With the incredible value trees add to our landscapes, it’s only natural to want the best possible care for them. When looking for tree care services, selecting the best certified arborist for the job hinges on one key factor: experience.

While certification is a must-have for any arborist, truly exceptional tree care requires specialized knowledge and skill that only experience can provide. In this blog, we’ll explore how hiring an experienced arborist can benefit the health, beauty, and longevity of your trees.

What is a Certified Arborist?

A certified arborist is a tree care professional with specialized knowledge and training in tree health, maintenance, and care. To become certified, an arborist must complete rigorous examinations and training, earning various credentials to demonstrate their knowledge, skill, and qualifications.

Credentials like the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification and Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) certification, ensure that arborists are educated in and adhere to specific codes of ethics. However, while certification is the foundational step, true tree care expertise is honed through years of hands-on experience gained from countless hours in the field.

“Certification is like a driver’s license,” says arborist Fred Frey, owner of Vintage Tree Care. “While studying for the test and passing it ensures you have the knowledge and ability to drive, it doesn’t mean you’re equipped for icy roads, steep hills, or towing trailers.”

A skilled arborist possesses both the theoretical knowledge from certification and the practical wisdom gained from years of hands-on experience.

5 Benefits of Hiring an Experienced Arborist

When choosing the best tree care provider, it’s important to select an arborist who not only understands the ins and outs of the industry but also understands your unique needs. 

“Certification is a minimum requirement, but experience is really the key component, in addition to the certification,” Frey says. “It means you’ve met a minimum understanding of trees and are attuned to the industry, but experience catapults you beyond that, so you can best serve your customers.” 

Choosing the right person to care for your trees is crucial to the beauty, health, and safety of your property. But what sets an experienced arborist apart? Read on to find out!

1. Accurate Tree Risk Assessments

A tree risk assessment (TRA) is a comprehensive evaluation of a tree’s health. It helps an arborist understand the tree’s needs and determine the necessary approaches to address them. In certain situations, this means tree removal may be necessary for safety.

“An experienced arborist will have a much greater understanding of when trees actually need to be removed versus when they don’t,” says Frey. “We’ve been able to preserve so many trees that other opinions thought unsavable.”

With proper hands-on knowledge and experience, an arborist is better able to accurately assess tree health and identify potential risks.

2. In-Depth Tree Knowledge

A skilled arborist will have an in-depth understanding of diverse tree species and their vulnerabilities. With years of experience under their belt, they will also have a keen ability to identify tree diseases, infestations, and other health or safety concerns and suggest the best treatment options.

“It’s all about informing the customer well enough to make their own decision,” Frey says, and experience allows arborists to provide the best possible guidance.

Hands-on experience enhances an arborist’s knowledge about the nuances of tree care and allows them to provide clients with clear, informative advice backed by past successes.

3. Personalized Tree Care

Seasoned arborists have a unique perspective that allows them to make confident decisions and effectively address challenges. Or as Fred puts it, “If you want a confident resource and expert advice on what can or can’t be an option, experience is the way to go.”

“With time, an experienced arborist will learn to recognize patterns in customer mindsets,” says Frey. “The more you work with people and their trees, the more you see what works and what doesn’t.”

Backed by years of experience, arborists can provide highly personalized tree care services that benefit both the tree’s needs and the customer’s preferences.

4. Careful Safety Measures

During tree care, an arborist must consider two main avenues of safety: the safety of themselves and their crew working on your property, and the property itself.

Seasoned arborists are well-versed in the latest safety protocols and are expertly skilled in using the tools and techniques required for optimal tree care. They also excel at working within delicate environments, carefully considering your preferences as well as your property’s unique needs. Leveraging their expertise, an experienced arborist can anticipate potential hazards and plan accordingly to ensure safety throughout the entire process.

5. Exceptional Customer Service

Experienced arborists are not only tree experts but also exceptional customer service providers. Their years of education and hands-on experience translate into clear, effective communication with clients. They can assess a situation quickly, offer practical solutions, and tailor their services to meet those needs and ensure complete customer satisfaction.

“The years of experience are going to make all the difference in the customer experience,” says Frey. “If you’re looking for a tree care provider to partner with you for the long term, that’s us.”

With a focus on building long-term relationships, arborists deliver high-quality results, address concerns promptly, and ensure a positive experience throughout. Their ability to listen attentively and tailor their approach to each customer’s unique needs sets them apart as trusted tree care professionals.

Looking for a Certified Arborist in Santa Rosa?

Hiring an experienced arborist is essential for ensuring your trees get the best possible care. With in-depth knowledge and problem-solving skills, seasoned arborists are committed to delivering exceptional tree care services you can count on. 

At Vintage Tree Care, we’re passionate about working closely with our customers to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your trees. With multiple certified arborists on staff, some of our team members have over 30 years of experience in the industry.  

If you’re looking to partner with a tree care company that will be there to support you long-term, contact us online today or call us at (707) 495-4686.