Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions

ISA strives to foster a greater public awareness of the benefits of trees by assisting homeowners in obtaining the knowledge needed to help sustain trees in an urban environment. Below you will find a list of some common questions. Here, and throughout this site, homeowners will find answers and valuable resources to assist with tree care needs.


About ISA

What is the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)?
What is the difference between an arborist and a certified arborist?
Why should I hire an arborist?
How do I find a certified arborist near by me?
How do I contact the International Society of Arboriculture?

About Trees

Why are trees beneficial?
How do I find information about tree care?
What type of tree should I buy?
How should I plant my tree?
How often does my tree need care?
What is pruning a tree?
What is topping a tree?
What is mulching?
What should I do if I think my tree has insect and/or disease problems?
Can trees be hazardous?

Developed by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), a non-profit organization supporting tree care research around the world and is dedicated to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees. For further information, contact:
ISA, P.O. Box 3129, Champaign, IL 61826-3129, USA.
E-mail inquires: isa@isa-arbor.com

© 2007 International Society of Arboriculture.

News

Don't Move Firewood - Protect Nation's Forests
This camping and hunting season, get your firewood from a vendor close to your destination. Don’t pack your own! Invasive insects and diseases in dead and dying wood threaten our native trees and forests. If you move firewood, you could be giving these pests a free ride to new territory. MORE >>

National Tree Benefits Calculator
The Tree Benefit Calculator allows anyone to make a simple estimation of the benefits individual street-side trees provide. This tool is based on i-Tree’s street tree assessment tool called STRATUM. With inputs of location, species and tree size, users will get an understanding of the environmental and economic value trees provide on an annual basis. The Tree Benefit Calculator is intended to be simple and accessible. As such, this tool should be considered a starting point for understanding trees’ value in the community, rather than a scientific accounting of precise values. For more detailed information on urban and community forest assessments, visit the i-Tree website. MORE >>

Warning: Check Tree-care Credentials
Several autumn fatalities linked to dangerous tree care practices are prompting a coalition of arborists and urban foresters to urge contractors (and others) to hire only certified tree-care professionals. MORE >>

Best Trees For The Street
Scientist John Hammond of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific research agency, has announced the findings of a four-year project to determine the best trees to use in urban spaces. MORE >>

Selling Houses By the Yard
Worried home owners hope landscaping adds value- from the Wall Street Journal MORE >>

NADF Hardiness Zone Map
Find out the right tree to plant where you live MORE >>



Resources

The Talking Tree

Available through the ISA Web store

What if your tree could talk?
What would it say about how to take care of it? Do you know the difference between a tree living in the city and a tree living in the forest. This book is a great tool to teach children about trees. Only $9.95.

© International Society of Arboriculture 2009
P.O. Box 3129, Champaign, IL 61826
Email comments & questions to isa@isa-arbor.com