If you’ve ever looked up at a towering tree in your yard and thought, “I should probably do something about that,” but weren’t sure who to call, you are not alone. Many people aren’t exactly sure what an arborist does, or how they differ from landscapers. At Arbor Care Tree Specialists, we believe it’s important to understand what sets professional arborists apart, especially when it comes to protecting your trees, your property, and your investment.
Arborists vs. Landscapers: What’s the Difference?
At a glance, arborists and landscapers might seem like they’re doing the same kind of work. But here’s the key difference: landscapers operate at ground level, maintaining lawns, flower beds, and ornamental shrubs. Arborists, on the other hand, are trained to climb, access, and care for trees at all levels—from root crown to canopy.
Certified arborists use specialized climbing equipment, aerial lifts, and sometimes cranes to perform tasks that go far beyond basic yard maintenance. Whether it’s pruning large limbs, diagnosing disease, or removing hazardous trees, arborists are trained for precision and safety where it matters most: up in the trees.
What Makes a Certified Arborist?
The title “arborist” isn’t regulated the way other professional titles are. Anyone with a saw and a ladder can call themselves a tree professional. But a Certified Arborist has taken it further. Arborists certified through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) have passed rigorous exams covering tree biology, safety, pruning standards, risk assessment, and more.
The ISA offers several credentialing paths, including:
- ISA Certified Arborist®
- ISA Certified Tree Worker Climber Specialist™
- ISA Certified Arborist Utility Specialist™
- ISA Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist®
- Board Certified Master Arborist® (the highest level)
Unlike many contractors who may only need a CCB (Construction Contractors Board) license and insurance to operate, certified arborists commit to ongoing education, uphold ANSI A300 pruning standards, and must earn continuing education credits (CEUs) to maintain their credentials every three years. This blend of hands-on experience and up-to-date knowledge is what makes certified arborists truly stand out.
Why Hiring a Certified Arborist Matters
Trees are often viewed as background scenery or just another part of the landscape, but they’re so much more. They provide oxygen, cool your home, absorb storm water, shelter wildlife, and increase property value by as much as 15% when well maintained. But to deliver those benefits, trees need proper care.
Hiring a certified arborist ensures:
- Trees are pruned using science-backed methods
- Removals are done safely with minimal property impact
- Disease and pest issues are diagnosed accurately
- Root health and soil conditions are addressed holistically
Perhaps most importantly, working with a certified arborist reduces your risk. Improper pruning, dangerous removals, and poor tree care can lead to costly damage, safety hazards, or the premature loss of a valuable tree.
Arbor Care Tree Specialists:
Certified, Experienced, Local Since 2004, Arbor Care Tree Specialists has served the North Oregon Coast and SW Washington region with integrity and professionalism. Our founder, Luke Colvin, became an ISA Certified Arborist early in his career, and has continued to build a team committed to the highest standards in tree care.
We are proud to be home to the only ISA Board Certified Master Arborist on the North Oregon Coast and Southwest Washington Coast. This credential reflects not only decades of field experience, but also a commitment to continuing education, leadership, and excellence in arboriculture.
Whether you need expert pruning, storm damage cleanup, or a consultation to check the health of your trees, you can trust our team to deliver science-based, safety-focused service.
Ready to Work with an Arborist You Can Trust?
Tree care isn’t a weekly chore like mowing the lawn. Tree Care is a long-term relationship between your landscape and the people who know how to care for it. We recommend scheduling an annual check-up or calling after major weather events to keep your trees healthy and safe year-round.
Contact Us Here to schedule a consultation or learn more about our Tree Pruning, Tree Removal, or Tree Consulting Services.
Your trees deserve more than guesswork. They deserve a certified expert.