Ask the Experts, Tree Care & Trimming Reasons to Hire a Certified Arborist February 14, 2023 You wouldn’t hire a dermatologist if you need knee surgery, and certainly, you will not choose a medical professional who wasn’t board-certified. You understand that getting treatment from someone without the proper credentials is very risky. Did you know that the same holds true when it comes to choosing a tree care professional? Learn more about the reasons why it’s important to choose a landscaping partner with Dallas arborists in their team. Certification: It matters Landscaping is not only an art; it is a science. Landscape architects and designers handle the design aspect, while on the science side are a couple of varying specialities, which include horticulturists, agronomists, and arborists. All these professionals offer a wealth of knowledge and experience, but those who specialize in tree care are arborists. Just like not all physicians are created equal, not all arborists are the same. This is why it’s important to find out if the tree professional you are about to hire is well-qualified, and holds the title ‘certified arborist.’ In the 1980s, the International Society of Arboriculture created the certification program to delegate arborists who meet specific requirements in terms of knowledge and experience, have passed the certification exam, and participate in the necessary amount of continuing education in order to sustain their certification. Reasons why hiring a certified arborist is worth it Of course, it may be more affordable to hire a person who is not certified to care for and maintain your trees; however, it will cost you in the long run. In terms of liability and safety, tree care is hazardous work. The use of incorrect techniques can endanger not only your property, but other people, and inflict damage to your trees that makes them susceptible to structural insecurity, as well as diseases and pests. In addition, a tree professional who is equipped with the proper training makes it easier to pinpoint potential concerns before they surface and give them the necessary care that can help prevent damage in the event of storms. Note that ‘licensed arborists’ are not synonymous with certified professionals. Being a licensed arborist means that the tree professional is able to meet the requirements of your state or municipality and has a permit to operate. To ensure adequate protection, your tree care professionals must be certified, licensed, and insured. Never put yourself or your property at risk Hiring an uncertified and unlicensed contractor to carry out tree maintenance can leave you and your property exposed to a lot of risks. Do not hesitate to ask for a tree care professional’s proof of insurance, license, as well as certification information. Surely, certified and licensed professionals will anticipate this and will happily share that information with you. The Southern Botanical Difference If you partner with Southern Botanical, you can always be confident that we have all the qualifications to do the job correctly and safely. Aside from having certified Dallas arborists in our team, we maintain the necessary insurance and licensing. We understand that our job is about more than just taking care of trees, so we never cut corners on safety.