When you need a qualified tree service in Pinellas Park, FL, it’s crucial to search for an ISA-certified arborist to take care of the project. What type of credentials should a tree health specialist have and why should you only book certified tree services? The experts at Stevens Tree Service explain everything you should know in this helpful guide.
Arborist Qualifications and Credentials
How does someone receive tree care expert certification? The industry’s gold standard for arborist qualifications is receiving certification from the International Society of Arboriculture. Experts can obtain this recognition once they complete more than three years of full-time work in the industry and pass a professional arboriculture training course.
Education and work experience help arborists become experts in every aspect of tree care, including:
- Planting and transplanting
- Fertilizing
- Trimming and pruning
- Tree removal
- Urban forestry management
Once someone becomes an ISA-certified arborist, they’ll have to continue their education and retain that certification every three years.
Why You Need a Professional Arborist Caring for Your Trees
Are your trees growing out of control and in desperate need of pruning? Do you notice any unusual changes in your tree’s appearance and not sure if it’s sick? Would you like to remove a hazardous tree from your property?
All of these scenarios call for an ISA-certified arborist. Find out why it’s so important to work with a professional arborist whenever you’re facing tree-related concerns.
They Diagnose and Treat Tree Diseases
You might not know that your tree has a deadly disease until it’s too late. Contact an arborist as soon as you notice the following changes in your trees:
- Leaf wilting or curling
- Abnormal foliage colors
- Brittle or cracked bark
- Drooping branches
These issues can indicate a fungal infection that’s slowly killing your tree. Arborists will diagnose the disease and treat it with fungicides or other solutions.
They Look Beyond the Surface
Without the proper training, you might think that your tree is struggling to grow because of a lack of water or nutrients. As a result, you end up doing further damage by overwatering the tree and applying too much fertilizer. Arborists dig deeper to find the underlying problem affecting your tree.
They examine the root system, check for hollow trunks, inspect unusual growths such as tree burls, and test soil for nutrient deficiencies. Once they determine the source of the problem, they’ll make a plan for restoring your tree’s health.
They Help Growing Trees Thrive
Say you plant a young tree in your yard and see little to no growth over the year. The stunted growth could be due to the climate and the tree species you planted. An ISA-certified arborist can provide tips for optimizing tree health from the time you plant them to when they fully mature.
Dangers of DIY Tree Care
When you’re not well-versed in arboriculture, you risk damaging your trees. For example, carelessly trimming branches can injure the tree and make it more prone to pest infestations or fungal infections. Professionals understand the right way to prune trees so they continue to grow and don’t endure stress after trimming.
Experts don’t recommend taking on the following projects yourself:
- Tree pruning
- Tree removal
- Stump grinding
You could fall off a ladder while trying to trim a tree, injure yourself using grinding equipment, or end up with significant property damage by cutting down a tree yourself.
Contact Our Tree Care Experts for Assistance
Working with an ISA-certified arborist proves essential since most property owners aren’t familiar with proper tree-trimming techniques, tree-felling methods, and other key components of arboriculture. Contact Stevens Tree Service if you need experts on your side for these projects and more. Call (727) 734-8733 to request a quote and schedule an arborist consultation. Learn more now.