What Is an ISA Certified Arborist and Why Should I Work With One?

July 17, 2024

Taking care of your trees is an important part of taking care of your property. Whether you have one small tree or a veritable forest, you probably already know that if you’re seeking the best care possible for your trees, you need to work with tree care professionals dedicated to providing expert tree service. However, not everyone knows that not all tree care professionals are alike! Anyone can call themselves a “tree surgeon” or a “landscaper,” no matter how much experience they have with trees. When scheduling landscape architecture services or just routine tree trimming and pruning, look for the mark of distinction: ISA certification!

But, what is an ISA Certified Arborist, and why is it crucial to consider working with one? All The Above Tree Service is committed to enlightening our community about the value of professional tree care and how it can significantly impact your green space’s health and safety. From prudent pruning to reliable removal, we handle it all head on. Let’s dig in and unravel the roots of this profession, the importance of their certification, and how they can transform your green space into a thriving, healthy, and safe environment.

 What is an ISA Certification?

ISA-certified arborists sometimes shorten their titles to “certified arborists.” You may also see the phrase “board-certified master arborist.” Whichever title you see, know they all mean the same thing. An ISA/board-certified master arborist is one who’s been accredited by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Arboriculture is the study of tree biology, so it makes sense that the ISA is an organization dedicated to the care of trees.

Some tree care professionals occasionally use the title “arborist.” However, calling yourself a professional arborist does not automatically mean you have received ISA certification. The process of gaining ISA-certified arborist credentials is a lengthy one and truly marks someone as trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of tree care.

How ISA Certification Works

How exactly do tree care workers earn an ISA-certified title? Prospective ISA-certified tree workers must meet the following criteria:

Provide documentation proving they have at least three years of full-time experience working with trees.

In order to begin seeking ISA certification, your arborist needs to provide documented proof that they have worked with, treated, and maintained trees full-time for at least three years or more.

Pass a rigorous exam on all aspects of arboriculture to gain full ISA certification.

The ISA certification exam is no joke! It’s a beefy 200-question multiple-choice test with additional written exam questions on top of that. Topics on the exam range from soil management to tree risk management to safe work practices, and the threshold for passing is 72% or higher. If someone passes this exam, you can rest assured that they understand all aspects of proper tree care.

Adhere to the Code of Ethics dictated by the ISA.

The ISA’s Code of Ethics lays down the expectations for ISA-certified arborists to practice safe work habits, act with professionalism, and, above all, perform the best arboricultural practices at all times. To stay ISA-certified, an arborist must follow this code diligently.

Take continuing education units to maintain certification status.

ISA-certified arborists are expected to stay on top of new developments in arboricultural practices and standards by taking continuing education courses as needed. They can also specialize in a particular area of tree care by taking specialized courses, further increasing their expertise.

What Services Does a Certified Arborist Provide?

Diving into the diverse world of proper tree care, the expertise of our ISA Certified Arborists at All The Above Tree Service truly shines through a spectrum of services tailored to ensure the health and safety of your trees. With a deep-rooted understanding of tree biology and a commitment to excellence, our team goes beyond the basics to offer a comprehensive suite of arboricultural services, including:

• Tree Health Assessment: They’re like the tree doctors, diagnosing health problems and prescribing treatments to help trees fight disease, pests, and environmental stress.
• Tree Trimming and Pruning: It’s not just about aesthetics but ensuring the safety and promoting the health of trees. Proper pruning techniques are crucial, and certified arborists know exactly how to make the cut.
• Tree Removal: Sometimes, a tree’s problems are beyond repair, posing risks to safety and property. ISA Certified Arborists can safely remove trees, ensuring minimal impact on your property and the surrounding landscape.
• Emergency Tree Care: When storms hit, and trees threaten to fall, certified arborists are the emergency responders, skilled in managing these high-risk situations.
• Planting and Transplanting: Yes, there’s a science to where and how trees should be planted. Arborists can guide the selection of the right tree for the right place, ensuring a healthy life ahead.

Why Hire an ISA Arborist for Your Tree Service Needs

While the benefits of trusting an ISA-certified arborist might already be apparent, there are plenty of people who book services with your average “tree trimming” company. But if you’re serious about making sure your trees are healthy and flourishing, don’t book just any average “tree professional.” Here’s why you should hire a licensed arborist for the forestry in your yard:

Prioritizes Tree Health Over Profit

Real arborists focus on what’s best for your trees, not what’s best for their bank account. Our ISA-certified team conducts thorough health assessments before recommending any services, looking for signs of disease, pest infestations, or structural issues that might compromise your tree’s well-being. We’ll tell you honestly when a tree can be saved through proper pruning and maintenance versus when removal is the safest option. After all, your trees deserve care from professionals who understand that quick fixes often lead to bigger problems down the road.

Evaluates Soil and Ecosystem Impact

Healthy trees grow in healthy soil. Our ISA-certified arborists look at what’s going on beneath the surface as much as what’s above it. They check for compaction, nutrient issues, drainage, and how nearby construction or hardscaping could affect growth. It’s easy to miss these signs unless you’ve studied forestry or worked with diverse soil conditions. We factor in the whole ecosystem, not just the tree, to make sure your landscape supports sustainable growth.

