Why Hire a Certified Arborist for Tree Work? What Minnesota Homeowners Should Know

Not All Tree Services Are Created Equal

When you need tree work done, it might seem like any crew with a truck and a chainsaw can handle the job. But there's a significant difference between a general tree crew and a company with an ISA Certified Arborist on staff — and that difference can affect your trees' health, your property's value, and your family's safety for years to come.

What ISA Certification Actually Means

ISA stands for the International Society of Arboriculture, the leading professional organization for tree care worldwide. To earn ISA Certified Arborist credentials, a professional must:

This isn't a weekend certification course. It represents a deep, ongoing commitment to understanding tree science and best practices.

What Arborists Know That General Tree Crews May Not

A certified arborist brings knowledge that goes far beyond operating equipment:

Red Flags When Hiring Tree Services

Protect yourself by watching for these warning signs:

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Before you sign anything, ask these questions:

A reputable company will have no trouble answering these questions. If they dodge or deflect, move on.

Why It Matters for Your Trees' Long-Term Health

Trees are long-term investments. A mature oak or maple can add $10,000–20,000 to your property value. Poor tree work — a bad pruning cut, unnecessary removal, missed disease diagnosis — can undo decades of growth in a single afternoon.

Hiring a certified arborist means:

TreeTec's Credentials

At TreeTec, every job is overseen by Eric Wittenberg, ISA Certified Arborist. Eric's certification means our team doesn't just cut trees — we understand them. From health and risk assessments to pruning to complex removals, every decision is informed by arboricultural science and years of hands-on experience serving Minnesota homeowners.

You can learn more about our team and approach on our About page.

Get Tree Work Done Right the First Time

Your trees deserve better than a crew that just shows up with a chainsaw. Contact TreeTec today to work with an ISA Certified Arborist who will treat your trees — and your property — with the care they deserve.