How to hire an arborist
Tricky question, how to hire an arborist? First ask yourself what question are you trying to answer. Are you looking for an independent consulting arborist? Or maybe you are looking to have a tree removed? Maybe you are looking buy do it yourself tree pruning equipment, pest management supplies, or fertilizers? Well let’s first establish what an arborist is. An arborist can be anyone that studies any aspect of individual trees. That’s right, anyone can call themselves an arborist! What most people think of as an arborist (if they have ever thought of an arborist) is a “certified arborist.” There are many certifying bodies. Some cities have their own certifications, some companies certify employees, but the biggest and most well known certifying body is the International Society of Arboriculture also known as the ISA. The ISA has several categories of certification; Commercial, Utility, Municipal, Climber, Aerial Lift, and Board Certified Master Arborist. The commercial certified arborist is the most common.
Independent consulting arborists specialize in solving tree problems, saving trees on construction sites, creating tree inventory and management plans, and many other responsibilities. They may also value trees for insurance companies, or casualty losses for the IRS after natural disasters. Experienced arborists also perform as expert witnesses for the court systems and arbitration boards. Many consultants profess to specialize in one or all of these areas. However, few are experts in all areas. Arboriculture is both an art and a science which require study, practice, and experience. So when hiring a consultant ask questions about their years of experience in whatever area you need help. Also don’t forget to ask what geographic area they have practiced most. A southern arborist will have experience with the unique conditions found in the southern states which will be dramatically different than the pacific north west.
Utility arborists have extensive experience, thousands of documented hours and years of service, in and around utility lines and the vegetative management areas that contain power lines.
Municipal arborists have a minimum of three years working with cites, counties, or state agencies managing tree risk, speaking to the public, and or developing policy. Typically they work as urban foresters.
The climbing arborists and aerial lift specialists have been certified competent through physical testing to be able to preform actual aerial work in trees. They are also certified in CPR, aerial rescue, and safety procedures.
Board certified master arborists (BCMA) have passed additional peer review scenario based exams and become fully accountable to the ISA code of ethics. Its basically a way for the ISA to guarantee an arborist know there stuff and will do an honest complete job. Very few arborists attain this level of certification. Why? Well it is difficult to pass, it requires exhaustive continuing education credits, and it does not do much for the holder. The identity of the BCMA certification has had problems for a few years, even the ISA suspended the designation for a period of time while they tried to work out its problems. At some point we hope that BCMA will have municipal privileges over regular commercial certified arborists.
The commercial certified arborist is the place to start. Hire an independent one to help you make the right decision. Many large companies require their salesmen to be certified arborists. Many of these are even good consultants, but unless they are BCMA their interest lies with the company that employees them. BCMA’s remember are obliged to follow the ISA code of ethics.
Where can you find a consulting certified arborist? Start with http://www.isa-arbor.com/findanarborist/findanarborist.aspx and plug in your location. You can also call your local municipal arborist and ask for referrals. Every once and while you might run across someone who majored in arboriculture or urban forestry in college and did not feel the need to become certified these people are excellent arborists as long as they have field experience. The highest level of consulting arborist is a “registered”consulting arborist by the American Society of Consulting Arborists. These people really know their stuff but tend to best for court cases.
Hope this helps!