The Value of ISA Certification and SavATree’s Commitment to Expertise Summer Care As a Tree Care Industry Association accredited company and Forbes Home-recognized industry leader, we are committed to safety, ethics, and ongoing training. This is reflected in every aspect of our business, from the specialized equipment we use to prune trees and treat properties, to our customer service, to the standards we set for our team members. This is why we require our arborists to commit to achieving the gold standard in knowledge and training, which is a certification from the International Society of Arboriculture and/or a license from their state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (or equivalent department) program. Both ISA certification and state licenses require arborists to: · prove at least three years of hands-on tree care experience or a combination of education and experience · pass a comprehensive exam · renew their license or certification and keep up-to-date with industry standards · commit to a code of ethics and/or legal compliance. The Path to Certification To qualify for the ISA or state exams, arborists must: Log over three years of full-time tree care work (or a combination of education and experience). Master skills like pruning, fertilization, and tree risk assessment in real-world settings. Only after meeting these requirements can they sit for the exam, which takes months of preparation and study. What the Exam Covers The ISA certification exam tests arborists on in-depth knowledge and practical skills, including: Diagnosis & Treatment: Identifying insects, diseases, and cultural disorders, and choosing appropriate solutions Tree Biology & Identification: Understanding structure, function, and species-specific traits Pruning & Structural Support: Applying proper pruning techniques, cabling, and bracing Climbing, Rigging, & Safety: Using climbing systems and protective gear safely, plus assessing jobsite risks Soil & Water Management: Applying principles of soil science, fertilization, and irrigation best practices Tree Risk Assessment & Plant Health Care: Evaluating tree safety and planning long-term care Keeping Certification Current ISA Certified (R) and state licensed arborists are required to stay sharp. For ISA certification, every three years, they must either retake the exam or earn a set number of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to maintain their certification. This means that when you hire a certified arborist, you’re choosing someone who stays current on science, safety, and evolving best practices—year after year. Other Common Certifications and Licenses In addition to ISA certification, many SavATree arborists hold additional credentials that reflect their training, safety knowledge, and professional commitment. These include: ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) – The ISA’s highest level of certification, awarded to arborists with extensive experience, advanced education, and a demonstrated commitment to the field. State Arborist Licenses – Required in states like New Jersey, Maryland, and Connecticut to perform tree work professionally. This includes testing and continuing education. Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP) – Focused on jobsite safety, leadership, and hazard prevention. Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) – A specialized ISA credential focused on evaluating tree stability, identifying hazards, and recommending appropriate actions to reduce risk. ISA Certified Tree Climber – Focuses on advanced climbing techniques, safety protocols, and aerial tree care, with both written and practical exams. How SavATree Ensures Qualification Across Our Team Not only are our arborists the most knowledgeable in their fields, so are our team of technicians and climbers. The field crew also undergoes extensive and ongoing training to ensure they stay well-informed about ever-changing local conditions and treatments and always follow the highest safety standards. Here’s how we support our eniter team in these areas: Safety and Standards: We use safe, sustainable practices and employ the specialized equipment needed to ensure we adhere to the leading safety standards set forth by the TCIA and American National Standard Institute (ANSI). This protects our arborists, technicians, the client and the environment. Additionally, SavATree is a voting member on the American National Standard Institute's (ANSI A300) Tree Care Standards Committee for safety and quality. Training: We provide continuous training and support for all team members. This includes thousands of hours of training opportunities, including Continuing Education Unit courses, throughout the year. Our tree care programs are TCIA accredited following the best-in-class safety and business practices. Communication: We utilize advanced technology and communication tools to ensure that our field crews and arborists have the information and support they need while in the field taking care of properties. Mentorship: New team members are trained and work under our seasoned experts, attend regular training sessions and are provided with educational resources to ensure they provide the best care for our clients. Ready to Meet Your Local Arborist? Your ISA Certified (R) arborist has worked hard for his or her certification in order to provide safe, expert and customize care for the properties we serve. Find out how we can put our expertise to work for you and your landscape today. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your tree care needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an expert arborist.