Work on a mature tree is a safety decision before it is a landscaping one. A bad prune can shorten a tree’s life by decades; bad rigging can cost someone theirs. Choosing a qualified professional is the single most useful thing a tree owner can do.
Find a credentialed arborist in Kentucky
ISA runs the directory of credential holders. Use it to locate an arborist in your area:
- Find an Arborist directory
- ISA credential holder directory
- Verify a Credential tool, to confirm someone is an ISA Certified Arborist or Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ)
What the credential tells you
ISA promotes the hiring of companies who have ISA certified professionals on staff. ISA Certified Arborists are held to a Code of Ethics and are encouraged to follow industry standards. Certification demonstrates that the individual has the knowledge to perform tree work correctly, but it does not guarantee the quality of the work performed by that individual.
If you feel someone has not provided proper tree care, you may report a code of ethics violation.
How to hire a tree care professional
- Ask for the arborist’s certification number and verify it.
- Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation cover.
- Get more than one written estimate for significant work, and make sure each covers the same scope.
- Ask what the work is meant to achieve. A good arborist will explain why they are recommending it.
- Be wary of anyone who offers to top a tree. Topping is not a recognized practice and it damages the tree.
- Be wary of unsolicited door-to-door offers, particularly after a storm.
Disclaimer
This online search directory is a voluntary listing and is strictly intended to serve as a method to locate ISA credential holders in order to secure tree care services. It is not intended to be used to market products or services to credential holders. Individuals who violate this restriction by using this directory to contact credential holders for unsolicited commercial purposes may be subject to legal action.