An Arborist is, according to Google “a specialist in the cultivation and care of trees and shrubs”. This broad description can be confusing since Landscapers also do some of the same, the main difference is that Landscapers, unlike Arborists, work at ground level while Arborists ascend trees to access the parts that require attention.
Although not (yet) mandatory, Arborists are encouraged to improve their knowledge and subsequently their career by studying the science of Arboriculture and pass the tests offered by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) to become either ISA Certified Tree Worker Climber Specialist®, ISA Certified Arborist®, ISA Certified Arborist Utility Specialist™, ISA Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist® or Board Certified Master Arborist®.
Arborists willing to take upon this voluntary journey show a desire to adhere to the ANSI A300 Standards of Arboriculture and offer the best services to trees and their owners. Some Tree Care professionals do an excellent job without being certified, and it is understood that passing an exam doesn’t replace years of knowledge acquired by field work, but ISA Certified professionals need to maintain their certification by constantly staying in touch with the industry by studying, attending workshops and conferences and accruing Educational Credits (CEUs) to be recertified every three years. This combination of field experience and knowledge acquired from studying WILL create a reliable Tree Care Professional.
By working with a company dedicated to maintaining certifications and staying up-to-date with the latest news and improvements in the industry, a home owner will increase the chances for their trees to be pruned and maintained properly, removed safely (when needed) and monitored when a good relationship is established. Unlike Landscaping companies, Tree Care companies do not visit the properties weekly or monthly but rather on a semi-yearly or yearly basis. We encourage customers to call us for an annual visit, or at minimum after any major weather events such as wind, snow and ice storms.
Trees are often seen as just a part of landscape and almost as decorator items, but they are crucial for the environment; in a climate that is changing and getting warmer, being surrounded by trees will cool your house. Along with so many other benefits such as providing oxygen, shelter for wildlife and reducing storm water from washing out soil (to name just a few), trees also increase the value of a property by up to 15% if well placed and maintained properly. That last word is very important to remember: you will need someone who has studied and understood trees to help you so you can protect your investment.
Unfortunately, unlike Electricians and Plumbers, Arborists are not “protected” by the license or certification they willingly obtained. In other words, anyone who is a contractor and maintains a CCB (Construction Contractor Board) license and contractors’ insurance can start a tree care business. This gives you an idea of what you could risk by hiring anyone without checking for credentials. Sperry Tree Care has been in business since 1991 and the founder Nathaniel Sperry became certified with ISA before 1995. Since then, the company has steadily increased its number of ISA Certified Arborists and recently acquired accreditation with the Tree Care Industry of America. We strive for excellence; you are in good hands with us.
