The tree care industry has no universal licensing requirement. In most states, including Illinois, anyone can legally start a tree service and begin working on trees. This means the quality of tree care available ranges from highly skilled, credentialed professionals to individuals who have watched a few YouTube videos and bought a chainsaw.
For homeowners, distinguishing between these extremes matters — both for the health of your trees and for your own safety. The ISA Certified Arborist credential is the most widely recognized professional standard in the industry.
What ISA Certification Means
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) administers the Certified Arborist program. To become certified, a candidate must have at least three years of full-time, hands-on experience in arboriculture, pass a comprehensive written examination covering tree biology, diagnosis, pruning, soil science, safety, and risk assessment, and maintain the credential through ongoing continuing education.
The exam is not easy — it tests genuine knowledge of tree biology and arboricultural science, not just practical skills. Certified Arborists are also required to abide by a code of ethics.
What ISA Board Certified Master Arborist Means
The ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) designation is the highest credential available in the profession. Requirements include:
- A minimum of five years of practical experience
- An existing ISA Certified Arborist credential
- Passing an advanced, more rigorous examination
- Ongoing continuing education requirements
Fewer than 2% of arborists worldwide hold this designation. When Wayne White founded Emerald Tree Care, his commitment to education and expertise was central to the company's identity — and having team members at the BCMA level means our clients get advice grounded in deep scientific knowledge, not just field experience.
Tony T. in Palatine said it plainly: "I was blown away by the amount of knowledge these guys have." That knowledge base comes from decades of study, experience, and a genuine commitment to continuing education in arboriculture.
TRAQ: Tree Risk Assessment Qualification
Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) is a separate, specialized credential administered by the ISA for arborists who perform formal tree risk assessments. TRAQ-qualified arborists are trained in the ANSI A300 Part 9 standard for tree risk assessment and follow a structured methodology for evaluating and documenting risk.
This credential matters when you need a defensible, documented risk assessment — for insurance purposes, legal proceedings, or before making a high-stakes decision about a large tree.
Red Flags When Hiring Tree Services
- No ISA credentials — or cannot provide certification numbers for verification
- Recommends topping as a solution to any problem
- Door-to-door solicitation after a storm ("storm chasers")
- Cannot provide proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage
- Unusually low bids with vague scope of work
- Asks to be paid in full before work begins
- Cannot explain why they're recommending a specific treatment or approach
What to Ask Before Hiring
Ask to see ISA certification numbers and verify them at the ISA's online lookup tool. Ask whether the company carries liability insurance and workers' compensation (get proof in writing). Ask for a written proposal before work begins. And trust your gut — if the person recommending work can't explain why it's necessary or seems to be pushing unnecessary services, find someone else.
Sue S. in Hinsdale put it simply: "Wayne is the 'go-to' guy for tree care." That reputation comes from honest assessments, certified expertise, and genuine care for the trees and clients we serve. Contact Emerald Tree Care to schedule an evaluation with our team.
