The International Society of Arboriculture has served the tree care industry for 90 years as a scientific and educational organization who certifies professional Arborists. The ISA was founded in 1924 to promote research, technology, and ensure proper arborist education that requires continued education to maintain the certification which ensures that your trees receive proper tree care

What is the ISA

An ISA Certified Arborist is a professional in the field of arboriculture who has been certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

Arboriculture is the practice and study of the care and maintenance of trees, shrubs, and other woody plants. ISA Certified Arborists are individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the care and management of trees.

To become an ISA Certified Arborist, an individual typically goes through a process that includes the following steps:

Eligibility: To be eligible to take the ISA Certified Arborist exam, candidates must have a certain level of experience in the field of arboriculture. The specific requirements may vary depending on the candidate's education level.

Study: Candidates often spend time studying the various aspects of arboriculture, including tree biology, pruning techniques, tree risk assessment, and tree care practices. Many candidates enroll in preparatory courses or use study materials provided by the ISA.

Exam: The ISA Certified Arborist exam is a comprehensive assessment of the candidate's knowledge and skills in tree care. It covers a wide range of topics related to tree care and management.

Continuing Education: Once certified, ISA Certified Arborists are required to maintain their certification by earning a certain number of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) over a three-year period. This requirement ensures that arborists stay up-to-date with the latest industry practices and research. ISA Certified Arborists are recognized for their expertise and commitment to the care and preservation of trees. They are often employed by municipal governments, tree care companies, utility companies, consulting firms, and other organizations involved in tree management. Their work may involve tasks such as tree pruning, tree removal, tree risk assessment, tree planting, and tree health diagnosis.

When hiring an arborist for tree care services, especially for tasks that involve the health and safety of trees, it's a good practice to seek out an ISA Certified Arborist, as their certification signifies a high level of knowledge and professionalism in the field of arboriculture.

If your tree is sick the last thing you want to do is have a tree trimmer start cutting off its limbs and wounding its bark to allow pathogens into the trees vascular system.  Don't call a tree trimmer, but rather contact your Local Tree M.D. (aka. Kathy) and she will make a house-call to provide you a free quote for IPM, PHC or both.