Certified Arborist

Trees and landscaping play a huge role in the curb appeal of a house, which is that indefinable feature that makes a home warm and welcoming before you even step inside. Because trees are so important to the look of a home and the health of the planet, it’s important that you take care of them by having them looked after by a professional. And when it comes to tree care, there’s nobody better or more qualified than a certified arborist.

The Role of an Arborist

An arborist is a person who’s been trained in the science of trees, and particularly how to plant and care for them. Among other things, this also includes being able to:

• Prune and trim trees
• Remove sick trees and old stumps
• Diagnose disease
• Identify insects
• Fertilize the soil for optimum growth

This means, in essence, that arborists are trained to maintain trees when they’re healthy, care for trees when they’re sick, and safely take down trees when they’re dying or dead.

What Is a Certified Arborist?

A certified arborist is one who has demonstrated a level of knowledge and experience that exceeds the norm. Any arborist with enough skill and training—three-plus years of experience or a qualifying degree—can write the exam to become certified, which is a designation bestowed by the International Society of Arboriculture.

Once an arborist receives certification, he or she must adhere to the ISA code of ethics, and participate in continuing education. The additional education is required to maintain the designation because it ensures the arborist uses the latest technologies, the most up-to-date techniques, and all the current best practices when it comes to tree care and maintenance.

The Need for Certified Arborists

Trees are beautiful and majestic, they provide the oxygen humans need to breathe, and they make the planet a more beautiful place. But like all living things, trees can become sick, they can contract diseases, and they can be plagued with burrowing insects that wipe out entire forests. To ensure that your trees are getting the care they need, and to keep them looking their best, a certified arborist can:

Perform check-ups: Trees, like people, need regular checkups to ensure that they’re healthy and growing properly. During the checkup, the arborist will look for signs of disease and insect infestation.

Administer treatment: If your tree has a health problem, a certified arborist will be able to come up with a treatment plan to return the tree to a state of good health, manage and remove insects, or determine if the tree cannot be saved.

Prune and trim: Trees are individuals, and different species require care and maintenance at different times of year, and need to be pruned and trimmed according to the species. Certified arborists are experts with all types of trees, and know how to prune for the best results.

Provide risk assessments: Sometimes, trees can pose a threat to buildings, other trees, and the people who live nearby. Sickness, disease, and insect damage can weaken trees, and sometimes they need to be taken down before they fall over or infect other trees in the vicinity.

If you have trees on your property, there’s a good chance you’ll need the help and knowledge of a certified arborist at some point during the lives of those trees. Whether it’s to help a sick tree, remove a dead one, or maintain the health of a growing one, an arborist can help. To find a certified arborist in your area, use the ISA’s Find an Arborist tool, or visit Petersen Tree Services for more information about services, service areas, and qualifications.