may include:
- Pruning
- Tree removal
- Hazard tree assessment
- Emergency tree care
- Tree planting
- Fertilization
- Aeration
- Cabling or bracing
- Installing lightning protection systems
- Treating insect and disease problems
- Other consultation
 What is a
Certified Arborist?
A Certified Arborist is an experienced professional that has passed an
extensive examination covering all aspects of tree care. These individuals are
tested and certified by the
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). ISA arborist certification
is a nongovernmental, voluntary process by which individuals can document their
base of knowledge. The ISA screens all individuals prior to testing to ensure
they have adequate experience and/or education to be eligible for
certification. Only then does the individual have the option to seek
certification through a comprehensive examination process. In addition, all ISA
Certified Arborists must maintain their education and stay on top of industry
developments by obtaining Continuing Education Units to maintain Certification.
Note that certification is not a measure of
standards of practice. It can attest, however, to the knowledge of an
individual but cannot guarantee or ensure quality performance.
What is ISA?
The International Society of Arboriculture is a worldwide professional
organization dedicated to fostering a greater appreciation for trees and to
promote research, technology, and the professional practice of arboriculture.
The ISA manages certification, provides consumer education, and supports
certified arborists through conferences and continuing education opportunities.
For more information about ISA, visit their website at
www.isa-arbor.com.
Tips on hiring an Arborist
Below are some tips for selecting a qualified arborist for your job.
Check for ISA arborist certification.
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This can be done at
www.isa-arbor.org.
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Ask for proof of insurance. A reputable
arborist carries personal and property damage insurance as well as workers
compensation insurance.
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Check for necessary permits and
licenses. Some governmental agencies require contractors to apply for
permits and/or apply for a license before work commences.
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Ask for references!
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Get more than one estimate, if possible.
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Don’t always accept the low bid. Examine
the credentials and make an informed decision.
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Be wary of individuals who go door to
door and offer bargains for performing tree work.
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Keep in mind that good arborists will
perform only accepted practices. For example, topping a tree or using
climbing spikes on trees that are not to be removed, without just cause are
unnecessary and unacceptable.
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Get the agreement for work to be
performed up front.
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Other items to include the following:
- When will the work be started and completed?
- Who will be responsible for clean-up?
-Is this the total price?
-If I would like more work done, what is the hourly rate?
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Make no payments until the entire job is
satisfactorily completed.
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Don’t hesitate to place all items
discussed in the contract including clean up and any accidental damage to
additional trees, landscape, driveways and sidewalks.
Information courtesy of the International Society of Arboriculture.
Additional Resources for Arborists
International
Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Georgia Urban Forest Council
Georgia Arborist Association
ISA Southern Chapter
Auburn University
Tree Quiz
University of Florida Tree
Selector
Insects and Diseases
of Trees in the South
Forest Pests
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