Finding an actual Arborist
Arbor Viridis ISA-Certified Arborists® are professionals who have proven their expertise in the art and science of tree care through experience and by passing a rigorous examination designed by leading experts in the field. To retain their certification, ISA Certified Arborists are required to pursue ongoing education, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the latest arboriculture techniques.
Here’s how to choose the right tree care company:
Finding an Arborist Visit TreesAreGood.org for free tools:
• The “Find an Arborist” tool can help you locate an arborist in your area.
• The “Verify a Credential” tool enables you to confirm whether an arborist has an ISA credential.
Reject Arborists Who Top Trees: Do not hire arborists who promote tree topping. If any arborist agrees to top your trees, walk away. (See: 8 Reasons Not to Top Your Trees so that you can save money and hardship in the future)
Confirm Licenses and Insurance: Ask for proof of insurance and call the insurance company. Check for local permits and licenses. Specifically, check to see if their Workers' Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) is active or delinquent. Ask for a WSIB clearance letter addressed directly to you and not a generic one. This alone may save you thousands of dollars in potential lawyer fees if a worker is injured on your property.
Inquire About Pruning Standards: Demand information about ANSI A300 pruning standards and safety regulations. You must ensure that their practices align with these established standards. Arborists adhering to the ANSI A300 pruning standard will not:
• leave branch stubs
• make unnecessary heading cuts
• cut off the branch collar (not make a flush cut)
• top or lion’s tail trees (stripping a branch from the inside, leaving foliage just at the ends)
• remove more than 25 percent of the foliage out of a single tree in one year.
• damage other parts of the tree during pruning
• use wound paint
• prune without a good reason
• climb the tree with climbing spikes for pruning jobs
Avoid Unnecessary Tree Removals: Be highly skeptical of any arborist who suggests removing healthy, living trees. This should only be considered as a last resort after all alternatives have been thoroughly explored.
Verify Their Certification: Check for membership in professional organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), or the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA).
Understand that Price Does Not Reflect Quality: Don’t always accept the lowest bid. Examine the credentials and the written specifications of the firms that submitted the bids and determine the best combination of price, work to be done, skills and professionalism. Choosing a locally owned and operated company will also help your community. "The Bitterness of Poor Quality Remains Long After the Sweetness of Low Price is Forgotten"
Get it in writing. Most reputable arborists have their clients sign a contract. Read it carefully and ask questions.