Guide for Choosing the Right Arborist
Tree-friendly development is an integral part of any urban construction consulting firm, and it can be achieved by seeking the services of the best arborists in the industry. It is because trees in urban green spaces need protection, and removal requires a permit that can only be accepted if it comes from a certified arborist. However, as most start-up urban development firms soon find out, shopping for the right arborist is a challenging task. It can be attributed to the fact that there are so many certified arborists in any locality providing a myriad of services. Therefore, selecting an arborist that suits your needs is critical in complying with local authority laws. This article gives an overview of some of the most common arborist credentials and their scope of work.
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
It is considered the entry-level certification for an arborist. The reason is that for an arborist to qualify to sit for an ISA certification exam, they must have three years of experience in related fields such as landscape architecture or nursery work. As an entry-level certification, an ISA-certified arborist does not specialise in a specific area. The scope of work includes, but is not limited to, tree biology, soil profiling, pruning, risk assessment of different tree species, protection during development and safe work practices. Maintaining ISA certification requires the completion of continuing education to keep up to date with industry developments. Therefore, if you are looking for an arborist for a non-specialized project, then you should look no further than an ISA certified arborist.
Tree Risk Assessment Qualification
Urban development consultation service providers are supposed to ensure populated areas are risk-free from falling trees. Tree risk assessment is critical to accomplishing certain undertakings, and the best arborist to hire for such projects is one that holds a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification. An ISA-certified arborist can only undertake the TRAQ certification since it is a specialised field of arboriculture. Although it is a two-day course, it is a high-intensity program that involves assessment of both practical and theoretical perspectives. If your current project must factor risk assessment of trees in a green space, then hire an arborist with the TRAQ certification.
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist
An ISA Board Certified Master Arborist is a highly qualified arborist with years of experience in tree knowledge and professional judgment. For one to qualify, they must have practised as a certified arborist for no less than seven years. It is, therefore, the highest level certification that an arborist can attain, and holders boast of superior credentials. As the most senior level certification, a BCMA holder has excellent proficiency in the science, practice and management of arboriculture. For instance, if you need an arborist that can assess trees in high-risk environments such as near electrical lines, then a BCMA holder is the appropriate choice.
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