There are many “green industry” companies that provide services from lawn mowing to tree care that claim they are qualified to provide tree care. Who is qualified to care for my trees and how can a company prove it? The gold standard is a Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) Accredited company and Steamboat Lightscapes is a TCIA Accredited company. An educated consumer is the best customer so we would like to take the opportunity to share the industry standards that define a qualified tree care provider.
The service provider should hold professional certifications in the service they will be providing you. They should also carry and be able to prove they have liability and workers compensation insurance.
There are two “classes’ of professional certifications; individual and company. For professional certifications, an individual must pass a test and accrue continuing education credits to maintain a certification or qualification for all of these organizations.
State of Colorado Department of Agriculture (https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/agplants/pesticide-applicator-certification-and-licensing-program ). The Sate of Colorado requires licensure of individuals and companies to apply pesticides in Colorado. There is a company license, supervisor licenses and individual licenses. Steamboat Lightscapess is licensed in Colorado and has; 6 Qualified Supervisors and 2 Certified Operators.
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) (https://www.isa-arbor.com/Credentials) The ISA offers individual membership to the organization as well professional competency certifications and qualifications to individuals practicing tree care. Examples of some of the certifications and qualifications include; Certified Tree Worker, Certified Arborist, Board Master Certified Arborist and Tree Risk Assessment Qualification. Steamboat Lightscapes has; 1 ISA Board Master Certified Arborist and 10 ISA Certified Arborists and 5 ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessors.
Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) (www.tcia.org). The TCIA offers professional and safety training and certifications for individuals and an Accreditation for tree care companies. Examples of training programs and certifications for individuals include; Arborist Apprenticeship Program and Certified Tree Safety Professional. Steamboat Lightscapes has 4 TCIA Certified Tree Care Safety Professionals.
TCIA Accreditation – The TCIA Accreditation program is a comprehensive third-party verification process that reviews tree care companies to ensure they meet stringent criteria for professionalism, training, state and federal safety regulations, business ethics and consumer satisfaction. All TCIA Accredited companies have undergone a comprehensive on-site audit of professional and business practices, aimed at safeguarding consumers. Highlights of the requirements are;
If you are an Steamboat Lightscapes customer, this knowledge should provide you a measure of comfort. If you are not, you can see we are dedicated to providing the highest quality tree care services and would welcome calling you a customer.