Finding an Arborist
Finding someone knowledgeable to work on your trees can be a real challenge. There
are many so-called “Tree Experts” in the phone book or working in our communities
that know very little about how tree’s grow and how to properly care for them. Trees
can easily be severely damaged by a tree worker who was misinformed or not practicing
the latest tree care standards. Once damaged and declining in health, that tree
may become hazardous and ultimately require removal. So, hiring the often cheaper
tree service that isn’t knowledgeable about proper tree care practices might cost
you more in the long run, especially if the tree dies.
Hiring an arborist is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Today’s tree
care consumers need to ask many questions of the person who will care for their
trees and landscapes. Here are some suggested questions.
-
Are you or do you employ ISA Certified Arborists? (ask to see their certification
card or check online)
-
Ask how they will do the work? (beware of firms that recommend topping or heading
- They should mention that all work will meet the ANSI A300 National Tree Care Standards)
-
Ask for references, and check on the quality of the work and level of service (view
some of their pervious work)
-
Ask to see current certificates of liability and workers’ compensation insurance
-
Insist that climbing spikes not be used to prune trees (only for removals).
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Ask for a signed contract as to cost, dates when work will be done, and exactly
what will be done.
- Don’t be lured by a bargain, don’t pay in advance, and do get another estimate or
opinion of the work to be done, by another qualified (Certified) arborist.
ISA Certified Arborists are highly qualified and trained in the care of trees with
knowledge of the latest research and cultural practices. Certified arborists have
passed a comprehensive exam and must obtain continuing education credits to stay
certified. The number of ISA Certified Arborist is growing across the country as
reputable tree care professionals work hard to become certified. Finding a certified
arborist is a simple as visiting a website and using the search engine that can
work with your zip code.
Find an ISA Certified Arborist
http://www.isa-arbor.com/findArborist/findarborist.aspx
Consumer Resource Center, Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA)
http://www.treecareindustry.org/Public/About_consumers.htm
“How to Choose a Tree Care Company “– brochure from Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA)
http://www.tcia.org/PDFs/BBBtipsBrochure8_05.pdf
Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) Accredited Companies
http://www.tcia.org/Public/accreditation_brochure_consumer.htm
Tree Care Industry Association Magazine
http://www.treecareindustry.org/public/pubs_tci_magazine.htm
Finding help with tree related questions can be as easy as contacting your local Penn State Cooperative Extension Office in your county.
http://www.extension.psu.edu/extmap.html
To find a Pennsylvania DCNR Service Forester in your area:
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/serviceforesters_select.aspx