A Certified Arborist is a person who is trained in the art and science of planting and maintaining trees. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) oversees the certification process. Acquiring the certificate is a voluntary option, not mandated by law, and provides an assessment of an individual's knowledge and competence to provide quality tree maintenance.

Proper tree care is an investment that will see huge returns well into the future aesthetically, as well as financially. Healthy trees not only provide the planet with oxygen, they also provide a natural habitat for birds and wildlife, shade, cool the air in the summer and a host of other benefits. Treed properties are highly sought commodities and are an important factor for many home buyers.

If you have even one tree on your property, eventually it will require work. Tree work can be dangerous, not only to the person doing the work, but also to the tree. Trees are often taken for granted. They are slow growing, and the bad pruning or over-watering you do today, might not show up for a number of years down the road.

Hiring an ISA Certified Arborist to do an evaluation of the needs of your tree will take the guesswork out of its maintenance.

Working around trees can be dangerous, especially during tree removal. The ISA has developed a course of study that includes all aspects of tree care including pruning, removal, cabling and climbing safety. To obtain certification, the individual must have a minimum of 18 months experience in tree work and they must pass an exam conducted by trained evaluators.

During the course, the climber is instructed in the proper use of ropes and other equipment to safely perform such aerial work as pruning or cabling.