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).
• 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 as simple as visiting a website and using the search engine that can work with your zip code.

International Society of Arboriculture – information about arborist certification and tree care

Trees Are Good – a website for tree care consumers

Tree Care Industry Association(TCIA) Consumer Resource Center

How to Choose a Tree Care Company – brochure from Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA)

TCIA Accredited Companies

TCIA Magazine – a good resource with many articles about tree care

Penn State Cooperative Extension Offices – Finding help with tree related questions or finding an ISA Certified Arborist

To find a Pennsylvania DCNR Service Forester in your area: