Are Arborists Licensed? A Comprehensive Guide

Arborists are qualified professionals, certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). ISA-certified arborists receive specialized training and pass a test for certification and then must maintain their certification through ongoing training and education. While certification is not a legal requirement in any state, meeting certified arborist requirements may make it more attractive to employers or customers. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) states that certification is only available if you are already an experienced professional. To take the exam, you need a degree in arboriculture, forestry or similar fields and three years of full-time work experience.

After reviewing the proposed tree work, the New York City Parks Department may require that a Certified Arborist (CA) be on-site during the project and liaise with New York City Parks. The main function of the CA will be to ensure that all work is done in accordance with industry standards and their protocol. The CA shall be an independent person and not associated with the persons performing pruning operations, removing trees and planting or transplanting trees, or any construction operation. Potential consultant arborists will be approved by Parks based on their qualifications and ability to provide the necessary staff and services for a given project. New York City Parks can request one of two types of Certified Arborist Reports, Type I or Type II.

This report must be completed for any type of work performed on or near an existing tree that is under the jurisdiction of the New York City Parks. This report must also be completed for any new building, Type I alteration, or Building Department Type 2 alteration (greater than 20%) based on recent zoning requirements. This report describes existing tree conditions and any work where the applicant may need a certified arborist to act as a liaison to New York City Parks on or near an existing tree that is under the jurisdiction of the New York City Parks. An optional Certified Arborist Type II report can also be downloaded. To become a certified tree arborist, you will need to take the ISA Certified Arborist Exam. The ISA requires three years of experience before allowing you to take the exam, up to two years of which can be replaced by a degree in a relevant field.

Read the ISA Certification section in the previous article for more information on how to obtain arborist certification. You can participate in an internship through your degree program or become an arborist's apprentice through state agencies, community groups or non-profit organizations. The certification is valid for three years, during which the arborist must complete 30 continuing education units (CEU) to recertify. Professional recognition: This is the proof: The ISA Certified Arborist designation distinguishes you as someone with the commitment, dedication and knowledge to succeed. Governments, corporations and individuals hire arborists to keep trees and shrubs on their property.

Organizations that employ arborists include golf courses, parks, universities, and utilities, as well as landscaping companies that serve homeowners. Using a tree service with certified arborists is the easiest way to ensure that your trees are well cared for. Arbolists use a variety of tools, such as chainsaws, stump grinders, chippers, elevators, ladders, and more. Certification as Master Arborist by the ISA Credentials Board is Reaching the Top of the Arboriculture Field. The International Arboricultural Society (ISA) created the certification program in the 1980s to designate arbolists who meet certain requirements for experience and knowledge, have passed the certified arborist exam, and participate in a necessary amount of continuing education to maintain their certification. Arbolists can receive on-the-job training from tree care companies, landscaping companies, nurseries, municipalities and utilities. The International Society for Arboriculture (ISA) offers an Arborist Certification Program (ACP), which includes a 3.5-hour multiple-choice test and 220 questions, with questions on soil management, safe working practices, tree biology, pruning, urban forestry and tree protection among others.

Arbolists grow trees and shrubs to maximize their health and aesthetic appearance while minimizing risks they pose to people who interact with them. The Certified Arborist exam has 200 questions on basic tree biology, tree identification and selection, tree-soil-water relationships, tree nutrition and fertilization, tree planting and establishment, pruning concepts and techniques, wiring bracing and lightning protection problem diagnosis and management tree conservation on construction sites climbing practices and safe work as well as tree risk assessment.

Dolores Rondo
Dolores Rondo

Freelance twitter advocate. Award-winning zombie nerd. Wannabe zombie expert. Certified web buff. Amateur food practitioner. Freelance food nerd.