Do Arborists Need a License? A Comprehensive Guide

The State of Georgia and the City of Atlanta have no licensing requirements for arboriculture companies or individual arborists. However, the Georgia Arborists Association maintains a list of local arborists certified by the International Arboricultural Society (ISA). 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 to experienced professionals.

To take the exam, you need a degree in arboriculture, forestry or similar fields and three years of full-time work experience. Licenses are only issued to those with Certification in Arboriculture and to those who are bonded. A tree care license is probably the most important one you should apply for, and if you don't have one, your insurance is most likely void and won't cover you in the event of an accident. At least seven states require you to hold an arborist's license. For example, a license from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is required to work in Connecticut.

Research the state you want to work in to see if a license is required. Tree care should always be provided by a certified arborist. Arbolists are trained in identifying, diagnosing and caring for trees. Understand how to safely provide proper tree care. Our certified arborists are here to offer timely and unbiased advice free of charge.

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. Because winter has less ideal conditions for tree care, many arborists do not work in winter or switch to part-time work. Around 4,000 openings are projected for conservation scientists, foresters and arborists every year, on average, during the decade. These work-study programs allow you to work under the supervision of a licensed arborist to gain the skills, knowledge and experience you need to be able to pass the licensing exam.

Once you have experience in pruning and caring for trees, you can specialize as an arborist looking for more responsibility and looking for projects that interest you. The International Arboricultural Society (ISA) created the certification program in the 1980s to designate arborists 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. 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. Because one of the main responsibilities of an arborist is to diagnose and treat diseases in trees in their care, they are sometimes referred to as “tree doctors”.Professional recognition: This is the proof: The ISA Certified Arborist designation distinguishes you as someone with the commitment, dedication and knowledge to succeed. When you are ready to select an arborist, make sure you have a signed contract and ensure that work only starts after both parties sign a contract. A licensed arborist indicates that the professional meets all local requirements necessary to obtain a permit to operate within his or her state or municipality. Another voluntary but still very important certification that a tree removal service must pass to its arborists is the training of the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA).Earning an associate's degree in environmental science or a bachelor's degree in forestry or horticulture can provide you with a comprehensive education and help you develop your career as an arborist.

An arborist is a trained professional working in arboriculture, which consists in the application of standards and techniques for the care of trees, shrubs, vines and perennials. Arbolists, sometimes referred to as “tree surgeons” prune, hold and fertilize trees and control insects and diseases.

Dolores Rondo
Dolores Rondo

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