The Importance of Working With a Certified Arborist
Trees are exposed to many risks in urban and neighborhood settings, where they need specialized attention to maintain them in the healthiest and safest condition. Certified arborists are healthcare providers for trees. Their certifications speak to their knowledge gained from experience and ongoing practice, inspiring confidence that the trees they oversee will be treated with expert levels of care. Here, we’ll explore how certified arborists’ qualifications help them manage the trees across Nashville’s landscape.
What Is a Certified Arborist?
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is a non-profit organization that offers the industry standard in credentials for professionals who are trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of arboriculture (tree care).
A tree industry professional with three or more years of full-time eligible work experience (gained through internships and entry-level positions) and/or a degree in arboriculture, forestry, or another related field can acquire the certification by taking a test that covers a large number of topics about tree care, including:
Tree species identification
Soil science
Water management
Tree nutrition and biology
Planting, structural support, protection (from weather and construction), and risk management
Diagnosis of diseases, disorders, and pests
Tree worker safety (teamwork, harnessing, using equipment and protective gear, and ensuring safety in the surrounding area)
Best practices (pruning, climbing and working in trees, using equipment, and other care techniques)
Once the rigorous test is passed, holders are allowed to display the ISA logo as long as they actively maintain their certification, including ongoing education requirements.
ISA certification is about legitimizing the fundamental knowledge an individual arborist possesses that gives them flexibility in the arboriculture profession (only individual professionals can be certified; a company or group cannot be). In addition, a code of ethics for ISA-certified arborists strengthens the credibility and reliability of the professional workforce. However, it’s important to remember that ISA Certification represents a baseline qualification rather than a comprehensive mastery of all aspects of tree care.
The knowledge a certified arborist possesses allows them to assess and make recommendations and decisions about a tree that’s right in front of them. It also helps these experts educate others about the work they do.
In addition to the ISA’s certified arborist qualification, other credentials can be acquired through the ISA by fulfilling their respective requirements and passing their tests, such as specializations in utilities and tree climbing. The most distinguished certification offered is the Master Arborist Certification, the exam for which is extensive, covering virtually every area of arboriculture management, science, and work practices. There are less than one thousand ISA board-certified master arborists in the world, and we’re lucky enough to have two of them on our advisory board!
The Advantages of Working With a Certified Arborist
Certified arborists are equipped to offer safe, informed services that are based on thoughtful risk assessments and thorough experience with best care practices. Their specialized knowledge helps keep trees properly maintained for the health of the specimen, the local canopy, and the safety of local residents.
A robust canopy full of big, mature trees in good condition provides important ecosystem services (such as air filtration, soil stability, and a cooling effect from their shade), increases property values, and beautifies an area, all of which improve the local quality of life for residents.
While certain tree-related needs can at times be handled by a landscaping company, such as ground mulching or tree removal, tree care should be handled by a certified expert who is trained in best practices for managing tree growth and health. This helps avoid harmful practices such as tree topping, where branches are hacked off indiscriminately rather than pruned with intention.
An ISA qualification offers confidence that an arborist will work with the highest standards in mind, but always be sure to use personal judgment when selecting an arborist to work with. This includes looking for their insurance and liability coverage, reviewing their terms, conditions, and prices, as well as browsing customer ratings and getting a second opinion about your tree(s) when uncertain.
Certified Arborists in Nashville
To find a local ISA arborist, treesaregood.org has a searchable registry of certified professionals who can knowledgeably care for your property’s trees.
To help plant and maintain Nashville’s canopy, browse the Nashville Tree Conservation Corps’ tree sale. Residents can also volunteer with us or donate a tree to be planted somewhere in the city! We also welcome financial donations of any size, which contribute to our ability to fulfill our mission of supporting Nashville’s canopy by promoting, preserving, protecting, and planting trees across the city and its surroundings. Subscribe to our email newsletter to stay informed on tree tips and news, and visit our Linktree for more ways to connect.