Arborists make a career of caring for trees in urban and suburban landscapes. They work for companies commonly referred to as tree experts, tree services, tree care, arborists, tree specialists, and others. Here are few tips for selecting a company to work with your trees:

• Determine what problem(s) or concerns you would like the arborist to solve.
• Determine if the arborist is certified with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) in Atlanta, GA (See: ISA website). Certified arborists must pass a written test and maintain certification by regularly attending classes. Membership in organizations is useful, but no tests or training are required for membership. Members simply pay dues to belong.
• Avoid arborists who advertise they top trees. Ask the arborist if they will top your trees. If they say yes, don't use them. What is topping?
• Have more than one arborist look at the job and get a written proposal specifying the work to be done. Consider paying an arborist to write specifications so you can give them to the prospective companies.
• Ask for and check local references.
• Ask them what the ANSI A300 pruning standards and the ANSI Z133 safety standards are. Ask if their practices will be following the standard.
• Beware of an arborist who suggests removal of living trees. Removal of living trees is sometimes necessary, but should be considered the last resort after all other options have been considered.
• Ask for verification of personal and property liability insurance and worker's compensation.
• Low price is a poor gauge of a quality arborist. Often the better ones are more expensive because of more specialized equipment, more professional training, and insurance costs.
• Arborists practicing arboriculture in Florida are not licensed. Know if your municipality requires a specific license or certification for providing arboriculture services.