Weiss Tree Service FAQs

Why Hire an Arborist?

Learn about services that arborists provide, criteria for selecting an arborist, and the benefits of hiring an ISA Certified Arborist.

Be an Informed Consumer

One of the best methods to use in choosing an arborist is to educate yourself about some of the basic principles of tree care. ISA offers several other brochures in this series, which discuss many of the basic principles of tree care. Your local garden center, extension agent, or city arborists are also excellent sources of information if you should have further questions. They may also be able to refer you to an ISA Certified Arborist in your area.

This brochure is one in a series published by the International Society of Arboriculture as part of its Consumer Information Program. You may have additional interest in the following titles currently in the series:

  • Avoiding Tree and Utility Conflicts
  • Avoiding Tree Damage During Construction
  • Benefits of Trees
  • Buying High-Quality Trees
  • Insect and Disease Problems
  • Mature Tree Care
  • New Tree Planting
  • Plant Health Care
  • Proper Mulching Techniques
  • Palms
  • Pruning Mature Trees
  • Pruning Young Trees
  • Recognizing Tree Risk
  • Treatment of Trees Damaged by Construction
  • Tree Selection and Placement
  • Trees and Turf
  • Tree Values
  • Why Hire an Arborist
  • Why Topping Hurts Trees

E-mail inquiries: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

What is a Certified Arborist?

An arborist by definition is an individual who is trained in the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining individual trees. ISA arborist certification is a nongovernmental, voluntary process by which individuals can document their base of knowledge. It operates without mandate of law and is an internal, self-regulating device administered by the International Society of Arboriculture.

Certification provides a measurable assessment of an individual’s knowledge and competence required to provide proper tree care. Certification is not a measure of standards of practice. Certification can attest to the tree knowledge of an individual but cannot guarantee or ensure quality performance.

Certified Arborists are individuals who have achieved a level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care through experience and by passing a comprehensive examination developed by some of the nation’s leading experts on tree care. Certified Arborists must also continue their education to maintain their certification. Therefore, they are more likely to be up-to-date on the latest techniques in arboriculture.

  • Get more than one estimate, unless you know and are comfortable with the arborist. You may have to pay for the estimates, and it will take more time, but it will be worth the investment.
  • Don’t always accept the low bid. You should examine the credentials and the written specifications of the firms that submitted bids and determine the best combination of price, work to be done, skill, and professionalism to protect your substantial investment.
  • Be wary of individuals who go door-to-door and offer bargains for performing tree work. Most reputable companies are too busy to solicit work in this manner.
  • Keep in mind that good arborists will perform only industry accepted practices. For example, practices such as topping a tree, removing an excessive amount of live wood, using climbing spikes on trees that are not being removed, and removing or disfiguring living trees without just cause are improper practices and violate industry standards.
  • Get it in writing. Most reputable arborists have their clients sign a contract. Be sure to read the contract carefully. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, such as:
    • When will the work be started and completed?
    • Who will be responsible for clean-up?
    • Is this the total price?
    • What are the terms of payment?
    • If I would like more to be done, what is your hourly rate?

Why do I need a Certified Arborist?

Certified Arborists are tree care specialists dedicated to excellence in the field of arboriculture. They are highly qualified in the care of your valuable trees and shrubs with knowledge of the most up-to-date advances and proven age-old techniques.

Certified Arborists are widely recognized professionals. They are educated and trained in:

  • Diagnosis and treatment of your tree and shrub related problems.
  • Proper pruning and management techniques for your valuable trees and shrubs.
  • Understanding tree biology.
  • Identifying and selecting the appropriate trees and shrubs for your landscape.
  • Installation and establishment of trees and shrubs to enhance your landscape.
  • Understanding the delicate soil and water relationships which affect tree and shrub health.
  • Nutrition requirements and fertilization techniques to keep your trees and shrubs in peak form.
  • Recognizing certain tree hazards and construction damage.

To maintain and beautify the world around us, residential property, commercial property, or the town you live in, Certified Arborists are there to help you.

To qualify as a Certified Arborist, an experienced tree care professional must pass an extensive examination developed by an international panel of experts in the industry and academia. The International Society of Arboriculture maintains this voluntary certification program.

The educational program does not stop with testing. A Certified Arborist must keep abreast of new technology by attending seminars and reviewing the latest publications to obtain necessary continuing education credits.

In today’s fragile environment, a Certified Arborist can maintain your landscape and help you preserve the aesthetic and ecological value of your trees and shrubs.