Why You Need a Certified Arborist

If you needed knee surgery, you certainly wouldn’t use your dermatologist; nor would you select a surgeon who wasn’t board certified. You know it’s risky to be treated by someone without the right credentials. But did you know the same is true when it comes to selecting a tree care provider?  Here’s the scoop.

Certification Matters 

Landscape is both an art and a science. On the science side, there are a number of different specialties, including agronomists, horticulturalists, and arborists.  While all offer a wealth of knowledge about landscape, it’s arborists who specialize in the care of trees. 

However, not all arborists are created equal. That’s why it’s imperative to find one with the title “certified arborist.” The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) created the certification program in the 1980s to designate arborists who meet certain requirements in experience and knowledge, have passed the certified arborist exam, and participate in a requisite amount of continuing education to maintain their certification. 

Why Hiring a Certified Arborist is Worth the Money

Sure, it might be less expensive to hire someone who’s not certified, but it could cost you more in the long run. That’s because tree care is dangerous work, both in terms of physical safety and liability. Improper techniques can endanger people and property, and cause damage to your trees that makes them more susceptible to pests, disease, and structural insecurity. Plus, having the proper training makes it easier to spot potential issues before they arise and provide care that can prevent storm damage.

You may also hear the term licensed arborist, but it’s not synonymous with certified. Licensed arborist indicates the professional meets any local requirements needed to obtain a permit to operate within your state or municipality. Anyone you hire to care for your trees must be licensed, certified, and insured to provide you adequate protection. Here at BrightView, we maintain all three. 

Tree Crews Ought to Be Certified, Too 

Arborists aren’t the only ones who ought to be properly certified. Before any work is performed on your property, be sure to inquire about the qualifications of the crew. Crewmembers may need to climb a tree to properly execute service; or in the event of a tree removal, they’ll need to know how to safely fell a tree. These are just two examples of the inherent risk in their jobs. Tree Worker certifications demonstrate that a crewmember possesses the necessary safety skills and tree science knowledge to perform their duties correctly and with the appropriate care. Every one of our lift operators and climbers is certified and must complete CPR and aerial rescue training annually.

Don’t Put Yourself at Risk

Hiring an unlicensed and uncertified contractor to carry out tree care work can leave you exposed to unimaginable risk. Worse, many insurance policies include language that specifically excludes damage caused by unlicensed contractors. Don’t be afraid to ask for a copy of a tree care professional’s license, proof of insurance, and certification information. True professionals will anticipate the question and gladly share the info.

The BrightView Difference

With BrightView, you can always be confident we have the qualifications to do the job safely and correctly. In addition to certified arborists, we maintain the appropriate licensing and insurance. Plus, all our lift operators and climbers are also certified and complete CPR and aerial rescue training annually. We never cut corners on safety because our job is about more than taking good care of trees; it's about taking good care of people, too. Request a free quote or give us a call at 844.235.7778.