Trees may grow where and when they want, but just like people, they need care. While people have doctors and dentists to ensure they are healthy, trees have certified arborists. In short, an arborist’s job is to ensure that trees are disease-free and growing properly. The long version is a little more complicated.
Only some people are certified arborists. Individuals who hold the title spend time completing a study course and competency, and then they take an exam with the International Society of Arboriculture. Once they pass, they become an official ISA-certified arborist. But they aren’t done there.
Certified arborists must keep their skills sharp by continuing their studies and keeping up with changes in their craft. Certified arborists are different than qualified arborists. Qualified people spend time learning and mastering the skills needed to be certified and to the job. However, they don’t hold a certification from a professional body.
You can be qualified without certification, but not the other way around. Becoming a certified arborist isn’t for the unmotivated. It takes at least three years to get the certification, plus individuals need to keep up with the latest advances in the field.
A certified arborist can assist homeowners with many different tree care services. They can help with tree removal, pruning, planting, and health. Many also have 24-hour emergency services, which can come in handy during storms and other possible dangerous situations. They can also advise homeowners on which trees to take out to ensure the health of others in the yard. Trees are cared for in an environmentally friendly way, with safety as the top priority.