Why Hiring a Professional Tree Care Company with Certified Arborists Matters

Great Western Tree Care – An Arborist’s Guide for Homeowners

Most homeowners call a tree service company when a tree becomes a problem—after a storm, when roots start lifting pavement, or when branches threaten the roof. But the truth is, tree care is a science, and the health of your trees affects your property long before issues become visible. That’s why hiring a professional tree care company staffed with certified arborists is one of the smartest choices you can make for your home, your trees, and your safety.

As certified arborists, our job is more than cutting branches. We study how trees grow, respond to stress, interact with soil, fight disease, and age over time. That knowledge protects your biggest living assets.

What Is a Certified Arborist?

A certified arborist is a trained tree care professional who has met specific industry standards, passed a comprehensive examination in tree biology, safety, diagnosis, and best practices, and maintains ongoing education.

In simple terms:
Any company can cut a tree. A certified arborist understands what the tree needs.

The difference shows in how your trees respond after the work is done. Proper pruning helps trees grow stronger and healthier. Poor pruning or cutting corners can weaken the tree permanently—leading to decay, structural problems, and safety risks.

Why Proper Tree Care Requires Expertise

Trees are complex living organisms. They don’t heal like people do. Once a branch is cut, that cut impacts the tree’s structure, health, and future growth. A certified arborist understands:

• How pruning affects long-term stability
• Which limbs pose real hazards versus natural shape
• When a tree can be saved instead of removed
• How soil, grading, and compaction affect root health
• Symptoms of disease or pest problems
• Local species and how they respond to storms and stress

This knowledge protects your trees and your property investment. Removing the wrong limb or topping trees for quick results may make a tree look “controlled,” but it often shortens its lifespan dramatically.

Safety Matters—For You and Your Property

Tree work is extremely dangerous. Chainsaws, heavy equipment, heights, and unpredictable tree movement mean a small mistake can lead to serious injury or property damage. Professional companies with certified arborists follow industry safety protocols, use proper equipment, and carry appropriate insurance.

When a homeowner hires a bargain tree cutter with no certification, they take on the risk themselves—even if they don’t realize it.

A professional team will:

• Provide proof of insurance
• Follow industry safety standards (ANSI A300, Z133)
• Use trained crews, not day labor
• Secure your property during work
• Clean the site thoroughly

A tree is never worth a risk to your family or home.

Long-Term Savings Through Smart Decisions

Homeowners often choose the lowest price for tree work without understanding how improper care leads to bigger costs later—removals, property damage, pest infestations, dead trees, or emergency calls.

Certified arborists focus on:

• Preserving trees when possible
• Planning long-term pruning strategies
• Identifying problems early
• Reducing storm failure risks
• Maintaining tree value and beauty

Healthy mature trees increase property value, reduce cooling bills, prevent soil erosion, and add privacy. Treating them as investments—not disposable landscaping—pays for itself many times over.

Signs You’re Choosing a Professional Arborist

Here’s what to look for when choosing a tree care provider:

✔ Certified Arborist credentials
(Ask to see an ISA certification number.)

✔ Proper insurance and safety standards
Avoid anyone who won’t provide documentation.

✔ Clear diagnosis and explanation
They should be able to tell you why they recommend each action.

✔ No “topping” or aggressive shortcuts
These are red flags for bad practices.

✔ Professional equipment and crew
Safety gear, ropes, proper rigging—not just a chainsaw.

Your Trees Deserve Expert Care

Trees take decades to grow, but only moments to damage. As arborists, we are trained to make decisions that protect that time, beauty, and value. When you hire a professional company with certified arborists, you’re not just paying for someone to cut branches—you’re investing in expertise, science-based care, and safety.

If you care about the trees on your property, take the extra step to work with trained professionals. Your landscape, your home, and future generations of your trees will thank you.