Why Hiring a Certified Arborist
Why Hiring a Certified Arborist, Protects Your Trees, Your Home, and Your Wallet
A 55-year-old oak tree once shaded an entire backyard in North Texas. It was home to birds, squirrels, and even the occasional curious cat. It cooled the house during summer, shielded it from wind in the winter, and stood tall as a living part of the family’s history.
Then one weekend, a homeowner took on tree trimming themselves. A few wrong cuts and one overloaded branch later, the tree was damaged beyond saving. Within weeks, it had to be removed.
That tree could have lived another 50 years.
We share this not to scare you, but to show how easy it is to underestimate the complexity of tree care. Like electrical or plumbing work, professional tree care protects you from mistakes that can cost far more than you expect.
DIY Tree Work: Where Good Intentions Go Risky
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to handle things yourself. Trimming a few small branches or clearing storm debris can be manageable for many homeowners. But when it comes to more complex tasks — structural pruning, large removals, diagnosing diseases — tree care becomes technical, and risky.
Common DIY dangers:
Hidden decay or weak limbs that can snap under your weight
Proximity to overhead power lines
Heavy limbs that fall unpredictably
Using chainsaws or climbing gear without proper training
Most importantly: cutting the wrong branch in the wrong place at the wrong time can compromise the entire tree.
Why ISA Certification Matters
Just like you’d trust a licensed electrician or plumber, tree care should come with credentials and oversight. ISA stands for the International Society of Arboriculture — think of it like the licensing board for serious tree professionals, similar to how electricians or plumbers are certified to work safely and effectively. That’s where ISA Certified Arborists come in.
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is a global nonprofit that sets the standard for professional tree care. It certifies arborists — trained tree care experts — who demonstrate:
Knowledge of tree biology, pests, and diseases
Safe climbing and cutting practices
Understanding of how trees grow, interact with structures, and respond to stress
Ongoing education and a code of ethics
You can verify a certified arborist at: www.treesaregood.org
What a Certified Arborist Brings to the Table
Whether you're dealing with an overgrown oak, a tree too close to your foundation, or a diseased elm, an ISA Certified Arborist provides:
Accurate diagnosis of tree health, soil conditions, or structural problems
Proper pruning that promotes growth and long-term stability
Safe removal when necessary, with minimal risk to your home
Advice on planting the right tree in the right place
Emergency care after storms to prevent further damage
Certified arborists don’t just show up with tools. They show up with science, training, and respect for the long-term health of your landscape.
What to Ask Before Hiring a Tree Care Provider
Before hiring anyone to work on your trees, ask these questions:
Are you ISA Certified? If not, why?
Do you carry insurance? (Ask for both liability and workers comp.)
Do you follow ANSI A300 standards for pruning?
Can you explain all your recommendations clearly?
Do you offer alternatives to removal when possible?
Any reputable arborist will welcome these questions. It’s how you protect your investment and your safety.
Trees Are More Than Greenery
Trees clean our air, lower energy bills, reduce noise, and raise property value. They shelter wildlife, mark family memories, and turn houses into homes.
Protecting them with the right care is not just smart — it’s a way to invest in your property and your community.
Need a second opinion or honest advice about a tree on your property? Reach out to our certified arborist and A quick consultation today could save you a major expense tomorrow.
