From the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) – Trees Are Good Campaign, available on at www.treesaregood.org:
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.
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.
Be an Informed Consumer
One of the best methods to use in choosing an arborist is to educate yourself on 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.
At Metropolitan Forestry Services, Inc., our Mission is to provide the highest quality tree and landscape care to our clients, ensuring the health, beauty, longevity, safety and value of their properties. We want to share in the pride of our clients’ landscapes. We do this in part by continuously educating ourselves and being involved in professional associations like the International Society of Arboriculture.
We take our mission statement and profession very seriously and adhere to the highest of arboricultural and business standards. Through the many years in operation Dan Christie, the owner and president of MFS, has been very active in the St. Louis green industry serving as President of the St. Louis Arborist Association, President of the St. Louis Landscape and Nurserymen’s Association and President of Midwest Chapter of International Society of Arboriculture and served on the Board of Directors of the Tree Care Industry Association. Dan acquired the credentials to become a Registered Consulting Arborist #338 (ASCA) and a Certified Forester #2156 (Society of American Foresters). In addition MFS is staffed with like-minded, knowledgeable, and qualified individuals that uphold and exceed industry standards who hold certifications with the ISA.
For a pdf copy of this factsheet: What is an Arborist