How to Hire a Certified Arborist
When a tree or branch is ready to fall or overwise threatens to damage property, homeowners should know when it’s appropriate to call a tree trimming service and not a landscaper. A certified arborist is experienced in the precise science of downing trees, in addition to pruning large trees, and removing large branches from your yard.
A landscaping service trims small decorative trees while also maintaining your lawn, flower beds, and irrigation system. But, trees that are damaged, sick, or dying should be diagnosed and trimmed or removed by an ISA-certified arborist. These tree trimmings experts should be licensed, insured, and bonded. They will also have the ability to not only remove the fallen tree and branches, but to also grind the stump to leave your land ready for a garden, grass, or the planting of another tree.
What is a certified arborist?
A certified arborist is a tree trimming expert who has proven to have comprehensive knowledge of the art and science of tree service. An International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist must have several years of experience, apply for the certification and be accepted by the ISA board, and then pass a rigorous examination process. After completion of the certification exam, the arborist is required to have continuing education credits throughout their career and must adhere to a high level of industry and ethical standards. ISA certification is a recognized credential of experience, training, and knowledge in the tree service industry.
A certified tree trimming expert must also take part in ongoing education to maintain their certification. For arborists, this is crucial when new tree diseases emerge (such as Emerald Ash Borer), widespread blight starts occurring (caused by fire or drought), and when new tree cutting methods, technology and equipment arises.
A consulting arborist, on the other hand, may also be called in to diagnose tree and landscape problems before a home is sold or to identify insect and/or tree disease for the purpose of management. And for homeowners with large open lots of land, may hire a consulting arborist to design a tree planting program to stop soil erosion, support animal habitats, and provide good drainage.
Anyone can pick up a chainsaw and a few ropes and call themselves a tree service. But, certification is your way of knowing that the individual you have hired has the right knowledge and the right skills to get the job done correctly - and without damage to your property.
What qualifications should they have?
The first qualification for a certified tree trimming expert is an acceptable full-time experience in the practice of tree pruning, fertilization, diagnosis, installation, and removal of whole or partial trees. This includes knowledge of tree cutting equipment and tree climbing practices that are needed by a number of property owners and organizations, such as residential and commercial property owners, utility or roadway, landscaping companies, and nurseries.
They must also have at least a two-year associate degree with a minimum of 2 arboriculture-related courses or a four-year bachelor's degree with a minimum of four courses directly related to arboriculture. Finally, they must pass the assessment-based certificate program, which includes 900 hours of assessed training with a minimum focus of 90 hours directly related to arboriculture.
How to Select a Professional Arborist
Before choosing a professional tree trimming near me, consider the following to make sure you're hiring the right company for the right job. And, since tree removal and trimming will have inherent risks and safety concerns, these suggestions will make sure you and your property are protected in case of a safety incident or property damage.
- Request references - If the company's website does not have reviews of past customers, then ask the representative for references for the projects they have completed that are similar to your tree service needs. You will get the most honest opinion about a tree trimming company from past customers, so don't be shy about calling if that person has been listed as a reference.
- Ask about certifications and experience - Here is where a professional and trustworthy tree trimming service can be distinguished from the next. A company that has a certified arborist on staff will be willing to show the expert's ISA certification and sometimes accreditation with the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). Also, check the company's BBB rating to check their experience and see how long they have been in business.
- Get proof of insurance - Always ask for the company's proof of insurance to verify that they are covered for personal and property damage, along with supplying their workers with worker's compensation in case of injury. If the company you hire doesn't have insurance, the property owner can be held liable for injuries or damage to anyone while they are working on your property.
- Get Your Agreement in Writing - All agreements and contracts for tree trimming, tree removal, or other services should be clearly detailed and signed by both the property owner and the tree service provider. Make sure all activities are addressed, including stump grinding, debris disposal, work schedule, and access to the property.
- Obtain Several Estimates - You can save a lot of money by getting estimates from several service providers. Prices charged by tree cutting and trimming companies can vary widely, with higher prices often charged by companies based in affluent neighborhoods and/or larger tree trimming corporations. On the other hand, cheaper prices can also mean substandard performance, so the lower-priced company may not be the best choice for your project.
What to Watch Out For
Certainly, you want to be wary of any tree trimming service that has seemingly popped up overnight, especially after a major storm, hurricane, or tornado. Here are some tips for detecting a tree service company that may not live up to its hype:
- If the company recommends to the property owner that healthy trees or tree root systems must be sacrificed or damaged to remove a tree, then the service is not fully experienced in tree cutting or operating heavy equipment.
- A professional arborist would never suggest topping a tree. This is when a tree is shortened by cutting off the top. Topping a tree can permanently disfigure and damage the tree, or even kill it. There are alternative pruning methods that can shorten the height of a tall tree.
- Any tree company with crew members that do not use personal protective equipment as required by OSHA such as safety glasses, hard hats, and hearing protection at all times.
- An estimate that is given verbally is a tell-tell sign of a fly-by-night service provider. You should receive a written and signed estimate of the total price or the hourly rate charged before work begins.
- Avoid any company that sends a tree cutter out to work alone. There should be an assistant standing by and establishing a danger zone to prevent bypassers from entering.
Need Certified Arborist Services?
For an ISA-certified arborist tree trimming near me, visit Superior Arbor Management, Inc. (S.A.M.) to see how and why our over 10,000 clients are happy with our professional crews and expert tree cutting and tree treatment results. We offer emergency services for tree removal along with timely tree pruning and tree care services.
S.A.M. prides itself on our ability to provide specialized expert services that are preplanned before any equipment or crew shows up at your property. Our focus and mission have been the same since our beginning - "We believe in doing things right and delivering on our promises."
Tree cutting and removal are time-consuming, complex, and dangerous. Always depend on a reputable and professional, ISA-certified arborist and tree trimming near me like Superior Arbor Management. Even if the tree is near your home or other structure, we have the trained crew to take down large or diseased trees. And, if you have a tree that you desire to move to another location, call us today to discuss your options.
Superior Arbor Management is a family-owned and operated business with close ties to the community and outlying Atlanta, GA areas. We work hard to exceed our customer's expectations each and every time you hire us as your tree care professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Certified Arborists
Tim Costley
Tim Costley is the President of Superior Arbor Management, Inc. He has achieved the ISA Arborist Certification to provide the best possible tree care for S.A.M.’s customers.
*ISA Certified Arborist #SO-1925A
*ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)
*ASCA (American Society of Consulting Arborist) Member
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