About Foothill Tree Service Frequently Asked Questions

Healthy trees serve many purposes in your local community. A way to ensure your trees stay healthy is by hiring an arborist. Professional, trained arborists know how to properly maintain trees for the safety of the public and the health of the tree. 

Technically, anyone who works in trees can call themselves an "Arborist" - no matter their skill level. A Certified Aborist has to be able to prove they have worked for a number of years with trees, then be able to pass a detailed exam that provides a measurable assessment of an individual’s knowledge in the competencies needed for proper tree care.

"When a professional becomes an ISA Certified Arborist®, they should be recognized by their peers and the public as a tree care professional who has attained a generally accepted level of knowledge in areas such as tree biology, diagnosis, maintenance practices, safety, and other subject and practice areas within the tree care profession."

"They must also continue their education to maintain their certification. Therefore, they are more likely to be up to date on the latest techniques in arboriculture."

An Estimate serves the purpose of providing the homeowner with a description of the scope of work and the associated pricing for that work. While it's true that an Arborist shares valuable information about your property during their visit, a Consultation is much more involved than an estimate. A Consultation usually requires a Certified Arborist to deeply investigate a property for hours or days and typically results in developing a report that can be used for land development, permits, and other legal services.  

Consulting Arborists are the experts on trees and want to ensure the safety, health, and preservation of trees. We service a wide variety of clients, including property owners, contractors, attorneys, landscape architects, developers, engineers, other arborists, and more! We understand how our trees and the ecosystems in our area can impact the success of any project. We also combine the latest technologies with techniques to provide results in a timely and professional manner. This allows us to help others in the community and industry with expert witness services, technical tree care, development planning, and training. 

Selecting a Tree Service company can often seem overwhelming because there are so many companies to choose from with a variety of quality standards. However, you can hire with confidence by looking for a tree service company with the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) accredited company seal. 

TCIA develops safety and education programs, and standards of tree care practice for tree and landscape firms around the world. TCIA Accreditation is a consumer confidence program that helps clients find tree service companies in the tree care industry that have been inspected and accredited based on adherence to business ethics, technical competence, and consumer satisfaction. TCIA Accreditation gives customers a means of comparing the quality of service between companies in the tree care industry.

For Foothill Tree Service to become accredited by the TCIA, we had to undergo an extensive review of professional and tree service business practices aimed at protecting consumers. Our company was inspected and accredited for adherence to the TCIA code of ethics, best business practices, employing skilled personnel, meeting tree care industry standards for quality performance and safety, providing industry-standard written estimates, and employing certified arborists. 

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) exists so that professionals, allied professionals, public officials, and consumers worldwide recognize the economic, environmental, and societal benefits and values of trees and their care at a cost that demonstrates wise stewardship of resources. 

Research

ISA is focused on research and the dissemination of results to contribute to a world with healthier trees, sustainable communities, and a green economy.

Public Awareness

ISA is recognized by the public as the worldwide network for science-based information on the benefits and care of trees.

The public recognizes the value of trees, the need for proper tree care, and the benefits of trees to the environment.

Membership

ISA is a proactive, dynamic, and inclusive organization that provides for the needs of its diverse membership, resulting in engaged members that value the mission.

Professional Development

ISA is a cohesive, inclusive network of practitioners, scientists, and students that is recognized as the global source for arboricultural information and knowledge.

Promoting the Profession

Arborists are recognized as qualified, competent, and safe tree care professionals who are sought out by the public, government organizations, and other professions.

Safety

Professional tree care practitioners have the required knowledge, training, and expertise to perform proper tree care safely.

TCIA recognizes excellence in tree care companies  ISA certifies excellence in individual tree care professionals.