Why Hiring a Certified Arborist Matters for Tree Work
When you need electrical work done at your home, you hire a licensed electrician. When you have a plumbing issue, you call a licensed plumber. Yet, when it comes to tree work, an inherently dangerous and highly technical trade, many homeowners simply opt for the cheapest “tree guy” with a chainsaw. This is a critical mistake. The health, safety, and value of your property hang in the balance.
At N&D Tree & Crane Services, our entire operation is built on a foundation of professional certification. This guide will explain what it truly means to be a certified arborist, why this credential is the single most important factor to consider when hiring a tree service, and how it protects you from poor workmanship, property damage, and unnecessary risk.
What is an ISA Certified Arborist?
The premier credential in the tree care industry is administered by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). An ISA Certified Arborist is a professional who has achieved a high level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care and has passed a comprehensive examination. But it goes much deeper than that.
Science & Standards, Plus Experience
Having years of experience is valuable, but it is not the same as being certified. ISA certification requires a professional to demonstrate proficiency in a wide range of subjects, including tree biology, soil science, proper pruning techniques according to ANSI A300 standards, disease and pest diagnosis, and, most importantly, industry safety protocols.
Furthermore, to maintain their certification, an arborist must participate in continuing education. This ensures they remain up-to-date on the latest research, treatment methods, and safety practices. This commitment to ongoing learning is a key differentiator that separates a true professional from someone who is simply running a chainsaw.
Understanding the Different Levels of Certification
Within the ISA framework, there are levels of expertise. The ISA Certified Arborist credential is the foundational standard of excellence. Beyond that is the ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA), the absolute pinnacle of the profession. This is the highest level of certification offered, requiring extensive experience, a proven record of high-level expertise, and passing an additional, more rigorous examination. Less than 2% of all certified arborists ever achieve this elite credential, and our team at N&D Tree & Crane Services is proud to be led by one.
The Tangible Benefits of Hiring a Certified Arborist
Hiring a certified arborist is not about paying for a fancy title. It is about paying for a higher standard of work that provides tangible benefits for the health of your trees and the safety of your property.
Accurate Diagnosis: Treating the Cause, Not Only the Symptom
This is where expertise truly matters. A homeowner might see yellowing leaves and assume the tree needs water, but an ISA Certified Arborist knows to investigate deeper. They can accurately differentiate between symptoms of drought stress, a nutrient deficiency like iron chlorosis, a pest infestation, or a root disease. This diagnostic skill is critical, as treating the wrong problem is not only ineffective but can sometimes make the situation worse. A certified arborist addresses the root cause of a tree’s decline, not just the visible symptoms.
Scientific Pruning: Protecting Your Investment
Anyone can cut branches, but a certified arborist knows precisely how, where, and when to prune a tree to improve its health and structure without causing harm. All pruning work should be performed according to ANSI A300 standards, which are based on the science of tree biology. A certified arborist will never perform harmful, outdated practices like “topping” or “lion’s-tailing” (stripping out the interior of a canopy). They understand that every cut affects the tree’s future, and they work to enhance its natural form and resilience, protecting your landscape investment.
Safe and Efficient Operations: Mitigating Risk
Tree work is consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous professions. A certified arborist is also a trained risk manager. They understand the physics of falling wood, the complexities of rigging heavy limbs, and how to assess a tree’s structural integrity to prevent unexpected failures. They are trained to create a safe work environment, protecting not only themselves but also your family and your property from harm. This deep understanding of safety protocols is a non-negotiable part of professional tree care.
Beyond the Individual: Specialized Team Certifications
While the arborist certification is key, a truly professional company invests in a culture of safety and expertise across its entire team. N&D’s commitment is reflected in a range of specialized, in-house credentials.
A Culture of Safety: The TCIA Advantage
The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) is a national organization focused on the business and safety aspects of tree care. Having a TCIA Certified Treecare Safety Professional on staff means our entire company, from the ground crew to the climbers, operates under a systematic and rigorous safety program. It signifies a commitment to safe practices that permeates every aspect of our operations.
Specialized Expertise: Licensed Applicators and Crane Operators
Specific tasks require their own unique certifications. Any professional application of fertilizers or pesticides in Colorado must be overseen by a CDoA Qualified Supervisor Applicator. This license ensures the products are used safely, legally, and effectively. Similarly, the safe operation of a crane for technical removals requires an NCCCO Certified Crane Operator, an independent certification that guarantees the highest level of skill for these high-stakes jobs.
Protect Your Property and Your Wallet
Ultimately, the decision to hire a certified professional comes down to protecting your most valuable assets.
Insurance, Liability, and Peace of Mind
Professional certification and proper insurance go hand-in-hand. Reputable, certified companies carry full liability and workers’ compensation insurance. This is your absolute protection. If an accident occurs and you have hired an uninsured individual, you, the homeowner, could be held liable for property damage or injuries. Hiring a certified, insured professional like N&D Tree & Crane Services completely removes this risk, providing essential peace of mind.
Long-Term Value vs. Short-Term Cost
A certified arborist may have a higher hourly rate than an untrained tree trimmer, but their service provides far greater long-term value. Proper care prevents costly problems in the future, such as storm-related tree failure, property damage from falling limbs, or the premature death and expensive removal of a tree that was harmed by improper pruning. Investing in expert care is an investment in the longevity of your trees and the enduring value of your property.
A certification is not just a piece of paper; it is a guarantee. It is your assurance that the professional caring for your trees has met a high standard of knowledge, operates with a commitment to safety, and is dedicated to the ethical and scientific principles of modern arboriculture. For the health of your landscape and the safety of your home, never settle for anything less.