What it means to Be an ISA Certified Arborist

We’re proud to announce that Christopher “Cody” Cook, one of the founding partners here at Prime Time Tree Service, has officially earned his credential as a ISA Certified Arborist. It’s a milestone we take seriously and one that directly benefits every customer we work with.

So, What Actually Is an ISA Certified Arborist?

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is the leading credentialing body for tree care professionals worldwide. Becoming ISA Certified isn’t a formality, it requires:

• Verified field experience. Candidates must document a minimum of three years of full-time, practical experience in professional arboriculture (or a combination of experience and formal horticultural/forestry education).
• A rigorous exam. The certification exam covers tree biology, soil science, pruning practices, tree risk assessment, diagnosis and treatment of pests and disease, and safe work practices. The test, 200 questions pulled from real-world scenarios, not just textbook theory.
• Ongoing education. Certification isn’t a one-time badge. Arborist must complete continuing education credits every three years to stay certified, which means staying current as best practices, safety standards, and treatment methods evolve.

In short: an ISA Certified Arborist has proven through testing and tracked experience, that they understand how trees grow, how they fail, and how to work on them safely and correctly.

Why This Matters to You

Anyone can call themselves a “tree guy” or a “tree service.” There’s no license required in most places to pick up a chainsaw and call it a business. That’s exactly why the ISA credential matters It’s an objective, third-party standard that separates trained professionals from the unqualified operators.

When you hire a company with an ISA Certified Arborist on staff, you’re getting:

• Better diagnosis. A certified arborist can identify disease, structural weakness, or root problems before they become expensive or dangerous.
• Safer outcomes. Proper technique protects your property, your family, and our crews.
• Long-term tree health, not just quick removal. Certified arborists are trained to recommend what’s actually best for the tree and the landscape, not just the fastest job.

A Milestone for Our Team

This certification reflects the standard we hold ourselves to at Prime Time Tree Service. As we continue to grow, having ISA Certified Arborists on our team means our customers get expertise that’s been tested and verified, not just promised.

If you have questions about tree health, risk assessment, or care recommendations for your property, don’t’ hesitate to reach out. It’s exactly the kind of questions our certified team is trained to answer.

Want to learn more about ISA certification standards? Visit isa-arbor.com.