The Arborist Journal

What Is a Certified Arborist?  What does it mean?

Certified Arborists, as defined by ISA:

“Certified Arborists are individuals who have achieved a level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care through experience and by passing a comprehensive examination developed by some of the nation’s leading experts on tree care.  Certified Arborists must also continue their education to maintain their certification and adhere to a Code of Ethics.  Therefore, they are more likely to be up to date on the latest techniques in arboriculture.

Becoming an ISA Certified Arborist is a voluntary process through which individuals can measure their knowledge and competence required to provide proper tree care.  ISA Certification is not government-sponsored or government-endorsed.  It is administered by the International Society of Arboriculture as a way for tree care professionals to demonstrate their commitment to the profession and the industry.

Certification is not a measure of standards of practice.  Certification can attest to the tree knowledge of an individual but cannot guarantee or ensure quality performance.”

As I prepare for my speaking engagements, I once again find the term “Certified Arborist” compromised.  What does it stand for and what does it mean to you?  I have defined the term Arborist and in fact I have used The Glossary of Arboriculture Terms (ISA definition). The problem is that it is much too broad.  I find myself time and time again explaining to people why surveyors, public employees, etc., are allowed the opportunity the title of “Arborist”.  Can a surveyor TRULY be an Arborist?  How far can you go?  Can a wood processor be an Arborist?  Think of it, does it not render us to the status of surveyor of arboriculture.  I look for the time when a Certified Arborist means something.

So as it stands right now, it is totally up to the prospect (YOU), to figure out who is going to be best suited, or most qualified for your needs.  I can only give you my wisdom based on many years of experience along with holding the most certifications: Board Certified Master Arborist / Registered Consulting Arborist / Degreed / Licensed as well as over 20 years dedicated to this profession and considered to be an expert in the field of tree health care.

When you have a tree that is dead, dying, diseased, hazardous and is a nuisance to yourself or others it is time to have it removed.  If it is a tree that is too large, dead, rotten, difficult and or challenging it is time to employ a professional.

Homeowners who have never employed or performed the work themselves generally do not have an understanding what it takes to remove a tree.  Let me give you some history, in the months of August and September of 2011 there were 29 recorded deaths, 15 of which were civilians. These statistics are only what was reported.  Many more have gone unrecorded.  Homeowners rank very high in deaths along with unskilled tree workers and then line clearance personnel. The point is, this type of work is very dangerous, has a lot of risks associated with it and we need to talk about it before we move on.

Some of the risks:

Life and limb. 

The lack of proper equipment (tools), skills, experience and physical fitness.  I have always said that if you are performing tree work you should have at least 3 sizes of chain saws with the appropriate length cutting bar.  For example when cutting large wood you use a large saw, medium wood -medium saw and small wood, use a small saw.  Know how to make cuts and which way they will fall. Use the proper ropes for securing wood, directing and lowering.  All of these require a special skill sets. 

Injury to yourself or others while performing the work.

Damage to structures, buildings, landscape, fences, underground utilities and even other trees.

Disposal of the tree once it’s down – timing and requirements of city pick-up.

The dangers of hauling the debris yourself.

When all of the challenges are considered and the risks made clear, it makes sense to bring in a professional.  You now have a better understanding of why there are professional services. It does not totally remove all the risks but choosing the right professional tree care provider reduces your liability considerably. This is what you should look for:

• Insured – documentation is provided directly from the carrier
• Verifiable Arborist Certifications and status
• Experienced and expertise.
• Length of time in business
• Knowledgeable of Arboriculture and tree removal / tree risk assessment
• A free estimate for the tree removal.  Keep in mind that if you are dealing with a sick tree that you are trying to save, this is a specialized service and would require a RCA or BCMA with expertise in Tree Health Care which then incurs a charge for diagnosis.
• Professional etiquette and appearance.  An Arborist should look like an Arborist not a cowboy, golfer or trash remover.

All estimates are based on time and complexity.  The larger the tree, the more obstacles, the higher the traffic area, the placement of the tree, the more time it takes, and therefore will be more expensive to remove.  Obstacles could be buildings, pools, fences, walkways, landscape plantings and other structures will add time to the removal.  A sick tree, which could be decayed, hollow, cankered with cement or hardware installed in it makes a removal more complicated and therefore will also add time.

Generally speaking there is a cost of doing business factor, which is the common denominator for any business.  Then there is an hourly rate which ranges from market to market, typically ranging from $65 – $95 per man hour.

To compare oranges with oranges, all professional credentialed companies will complete a job from the start to hauling off the debris.  They should be professional in appearance and safety one conscience.  Clean up should leave the property looking at least as good as it appeared before, if not better.  There is no difference in price from chipping debris into the back of a truck or cutting and stacking it in the front yard for the city to pick up. 

And finally, you should hire a professional tree care service.  You wouldn’t employ an accountant to prescribe medicine would you?  Then leave the tree work to the tree specialists!

Deadwood is tissue on a tree that is non-conducive.  It has neither moisture nor sugars moving through it.  These tissues can be trunks, stems, limbs, branches, twigs, roots or heartwood.  In addition, deadwood acts as brood areas for insects and disease.  Dead tissues provide an entry for both parasitic and saprophytic organisms.  It is unimpeded, there are no toxins, tannins or any other substances to slow down or stop infection.  It allows infections to move directly from dead structures to other structures such as heartwood, which is deadwood.  It also allows live structures to be infected with the more aggressive organisms of infection.

Removing deadwood through pruning cycles is part of the practice for normal care in healthy trees.  In the case of sick or ill trees, it is imperative to have it removed immediately.