Green Thumbs and Green Flags: Why Your Landscaping Company Needs a Certified Arborist

Landscaping is a diverse, multifaceted job that requires a comprehensive approach to be truly successful. It may seem simple–a little dirt here, some pretty flowers there–but in reality, it takes strategy, expertise, and a big dose of consistency to create and maintain a stunning property in Tampa Bay.

At Landcrafters, we have over 25 years of experience transforming properties in the Tampa area, and it’s not by chance. It’s because we’re more than a landscaping company; we’re a carefully assembled team of passionate experts who feel more like family than coworkers.

One of our key team members, Elizabeth Pelletier (ISA Member on staff), is not only a landscaping superstar, she’s also an award-winning arborist. As such, she’s the perfect person to explain the value of a certified arborist (and she deserves a little time in the spotlight, too).

Why You Should Opt for an Arborist When Hiring a Landscaping Company

With many landscaping companies offering standard “mow, blow, and go” services, it’s fair to question why you should work with a Tampa Bay landscaper who offers more expertise. The answer is simple: specialization.

Elizabeth puts it like this: opting for a landscaping company that has an arborist that is certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is like “going to see your primary care doctor versus going to see a specialist heart doctor. Both can help, but having an arborist on staff can ensure an accurate diagnosis, provide timely proactive care, and ensure that the company is following proper safety practices and environmentally sustainable practices."

So, what exactly is a certified arborist, and what are the benefits to customers? We’re glad you asked!

What is a Certified Arborist?

Before we can dive into the practical advantages of working with a certified arborist and how it benefits you and your landscape, we need to define exactly what a certified arborist is and does.

There are multiple forms of certification that you should be aware of when choosing a landscaping company in Tampa Bay, especially if you have tree and shrub work that needs to be done. After all, that is what arborists specialize in–keeping trees and other woody plants as healthy and safe as possible.

Here are the certifications you should look for when selecting a landscaping company:

• ISA-Certified Arborist. This essentially designates an expert as a “tree doctor.” It requires rigorous training and a comprehensive exam to achieve. An ISA-certified arborist demonstrates expertise in tree health, biology, pruning, and safety. This allows them to make informed decisions to ensure trees remain healthy, beautiful, and safe while living longer.
• Florida-Friendly Landscaping Certification (FFL). Florida has a unique climate, and this program guarantees that the certified expert is trained in creating and maintaining landscapes that thrive in it. From saving water and reducing reliance on chemicals to choosing the right plants and attracting local wildlife, FFL-certified experts know how to landscape efficiently and manage pests naturally.
• GI-BMP Certified Instructor. There are strict rules in Florida when it comes to fertilizing and landscaping. This certification means that we’re qualified to teach others about these guidelines, which is a true testament to our commitment to landscaping excellence. With an emphasis on safety and environmentally responsible practices, this certification saves you from fines while helping your landscape thrive.
• FNGLA Certified Horticulture Professional (FCHP). This certification relates directly to hands-on expertise. It is applied practically by knowing which plants will flourish on your property, avoiding costly mistakes, and helping your landscape (and all its plants) experience long-term success.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture. This is the foundation of it all, in some ways. It provides a scientific backdrop to everything we do, giving us a university-level understanding of plants, how they grow, how the environment affects them, and so on. It is essential to identifying issues, determining how to solve them, and create stunning, sustainable landscapes along the way. 

Why Hire a Landscaping Company with an ISA-Certified Arborist?

Degrees and certifications may mean a lot on paper, but how do they translate to real life? Why should you seek out a company that has a certified (and award-winning) arborist?

Elizabeth explains why working with a certified arborist is so important. “An arborist’s expertise and knowledge is verifiable.” In other words, it takes the guesswork out of finding someone who is qualified to work on your trees and woody plants.

She continues, “ISA has a very strict code of ethics we have to follow, or our credentials can be revoked. We also are required to participate in continuing education, so we stay up to date on the latest research, techniques, and advancements in the industry.”

Additionally, “Arborists are trained to identify hazards and risks and follow safe work practices, which equals reduced liability for the client.”

If you’re looking for a green flag, finding a certified arborist is the ultimate peace of mind. From employing the latest and most efficient techniques to ensuring your property (and the people working on it) remains safe, you can rest assured that you are in good hands when the landscaping company you choose has an arborist with certifications.

How a Certified Arborist Benefits You

Before someone can become a certified arborist, they must undergo extensive training and pass a rigorous exam that proves they have mastered all aspects of arboriculture. Elizabeth lists just a few of the areas of expertise that are covered by this exam, including “tree biology, soil science, pest and disease identification, pruning techniques, risk assessment, and safe work practices.”

How does this translate to your landscape?

“A big payoff to the customer is peace of mind knowing that they are working with a company that will be proactive and implement preventative measures when working on their trees–making proper cuts to speed tree recovery, removing dead wood from a tree to minimize risk, and educating customers and employees on proper pruning techniques” (to name a few).

In the end, all of this translates to healthier landscapes, enhanced curb appeal, safer working and living conditions, more sustainable landscaping practices, cost-saving efficiency, and more!

Landcrafters: Tampa Bay’s Landscaping Dream Team

With over 25 years of helping clients bring their dream landscapes to life, we pride ourselves on putting people first. Elizabeth is the perfect example of the excellence we encourage, and we’re proud to call her part of the Landcrafters family.

If you’d like to learn more about our team, our culture, and how we can transform your Tampa Bay property, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Whether you give us a call or fill out the form below, one of our passionate landscaping professionals will be happy to help.