Find Certified Arborists and Services

Definitions of Services

Diagnosis of a sick tree - ISA Certified Arborists have the education and experience to diagnose tree health problems and recommend treatments.

Fertilization - Although trees grow quite well in the forest without supplemental fertilization, urban and suburban soils may lack the vital nutrients that trees need. Many tree service companies offer fertilization as one of many plant health care practices.

Cable/Bracing - Sometimes it is possible to mitigate the risk of tree/branch failure by installing cables and/or braces to provide supplemental support.

Consulting - Consulting arborists provide written reports for many aspects of tree management including: appraisal values, property loss, risk assessment, diagnosis, preservation of trees during construction, and many more. Not all ISA Certified Arborists are Registered Consultants, and not all Registered Consultants are Certified Arborists.

Public Education - Some arborists enjoy the opportunity to educate the public about proper tree care practices. This might include presentations to garden clubs, tree planting projects, or even Arbor Day demonstrations of what arborists do.

Tree Value Estimates - In cases of catastrophic loss, legal disputes, or simple assessments, an appraisal of a tree's value is sometimes required. Some ISA Certified Arborists offer tree appraisals as a consulting service.

Tree Risk Assessment - Except for the youngest and smallest trees, most all trees pose a potential risk from failure. A professional arborist can assess this risk and recommend measures to minimize it.

Landscape Services - Some arborists offer landscape services beyond arboricultural work. This might include landscape design or installation, landscape maintenance, lawn care, irrigation installation, or any of various other related services.

Pest Management - The key to avoiding pest problems on landscape trees and shrubs is to maintain a plant health care system. This involves proper selection and maintenance of plants, and monitoring of health and pest issues. Pest management also includes provision of the appropriate treatments for controlling pests.

Pruning - Pruning is the most common arboricultural practice. ISA Certified Arborists have the education and training to prune trees according to national pruning standards and ISA Best Management Practices.

Removal - Tree removal can be an extremely hazardous undertaking that requires specialized training and equipment. Professional arborists are equipped to remove trees safely, while minimizing damage to surrounding property.

Stump Grinding/Removal - Usually, once a tree has been removed, the property owner will also want the stump ground out. Most full-operation tree services will offer this service.

Tree Planting - All ISA Certified Arborists are trained how to properly plant a tree, but not all companies offer this service. Look for companies that list tree planting as a service or ask if they do tree planting.

Tree Preservation Planning - There is very little that can be done to treat trees that have been damaged due to construction-related activities. This is why it is essential to involve an arborist early in development projects to ensure that measures are taken to protect the trees.

Tree Relocation - Although it can be expensive, trees can often be transplanted to new locations. The size and species of trees that can be moved varies with climate, soil types, and equipment available.