- What is the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)?
- What is the difference between an arborist and a certified arborist?
- Why should I hire an arborist?
- How to find a certified arborist near by me?
- Why are trees beneficial?
- What type of tree should I buy?
- How should I plant my tree?
- How often does my tree need care?
- What is pruning a tree?
- What is topping a tree?
- What is mulching?
- What should I do if I think my tree has insect and/or disease problems?
- Can trees be hazardous?
1. What is the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)?
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) was founded in 1924 and has served the tree care industry for over seventy years as a scientific and educational non-profit organization. ISA supports tree care around the world and is dedicated to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees. This organization continues to be a dynamic medium through which arborists around the world share their experiences and knowledge for the benefit of society. Aligned on many fronts with other green organizations, ISA is working hard to foster a better understanding of trees and tree care through research and the education of professionals as well as global efforts to inform tree care consumers.
For more information, please visit http://www.isa-arbor.com/about/about.aspx.
2. What is the difference between an arborist and a certified arborist?
Arborists are trained professionals that are knowledgeable and equipped to provide proper tree care. They are specially trained to provide a variety to services to maintain trees. ISA Certified Arborists are individuals who have achieved a level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care through at least three years of experience and have passed a comprehensive examination. They are also required to continue their education in order to maintain their certification, ensuring their knowledge is updated on the latest arboriculture techniques. ISA Arborist Certification is a non-governmental voluntary process that operates without mandate of law. It is an internal self-regulating device administered by the International Society of Arboriculture, and therefore, cannot guarantee or assure the quality of performance. Certification provides a measurable assessment of an individual’s knowledge and competence required to provide proper tree care.
To locate an ISA Certified Arborist near you or to obtain additional information, please visit http://www.isa-arbor.com/findArborist/findarborist.aspx or contact ISA at (217) 355-9411.
3. Why should I hire an arborist?
Trees restore natural harmony in an urban environment, giving scale to human life. Trees are alive, like us, and require an investment and continuous maintenance in order to provide the maximum desired benefits. Some benefits include:
Air Filtration? filters out particulate matter and absorbing harmful gases
Purifies Water? slows and filters rain water and protects aquifers & watersheds
Cost Reduction? reduces yearly heating and cooling costs by 2.1 billion dollars
Climate Control? obtained by moderating the effects of sun, wind, and rain
Increase Property Value? well-cared landscape properties are 5-20% more valuable than non-landscaped estates.
For a healthy and long life, trees need the proper maintenance. Therefore, in order to provide proper tree care, you should refer to a certified arborist.
Get more info on why hire an arborist.
4. How to find a certified arborist near by me?
To find an ISA Certified Arborist near you, please visit http://www.isa-arbor.com/findArborist/findarborist.aspx and type in your zip code to obtain a list of certified arborists in your area. If you do not have access to the internet, you may contact ISA at (217) 355-9411 to have a list mailed to you.
5. Why are trees beneficial?
Trees provide a variety of benefits besides environmental, such as social, community, and economic. Trees provide an array of benefits, including:
- Cost Reduction? reduces yearly heating and cooling costs by 2.1 billion dollars.
- Increase Property Value? well-cared landscape properties are 5-20% more valuable than non-landscaped estates.
- Privacy and Scenery, aesthetic values
The following facts are results from studies conducted by UIUC Human-Environment Research Laboratory:
- Fewer Crimes? apartment buildings surrounded by trees and greenery are dramatically safer than buildings devoid of green.
- Improves Concentration- children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) are relieved after contact with nature. The greener the setting, the more the relief.
- SoundBarrier- acts as sound barriers and provide protection against crowding, noise, and danger, which all can contribute to mental fatigue, and can help inner-city residents cope with the many poverty related-stresses.
Get more info on the benefits of trees and/or the value of trees.
6. What type of tree should I buy?
Tree selection is one of the most important investment decisions for a homeowner. First, examine the location conditions of where you want your tree to be planted. Take the following into consideration before selecting the tree species you want:
Amount of space
Clearance from overhead and underground utilities
Weather conditions
Tree functions you desire
Exposure to sun and wind
The quality
Then, utilize the information you have gathered and select the tree species that works best with the conditions. For assistance, contact your local ISA Certified Arborist, tree care professional, or garden center to plant the right tree in the right place.
Get more info on selecting trees and/or purchasing trees.
7. How should I plant my tree?
Location conditions are extremely important and vital to a tree’s health. Be sure to examine the tree location conditions and follow these steps when planting your new tree:
- Dig a shallow, broad hole: only as deep at the root ball, but 3x’s as wide in diameter
- Identify the trunk flare: this is where the roots spread at the base of the tree. This should be partly visible after planting.
- Place the tree at the proper height: majority of the roots should be within 12” of the soil.
- Straighten the tree in the hole
- Fill hole, gently but firmly
- Stake the tree, if necessary
- Mulch the base of the tree
- Maintain with follow-up care
Get more information on tree planting.
8. How often does my tree need care?
The type and frequency of tree care depends on the species, age, location, climate, and other factors that affect the tree’s growth. The first step is to educate yourself about your trees and understand their needs. It is imperative to understand that proper tree care is a life long process, and that planting and caring for a tree is a long-tern commitment, not just a one time deal. Contact your local tree care professional for proper assistance.
Get more information on Proper Tree Care and a wide-range of quality arboriculture information.
9. What is pruning a tree?
Pruning is the cutting or removing branches or parts of trees or for improving the shape or growth of trees. This is the most common tree maintenance procedure. Usually, trees are pruned preventative or as a corrective measure to remove dead branches, crowded or rubbing limbs, eliminate hazards, and increase light and air penetration. Since each cut to a tree has the potential to change the growth, it is important to educate yourself, considering no branch should be removed without any reason.
Get more info on Proper Pruning Techniques for Young or Mature Trees.
10. What is topping a tree?
Topping is the indiscriminate cutting of tree branches to stubs or lateral branches that are not large enough to assume the terminal role. Other names for topping including “heading,” “tipping,” “hat-racking,” and “rounding over.”
Topping is perhaps the most harmful tree pruning practice known. It is usually done to reduce the size of a tree. Often, homeowners top their trees because they feel that they have become too large for their property and are a hazard. However, topping will make a tree more hazardous in the long term and is very harmful to the health of a tree.
Get more info on Tree Topping.
11. What is mulching?
Mulches are materials placed over the soil surface to maintain moisture. Mulching is extremely beneficial to trees. It can reduce water loss from soil, minimize weed competition, and improve soil structure. Properly applied, mulch gives landscapes a health dose of benefits for your trees.
Get more info on proper mulching techniques.
12. What should I do if I think my tree has insect and/or disease problems?
As soon as you notice any abnormality in your tree’s appearance, you should begin a careful examination of the problem. Insects and diseases can threaten a tree’s health. By identifying the specific symptoms of damage and understanding the causes, you may be able to diagnose the problem and take appropriate actions for treatment. You should contact a tree care professional for assistance immediately.
Get more info on Insect and/or Disease Symptoms, Diagnosis, Causes, and Treatment.
13. Can trees be hazardous?
Trees are essential to our world, offering a wide range of benefits to our environment. However, trees become hazardous liabilities if they fall and injure people or damage property. Proper constant maintenance will help prevent and identify when a tree becomes dangerous. Evaluating the seriousness of a trees condition is best done by a professional ISA Certified Arborist.
Get more info on Identifying Hazardous Trees.
