ISA Certified Arborist | Art's Tree Service Sarasota
Not every tree company has a certified arborist. Art's Tree Service does — and we bring that expertise to every estimate and consultation across Sarasota and Manatee County. Here is what ISA certification means and why it matters for your trees and your property.
What Is an ISA Certified Arborist?
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is the world's leading professional organization for tree care. Their Certified Arborist credential is the gold standard in the industry — earned by passing a comprehensive examination covering tree biology, soil science, pruning, diagnosis, risk assessment, and safe work practices.
To maintain certification, arborists must complete continuing education units (CEUs) every three years. This requirement keeps certified arborists current with the latest research in tree care, disease management, and industry safety standards.
ISA Certified Arborists follow ANSI A300, the American National Standard for tree care operations. This standard governs everything from the angle of a pruning cut to the proper method for removing a tree near a structure — ensuring your trees and property are protected by science, not guesswork.
6 Reasons ISA Certification Matters for Your Trees
Science-Based Tree Care
Certified arborists understand tree biology — how trees grow, how they respond to pruning, and how diseases spread. That knowledge prevents the kind of improper cuts that shorten a tree's life by decades.
Accurate Risk Assessment
Florida's hurricane season makes hazard trees a serious liability. A certified arborist can identify structural defects, root problems, and decay that untrained eyes miss — before a storm turns them into a claim.
ANSI A300 Standards
ISA Certified Arborists follow ANSI A300, the industry standard for tree care. This means proper pruning cuts, correct removal techniques, and practices that protect your soil and surrounding landscape.
Ongoing Education
Certification is not a one-time test. Certified arborists must earn continuing education units (CEUs) every three years to maintain their credential, keeping their knowledge current with the latest research.
Professional Accountability
ISA Certified Arborists are bound by a professional code of ethics and can have their credentials revoked for misconduct. That accountability protects you in a way that a general contractor's license does not.
Better Long-Term Value
Proper arboricultural care extends tree lifespans, maintains property values, and reduces the risk of costly emergency removals. The right cut at the right time saves thousands in the long run.
Verified. Active. On Every Project.
Art's Tree Service carries an active ISA Certified Arborist credential. You can verify this directly at treesaregood.org using certification number FL-9927A.
Francena Davis is the ISA Certified Arborist on staff at Art's Tree Service (Cert. #FL-9927A). That credential guides how we assess trees, plan removals, and recommend care, bringing professional knowledge of tree biology and safety to every recommendation we make.
ISA Certification FAQ
What is an ISA Certified Arborist?
An ISA Certified Arborist is a tree care professional who has passed a rigorous examination administered by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and maintains ongoing education requirements. Certification demonstrates knowledge of tree biology, diagnosis, pruning, risk assessment, and safe work practices.
Why should I hire an ISA Certified Arborist?
Hiring an ISA Certified Arborist ensures your trees are cared for by someone with verified knowledge and professional accountability. Certified arborists follow the ANSI A300 tree care standards, carry ongoing education requirements, and are bound by a professional code of ethics — protecting both your trees and your property.
Does Art's Tree Service have an ISA Certified Arborist on staff?
Yes. Art's Tree Service has an ISA Certified Arborist on staff: Francena Davis (Cert. #FL-9927A), issued by the International Society of Arboriculture.
What is the difference between a tree trimmer and a certified arborist?
A tree trimmer may have practical experience but no formal credential. An ISA Certified Arborist has passed a comprehensive exam covering tree biology, soil science, disease diagnosis, risk assessment, and industry safety standards. Certified arborists make science-based decisions that protect tree health and property safety.
Can I verify an arborist's ISA certification?
Yes. You can verify any ISA Certified Arborist's credential at treesaregood.org using their certification number. Art's Tree Service credential is #FL-9927A.
What services does an arborist consultation include?
An arborist consultation from Art's Tree Service includes a full on-site assessment of your trees' health, structure, and risk level; identification of disease, pest, or structural issues; and a written report with specific care recommendations. We also advise on which trees are worth saving and which pose a genuine hazard.
Get an Expert Opinion on Your Trees
Free on-site estimates across Sarasota and Manatee County. Every assessment is guided by Francena Davis, our ISA Certified Arborist (Cert. #FL-9927A).