Delivers Comprehensive Tree Care Services

A licensed arborist handles far more than limb removal or stump grinding. Their work includes thoughtful pruning, early treatment for disease, and building tree care plans that actually work with the seasons. These services span everything from pest control to improving soil nutrition, all based on the specific needs of your trees. That kind of insight takes more than instinct—it takes science, field experience, and serious attention to detail. So when an oak drops leaves early or a maple starts looking lopsided, a certified pro sees what’s really going on and creates a plan that makes sense.

Follows Industry Standards for Safety and Ethics

Professional certification comes with accountability that unlicensed tree services simply can’t match. Our ISA-certified arborists follow strict ethical guidelines and safety protocols that protect both our crew and your property during every job. We carry proper insurance, use equipment according to the manufacturer’s specifications, and stay current with best practices through ongoing continuing education requirements. These standards exist because tree work involves significant risks – improper techniques can damage trees, property, or people. Working with certified professionals means you’re protected by industry oversight and professional accountability.

Uses Contracts That Protect Homeowners

Before any project starts, we walk you through a clear, written agreement. Our team outlines what will happen, which equipment will be used, and how your property will be protected. This contract helps both sides stay on the same page and gives you peace of mind about the work being done.

Respects Long-Term Tree Health and Property Value

Well-maintained trees add value to your property. Poorly pruned or stressed trees do the opposite. Our arborists think long-term. They don’t approach a job with the mindset of “what’s the fastest way to chop this down.” They look at your trees as an investment—one that affects shade, appearance, and even cooling costs in summer. This way, your landscape stays vibrant, functional, and beautiful for years, not just the next few months.

The Benefits of Working With an ISA Certified Arborist

Trees are complex beings, and their health and growth depend on numerous factors, from the soil they’re planted into the air they breathe and the space they have to grow. Arborists understand these needs intimately. They ensure that trees receive the proper care, from nutrient management to soil aeration and beyond, helping them thrive in urban landscapes that are far from their natural forest settings. Some additional advantages of hiring an experienced tree care professional include:

• Safety: Tree work can be dangerous. Certified arborists have the skills and equipment to perform tree care safely, protecting you and your property.
• Healthier Trees, Happier Environment: Proper care ensures that your trees live longer, healthier lives, contributing to a greener planet and enhancing your property’s value.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that your trees are in the hands of a professional who cares deeply about their well-being and the environment brings a sense of reassurance.

What to Expect When You Hire an ISA Arborist

Working with our team starts with a consultation. One of our ISA-certified arborists visits your property and evaluates each tree based on its species, canopy health, root zone condition, pest presence, and signs of disease. You get real feedback—no fluff or sales talk. After the walkthrough, we create a service plan built around your goals, property layout, and tree health needs. It might include pruning, soil treatment, pest control, or hazard reduction.

You’ll also get educated along the way. Our arborists explain what they’re doing and why, whether they’re thinning out deadwood or monitoring signs of stress. That’s because clients who understand what their trees need to make better decisions in the future. And we’re always ready to answer questions, guide you through options, or help you prioritize which trees need attention first.

When to Call an ISA Arborist

Trees don’t throw up red flags when something starts going wrong. Most of the time, the warning signs are quiet. That’s where experience comes in. An ISA-certified arborist knows how to spot trouble early and take care of it before it gets out of hand. You’ll want to reach out in situations like these:

• Leaves dropping way ahead of schedule or turning odd colors
• Branches that hang lower than usual or start to split
• Insects hanging around the trunk, canopy, or base of the tree
• New construction popping up near root systems or trunks
• Thinning spots in the canopy that weren’t there last year
• Growth that’s slowed down for no clear reason
• Trees that begin to lean or shift after heavy rain or wind
• Mushrooms or soft spots showing up around the trunk
• Large limbs hanging over places where people or cars pass through
• Storm damage that leaves you wondering what’s safe to keep

If any of these sound familiar, getting a second look from a certified arborist can make a real difference. It’s a good move for your trees and your peace of mind.

Choosing the Right Tree Professional

When selecting a tree care professional, it’s essential to verify their ISA certification. This certification is a sign that you’re working with someone who is a master at landscape architecture and tree health. At All The Above Tree Service, we’re passionate about trees and the myriad of benefits they bring to our lives and communities. Our team of experienced tree care professionals, including ISA Certified Arborists, is here to ensure your trees are healthy, strong, and beautiful. From routine maintenance to emergency tree removal, we offer a canopy of tree care services to meet your needs.

We understand that every tree and property is unique, which is why we take a personalized approach to tree care. Our pledge to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction makes us the ideal partner for your home or business.

Your Trees Deserve the Best, So Call Our Team of Arborists!

When you’re scheduling tree care, from pruning large maple trees to treatment for tree diseases, trust ISA-certified arborists to care for your trees with expertise and professionalism. Are you looking for ISA-certified arborists in and around Philadelphia and Bucks County? All The Above Tree Service is the team you can trust. Our board-certified arborists offer best-in-class tree services, and we provide a range of local tree trimming services to meet the needs of any project, large or small. You don’t have to “go out on a limb” when you let us take care of your property. Contact us today!