Why Hire an ISA Certified Arborist in Calgary?
Tree care goes far beyond trimming branches. It’s about ensuring the safety of your property, protecting your family, and preserving the long-term health of Calgary’s urban forest. The best way to achieve this is by hiring an ISA Certified Arborist—a professional who meets international standards for tree care, safety, and ethics.
Unfortunately, many homeowners are tempted to hire uncertified contractors or attempt DIY tree work themselves. While it may look like a way to save money, the risks are high and the long-term costs often much greater.
What is an ISA Certified Arborist?
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is the global authority on arboricultural standards. An ISA Certified Arborist has:
Passed rigorous exams covering tree biology, pruning, risk assessment, and safe work practices.
Committed to ongoing education, staying up to date on the latest science and standards.
Agreed to follow ethical guidelines for professional tree care.
When you hire an ISA Certified Arborist, you’re working with someone who has the knowledge, training, and experience to manage trees correctly and safely.
Why Calgary Homeowners Need Certified Expertise
Calgary’s climate poses unique challenges that uncertified contractors often overlook:
Harsh Winters – Cold temperatures and heavy snow place stress on branches and roots.
Chinook Winds – Rapid freeze-thaw cycles cause cracks in bark and wood, increasing structural risks.
Drought Conditions – Dry summers weaken root systems, making trees more vulnerable to pests.
City Bylaws – Calgary enforces strict tree regulations, including elm pruning restrictions (only allowed between October 1 and March 31 to prevent Dutch Elm Disease).
Certified arborists understand these local factors and ensure tree care complies with both science and law.
The Dangers of Uncertified or DIY Tree Work
Tree care is consistently ranked among the most dangerous professions in the world. Without training and equipment, attempting it yourself—or hiring an unqualified contractor—puts both safety and property at risk.
Common mistakes include:
Topping Trees – Cutting the top off to reduce height weakens structure, causes rapid, unsafe regrowth, and shortens lifespan.
Improper Cuts – Flush cuts, stubs, or random branch removal create wounds that invite decay and disease.
Spread of Pests and Disease – Incorrect timing or contaminated tools can spread infections like black knot fungus across your yard.
Unsafe Practices – Using ladders with chainsaws, cutting branches under tension, or working near power lines often leads to serious injuries or fatalities.
Every year, homeowners are hospitalized attempting their own removals. Chainsaw injuries, ladder falls, and electrocution are all common risks. What looks like saving money can quickly turn into costly medical bills, property damage, or even lawsuits if something goes wrong.
The Benefits of Hiring an ISA Certified Arborist
When you hire a Certified Arborist, you’re paying for more than tree trimming—you’re paying for safety, professionalism, and peace of mind.
Benefits include:
Proper Pruning – Cuts made in the right place, at the right time, to encourage healthy growth and long-term strength.
Safe Removals – Specialized rigging, climbing, and equipment to control where limbs fall—preventing damage to roofs, fences, or vehicles.
Risk Assessments (TRAQ) – Certified arborists with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification provide science-based evaluations of tree stability.
Disease and Pest Management – Correct identification of issues like aphids, spider mites, or black knot, with safe and effective treatment options.
Insurance Coverage – Certified professionals carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation, protecting homeowners from financial risk.
Compliance with Calgary Bylaws – Avoiding fines or penalties by following local rules on tree removals, pruning, and seasonal restrictions.
With a Certified Arborist, you don’t have to worry about hidden risks—the job is done right the first time.
Tree Care as a Long-Term Investment
Your trees are living assets that increase property value, provide shade, and enhance curb appeal. A healthy mature tree can add thousands of dollars to a home’s resale price, while neglected or damaged trees can become expensive liabilities.
Regular maintenance from a Certified Arborist ensures trees remain assets instead of risks. Just as you wouldn’t trust an unlicensed contractor to repair your roof or electrical system, you shouldn’t trust your trees—one of the most valuable features of your property—to just anyone.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Cut Corners on Tree Care
Tree care isn’t just about appearances—it’s about safety, property protection, and environmental stewardship.
Hiring an ISA Certified Arborist ensures your trees are cared for by a professional who is trained, insured, and committed to international standards of safety and health.
Uncertified contractors or DIY attempts may cost less upfront, but the risks—unsafe cuts, disease spread, property damage, or serious injuries—make them far more expensive in the long run.
Your trees are living investments. Protect them—and yourself—by choosing a certified professional every time.
