June 1, 2025 · Buffalo Tree Soldiers
Not everyone who owns a chainsaw is qualified to assess and care for trees. There's a meaningful difference between a general tree service crew and a crew that includes a certified arborist — and for certain kinds of tree work in Buffalo and Western New York, that difference matters a great deal. Here's what ISA certification means, when it counts, and how to check credentials before hiring for arborist and tree health services.
In this article
- What ISA certification actually means
- What certified arborists do that general crews don't
- When certification matters most
- How to verify credentials
- Common tree problems in Buffalo that benefit from arborist diagnosis
- Cost considerations
- Frequently asked questions
What ISA certification actually means
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist credential requires passing a comprehensive written examination covering tree biology, soil science, pruning theory and practice, tree identification, diagnosis of disease and pest problems, risk assessment, and tree and crew safety. Candidates must have three years of full-time experience in arboriculture before sitting the exam.
After certification, arborists must complete 30 continuing education units every three years to maintain their credential. This ongoing requirement means certified arborists stay current on new research, updated pruning standards, and new pest and disease threats — including the emerald ash borer, which has significantly affected the urban tree populations in Buffalo, Amherst, Cheektowaga, Tonawanda, West Seneca, and the entire Western New York region.
What certified arborists do that general crews may not
- Accurate diagnosis of tree diseases, structural defects, and pest infestations
- Formal tree risk assessments using established methods (ISA TRAQ)
- Pruning to ISA standards — including knowing what NOT to cut
- Recommendations on cabling, bracing, or soil treatment as alternatives to removal
- Expert witness testimony for legal or insurance disputes about tree value or hazard
- Accurate appraisal of tree value using established formulas
When certification matters most
For routine work like clearing obvious deadwood or removing a small dead tree, any licensed and insured tree service can do the job adequately. Certification matters most when the situation involves a judgment call: is this tree worth saving or should it come down? What's causing the tree to decline? Is this tree safe? Can it be stabilized? These questions require training that goes beyond tree-cutting skills.
Common Buffalo tree problems that benefit from arborist expertise
- Emerald ash borer infestation — treatment vs removal decision
- Silver maple structural failures — assessing crotch angles and decay extent
- Oak decline in older Elmwood and Delaware neighborhoods
- Root damage from construction or driveway installation
- Trees showing unexplained canopy thinning or branch dieback
- Large trees near foundations where removal risk needs careful assessment
How to verify credentials
The ISA maintains a free, publicly searchable directory at treesaregood.org/findanarborist. Enter a name or company and the certification status will be confirmed or denied. This takes two minutes and protects you from paying for credentials that don't exist.
Cost considerations
A formal written arborist assessment typically costs $50–$150. Many tree services include an informal arborist review as part of their free estimate process. The cost of an arborist opinion is almost always justified when the alternative is making a permanent decision — removal or treatment — on a tree that has significant value or that poses a meaningful risk. Certified arborists frequently recommend options that preserve trees and cost less than removal.
Learn more about our arborist and tree health services in Buffalo, Amherst, Cheektowaga, Tonawanda, West Seneca, and surrounding areas, or contact us to schedule an assessment.
Related reading: 7 signs a tree needs to be removed and how to choose a tree service in Buffalo NY — both pair well with this article. Also, see how our tree trimming and pruning service uses ISA pruning standards on every job.
Frequently asked questions
What is an ISA Certified Arborist?
An ISA Certified Arborist has passed a comprehensive exam on tree biology, diagnosis, pruning, risk assessment, and care practices, and must complete continuing education to maintain certification. You can verify any arborist's certification at treesaregood.org/findanarborist.
When should I specifically hire a certified arborist?
For health diagnosis, structural pruning decisions, risk assessments, and when you need an expert opinion on whether a tree should be removed or saved — a certified arborist is the right choice. For straightforward removal of clearly dead trees, a licensed and insured tree service is generally adequate.
