I have been studying quite a bit lately to take an arborist certification exam through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Just sending in the application to take the exam was the equivalent of applying for a job in some circles. I have found the material challenging as well as a refresher to some of the things I learned in college. I have found that I still am not fond of soil studies.
I do not climb trees or oversee a crew that does. My experience in such is limited. I worked for over 20 years with nursery stock and never needed a rope and saddle for that. What I am learning through the study for this test is that even though I don't spend time in the trees, I do apply this knowledge to decisions I make from the ground. I need to take the time to look over a tree from my base position and make decisions about the trees condition based on what I am looking at from the ground. Sometimes the bucket truck needs to take a trip up to confirm or disprove what my diagnosis was from below.
My advice to anyone who asks is to hire a certified arborist. Now that I have an idea of what it will take to gain that certificate and maintain it, I can say with certainty that hiring a certified arborist is a good decision. The effort to stay educated and knowledgeable is not small. The people that are certified take a great deal of time to make sure they are doing their job with the most current information available to them in their field. The ISA keeps an online list to verify that you have a certified arborist working for you.
Just about anyone can buy a truck and chain saw. An arborist will give you the best advice on tree care. Hire a certified arborist. Don't find out the hard way that you should have hired an certified arborist.
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