Last updated: March 28, 2026 | By Carlos Mendez, ISA Certified Arborist
When your trees need attention, you will encounter two types of providers: certified arborists and general tree service companies. While there is overlap, they offer different expertise and are suited to different situations. Understanding the distinction helps you hire the right professional for your specific tree care needs.
What Is a Certified Arborist?
A certified arborist is a tree care professional who has passed a comprehensive examination administered by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and maintains their certification through continuing education. Arborists are trained in tree biology, pathology, soil science, pruning science, risk assessment, and preservation.
Arborists are the right choice when you need a tree health diagnosis (disease identification and treatment recommendations), a risk assessment for a potentially hazardous tree, a tree preservation plan for construction projects, expert pruning that considers the tree long-term health and structure, tree appraisals for insurance or legal purposes, and fertilization, pest management, or soil improvement recommendations.
Think of a certified arborist as a tree doctor — they diagnose problems, recommend treatments, and provide science-based care plans. An arborist consultation typically costs $100 to $300 and provides expert analysis that can save you thousands in avoided mistakes.
What Is a Tree Service Company?
A tree service company is a business that provides tree-related labor — removal, trimming, stump grinding, and cleanup. Some tree service companies employ certified arborists, but many do not. Tree service companies are the right choice when you need tree or limb removal, stump grinding, storm damage cleanup, routine trimming and maintenance, lot clearing, and emergency response for fallen trees.
A quality tree service company carries proper insurance (liability and worker compensation), uses professional equipment, follows ANSI A300 pruning standards, and employs trained, experienced crew members even if they are not all ISA certified.
Red Flags to Watch For
Regardless of which type of provider you contact, avoid any company that recommends topping trees (cutting main branches back to stubs). This practice is universally condemned by tree care professionals and causes long-term damage. Avoid companies that cannot show proof of insurance, ask for full payment upfront, use climbing spikes on trees they are pruning (spikes wound the tree and should only be used during removals), or are not willing to explain their recommendations in terms you can understand.
When You Need Both
For complex situations, the ideal approach may involve both an arborist and a tree service company. An arborist provides the diagnosis and care plan, while a tree service company executes the physical work. Some situations that benefit from this approach include large-scale pruning projects where the arborist specifications ensure proper work, tree preservation during construction where the arborist monitors compliance, and decision-making about whether to treat or remove a declining tree.
Choosing the Right Provider
Ask for ISA certification numbers and verify them on the ISA website. Request proof of insurance and verify coverage with the insurer. Get references from recent clients with similar tree care needs. Obtain written proposals that clearly describe the work to be performed. Compare at least three estimates, being cautious of quotes significantly lower than the rest.
At Landscaper Team, our certified arborists and experienced tree care crews work together to provide both expert advice and professional execution. Whether you need a consultation, routine maintenance, or emergency removal, contact us for comprehensive tree care you can trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a tree needs to be removed?
Trees should be evaluated for removal when they show signs of significant decay, have large dead branches overhanging structures, display fungal growth at the base, lean dramatically, or have roots damaging foundations and sidewalks. Storm-damaged trees with split trunks or major limb loss may also be unsafe. A certified arborist can assess the tree health and recommend the safest course of action for your property.
When is the best time to trim or prune trees?
Most deciduous trees are best pruned during late winter or early spring while still dormant, as this promotes vigorous new growth and reduces disease risk. Dead or hazardous branches should be removed immediately regardless of season. Flowering trees should be pruned shortly after blooming to preserve next year flowers. Avoid heavy pruning during late summer and fall when trees are preparing for dormancy.
Is tree removal covered by homeowner insurance?
Homeowner insurance typically covers tree removal when the tree falls due to a covered event like a storm, lightning, or wind and damages an insured structure. If a healthy tree falls on your lawn without damaging any structures, removal costs are usually the homeowner responsibility. Dead or diseased trees that fall may not be covered if the insurer determines neglected maintenance contributed to the failure.