When you have an issue with one of the trees on your property, you want to add trees to your landscape, or you need a tree removal service, you want to call in experts who will be able to advise your decisions, help rectify the problem, and leave you with the best possible outcome for your investment. While there are many tree service companies out there, not all of them employ certified arborists: experts in tree planting, care, and maintenance. The advantages of hiring a tree service company that has certified arborists on staff, like Horhut Tree Experts, are that arborists are specifically trained to care for individual trees, they understand the needs of trees, and they are committed to continuing education in order to maintain their certification. That means that they’ll always be up to date on the latest information and techniques surrounding tree health and maintenance, and they’ll be able to pass that on to their clients and apply it when necessary.
What is Required to Become an Arborist?
A certified arborist must complete extensive training, education, and testing in order to receive this credential. Many arborists earn a two-or four-year degree in Arboriculture that entails taking courses that focus on soil science, plant pathology, community forestry, and forest ecology.
Those who opt to forgo the degree path receive extensive on-the-job training with tree care or landscaping companies. In order to achieve the International Society of Arboriculture certification, industry-standard, non-degree individuals must gain 3 years of experience in the field, while degree-holders must gain a year of experience prior to sitting for the certification exam.
Examinees must take a 220-question, multiple-choice exam and score at least a 76% in order to receive certification. The ISA test covers ten topic areas:
- Soil Management
- Identification and Selection
- Installation and Establishment
- Safe Work Practices
- Tree BiologyPruning
- Diagnosis and Treatment
- Urban Forestry
- Tree Protection
- Tree Risk Management
After becoming certified, Arborists must renew their certification every three years by paying a fee and completing 30 continuing education credits.
The time and effort required to become a certified arborist makes it far from easy to achieve this title. Those who do receive this certification care enough to educate themselves in order to help others. They have a sincere interest in the health of trees and the best practices in tree care. Entrust your trees, your property, and your investment in a beautiful landscape to the certified arborists at Horhut Tree Experts. We are committed to keeping your trees healthy, safe, and thriving for life.