Looking for advice. ISA cert?

A

Austin Montgomery

Location
Zanesville
Should I go for an ISA certification? Or other training?

Heres my situation. I am a 20 year old business owner. I run AtoZ Mowing and Tree Service. for the past couple of years I have been growing the tree service aspect of my business into a respectable size. I dont have any hands on training, but ive watched every video online and would practice rigging techniques in my back yard till I got pretty good at it. Ive been taking on jobs over the past 2 years and am slowing getting more and more confident in the tree. Ive got probably 50 trees under my belt at this point. I do SRT, false crotch, natural crotch, lots of felling, man lifts, ect. we use proper PPE and safe methods.

So my point is, should i go for any type of certification? Should I look for hands on training? I pick up on skills pretty fast and have learned in the past that some certifications don't always teach me new things. Anyways thanks for your time!

Climb safe
 
Austin Montgomery said:
Should I go for an ISA certification? Or other training?

Heres my situation. I am a 20 year old business owner. I run AtoZ Mowing and Tree Service. for the past couple of years I have been growing the tree service aspect of my business into a respectable size. I dont have any hands on training, but ive watched every video online and would practice rigging techniques in my back yard till I got pretty good at it. Ive been taking on jobs over the past 2 years and am slowing getting more and more confident in the tree. Ive got probably 50 trees under my belt at this point. I do SRT, false crotch, natural crotch, lots of felling, man lifts, ect. we use proper PPE and safe methods.

So my point is, should i go for any type of certification? Should I look for hands on training? I pick up on skills pretty fast and have learned in the past that some certifications don't always teach me new things. Anyways thanks for your time!

Climb safe
Click to expand...
Absolutely, if for anything to help you grow and learn.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
100% yes. And pick up some good books too. ISA website has many but $$$. Look online for used ones.
A great starting point is a college intro to botany text. Start with the cell and work your way through up to the entire tree organism.
 
First off, yes, get certified. But, I'm curious when you say you've got 50 trees under your belt. Doing what, removing them? If you want to actually run a tree service then there is so much more to learn than just the technical aspects of dismantling a tree. As JD said, get some books. Botany is good but arboriculture is better. Entomology, mycology, soil science, tree biology, urban green infrastructure, tree biomechanics, pruning practices, etc… This is not a simple field by any stretch of the imagination. Let's not forget physics, math, business administration, sales methodology, human resource management…..
 
Not wanting to hijack this thread but 1 quick ISA related question. Do I join it first then the local chapter or is it the other way? Thanks
 
I did both when I passed CA exam.

See about scholarships available from your local or regional chapter that cover cost of exam, travel, book , etc. Ohio Chapter offers it so maybe others do too. Many dont fill out the scholarship forms because they think they dont have a chance of getting them. I basically paid for college by filling out every damn form I could find. Give it a whirl Austin!
 
Not to rain on anyone's parade, but ISA has gotten picky about three years minimum in the industry. Candidates must show proof of employment and business owners have to show invoicing. Yeah, it is a bit big brother, but it is there to ensure experience in the industry.
 
I would recommend some arbormaster training, or NATS. Also, what is your time line? I would really try to get as much expose to rigging, removal, crane work, pruning, planting, as possible.
Your certification will allow you to sell more work because you will see what needs to be done on the property. But if you do not have the skills to do the job...kinda pointless.
 
I would say yes get certified but now that you may be discouraged I think you should still get chapter and international membership asap. It's really reasonable for what you get. That way you get the two magazines as well to learn from and stay updated. Get certified in time perhaps. If you look professional AND are professional then your reputation is good, especially if you know when to say 'I don't know, call this guy, or that Guy'. ISA may have a few glitches but it's pretty darn good and all we've really got. Good point JD3000. A botany book is recommendable as it's probably less considered among growing arbs. It's a way of zooming out before zooming in. The Harris and Clark book you mention is possibly the one book you could have but the botany book first could be helpful. Arbormaster courses cost a lot where I live so maybe consider what oldoakman said and work for a reputable company who practices arboriculture on a broad spectrum. Find a company who does pruning more than 10% of the time. Removal can teach you a lot but pruning is like another ball game. Biology vs demolition. As a redtree obnoxious side note, remember the last word in the title of the standard textbook. Vines. Why the hell don't we utilize this beautiful world of greenery that we mostly consider a nuisance? Sure, it mostly is a nuisance but how many arbs work with and recommend planting vines. Walls fences. Think about urban settings.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
McCullough's has a branch in Zanesville. Be a good starting point for asking questions and getting some positive experience.
 
I'd focus on staying alive and unmaimed in the tree. Google top ten ways to kill or injure yourself in a tree. I'm 3.5 years in and got away, early on, with a small "circle of death" incident with a sideways 5" thick live oak branch peeling out and expanding inside my lanyard. Stuff like that is extremely important to know, backwards and forwards.

The ISA certification is marketable, so I think you should get it if you are eligible.
 
Go to your local chapter conference. Or international if it's viable. even just a day if that's all you can. Don't need membership or certification. Some people think it's a who's who game but who cares. It's also an update in arboriculture and a great opportunity to talk with other arborists. Lots of friendly people every time. Certified definitely a good goal and show of commitment though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

New threads New posts

Back
Top Bottom