How to Evaluate Qualifications
When Comparing One Tree Service Company To Another

Making the right decision when selecting a tree care company can be confusing. A request for pruning a mature oak tree can mean something different to each company you talk to. What you think of as a simple estimate comes back as proposals of work that vary by hundreds of dollars and recommend different things.  How can there be such a wide range of estimates for tree work?  Which one is the smart choice and how do you know what you are getting when you hire a Minnesota tree care company?  They may tell you they are licensed, insured and knowledgeable about trees, but how do you know for sure.

Below we have listed all the qualitive information tree care companies may throw at you and what it all means.

Basic Levels of Credibility within Tree Care

Insured Companies:

• Hold a business insurance policy
• Can produce written proof of insurance
• Are not required to cover damage or injury liability
• There is no training or testing required

Companies that are licensed by a City

• Have paid the City a fee
• Has proof of past insurance
• No proof of current insurance is needed
• Verification of licensing is available from the City
• No training or testing is required

International Society of Arboriculture Member (ISA)

• Required to pay annual dues
• No required testing or training for membership

International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist

• Must pay annual dues
• Must have at least 3 years of experience
• Requires a competency examination in Arboriculture
• Maintaining certification requires continuing education
• A Certified Arborist is authorized to display a Certification logo and number
• Certification can be verified through website (www.isa-arbor.com)

International Society of Arboriculture Board Certified Master Arborist

• Must pay annual dues
• Must have at least 5 years of experience
• Requires Arborist Certification (see above requirements)
• Requires an in-depth Master competency examination in Arboriculture
• Requires additional continuing education to maintain certification
• A Board-Certified Master Arborist is authorized to display a Certification logo and number
• Certification can be verified through the ISA website (www.isa-arbor.com)

Tree Care Industry Association Accreditation (TCIA)

• Must pay annual dues
• Every three years must pass inspection in the following standards:
  • Follow industry recommendations for quality and safety
  • Employ Certified, trained and professional staff
  • Are committed to the practice of ethics and quality in business
• Accreditation can be verified through the TCIA website (www.natlarb.com)

Professional Levels of Credibility within Tree Care

Associate of Science Degree (AS) in Arboriculture and/or Urban Forestry

• Requires two years of formal training through a college or University

Bachelors of Science Degree (BS) in Urban Forestry, Horticulture, or Natural Resources

• Requires four years of formal training through a college or University

Masters of Science Degree (MS) in Urban Forestry, Entomology, Plant Pathology or other discipline

• Requires BS Degree
• Requires two years of formal training through a college or University
• Requires a thesis or project related to the science of Urban Forestry

Doctorate of Philosophy Degree (PhD.) in Urban Forestry, Entomology, Soil Science or other discipline

• Requires BS Degree
• Requires MS Degree
• Requires four years of formal training through a college or University
• Requires competency examinations in Urban Forestry and other disciplines
• Requires a research project in Urban Forestry
• Requires a research dissertation in Urban Forestry

 

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