The Rich Tree Service Difference: Meet Our ISA Certified Arborists

When you need work done on the trees on your property, what do you look for in a company? A fair price? Good reviews? The right equipment? While these are all important, there is one qualification that stands above the rest as a true measure of knowledge and professionalism: ISA Certification.

Not all tree services are created equal. Many companies employ tree cutters, but at Rich Tree Service, we employ tree doctors. The core of our company philosophy—The Rich Tree Service Difference—is our unwavering commitment to staffing our teams with ISA Certified Arborists. This article explains what that certification means and why hiring a certified arborist in NJ is the most important decision you can make for the health and safety of your trees.

What Exactly is an ISA Certified Arborist?

Think of an arborist as a physician for trees. They are highly trained professionals who specialize in the art and science of tree care. An ISA Certified Arborist is an individual who has 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 the subject.

The Rigorous Path to Certification

Becoming certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is not easy. It requires a dedicated pursuit of knowledge and skill. Candidates must:

• Have a minimum of three years of full-time, practical experience in the tree care industry.
• Pass a comprehensive, 200-question exam that covers everything from tree biology and soil science to safe work practices and tree risk management.
• Agree to uphold a strict Code of Ethics that prioritizes the health of trees and the safety of clients.
• Maintain their certification through continuous education, ensuring they are up-to-date on the latest research and techniques.

Why Hiring a Certified Arborist in NJ Matters

In a field with no statewide licensing, the ISA certification is your guarantee of expertise. Here’s what a certified professional brings to your property that others can’t.

1. Expert Diagnosis and Plant Health Care

A certified arborist can identify problems that a general landscaper might miss. They can diagnose diseases, identify pest infestations, and recognize signs of soil deficiencies. This often means they can save a tree that a less knowledgeable person would simply recommend removing. Their expertise is the foundation of our Plant Health Care programs.

2. Scientific, Health-Focused Pruning

Anyone can cut a branch, but a certified arborist knows exactly where and why to cut. They practice pruning that aligns with a tree’s natural growth, enhances its structural integrity, and promotes long-term health, rather than just “topping” a tree, which can be devastating to its health.

3. Accurate Risk Assessment

Is that large oak near your house safe? A certified arborist in NJ is trained in the methodology of tree risk assessment. They can systematically evaluate a tree’s structure, health, and location to provide an accurate and defensible assessment of its potential risk, giving you peace of mind.

4. Adherence to Industry Best Practices

Certified arborists are committed to performing work according to the ANSI A300 standards, which are the scientifically-backed best practices for tree care. This ensures that all work—from pruning to fertilization—is performed in a way that is beneficial, not detrimental, to your trees.

The Rich Tree Service Difference: Our People

Our company is built on a foundation of expertise. We believe that investing in our team’s education is the best way to provide unparalleled service to our clients. We actively support our staff in achieving and maintaining their ISA certifications, which is why we’re always looking for passionate professionals to join our team.

When you call Rich Tree Service, you are not just getting a crew; you are getting a dedicated team of professionals led by a knowledgeable certified arborist. This expertise informs every decision we make on your property, from the first assessment to the final cleanup.

To learn more about the dedicated individuals who make up our team, please visit our About Us page.

Ask the Question: When getting a quote from any tree service, always ask: “Is the person managing my project an ISA Certified Arborist? Can I see their credentials?” The answer will tell you everything you need to know about the quality of care you can expect.