Journeyman Arborists
What is a “Certified Arborist”?
Certified Arborists
A certified arborist is someone who has specifically passed the ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) exam after meeting certain educational requirements.
In order to maintain their credentials, certified aborists continue their education through webinars, seminars, and further ongoing professional development.
There are different types of specialties within this field, such as becoming a consulting arborist, doing risk assessment, or even getting into state forestry.
All arborists must also adhere to an ethical code of conduct and stay up to date with industry practices and certifications.
Journeyman Arborists
While a journeyman can refer to someone with experience in the field, ArborScape’s certified journeyman arborists are just as knowledgeable as ISA-certified arborists.
Our Journeyman Arborists go through our 3-year apprenticeship, which consists of on-site training with equipment under the direction of our head arborist, and 440 hours of classroom instruction.
By implementing this type of education and safety into our work, we’ve begun to set a precedent for future arborists to follow.
Finding The Right Arborist Is Important For Your Peace Of Mind And Your Trees’ Well-Being.
Arborist (noun): A specialist in the cultivation and care of trees and shrubs, including tree surgery, the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tree diseases, and the control of pests.
An arborist is a tree doctor who advocates for your trees and their health. It’s best to find a licensed arborist for your tree care needs.
While Colorado doesn’t require a specific arborist license, some cities and counties, like Denver, do. It’s always a good idea to check if a license is required and find the right arborist for the job. You can use a website to verify their certifications and qualifications, and be sure to ask for their licenses.
ArborScape is licensed in all five Metro Area cities requiring tests: Aurora, Denver, Lakewood, Englewood, and Wheat Ridge. We meet all insurance requirements and are ISA certified by the Rocky Mountain ISA, making us your go-to Denver arborists.
Learn more about our owner, David Merriman.
Backed by Qualified Leadership
ArborScape has a consulting arborist and a plant health care consultant with more than six decades of combined experience. Both David Merriman and Jeff Disler have worked extensively to maintain their certifications and advance their education all while working with leading tree organizations to maintain the highest standards of tree care quality. This has made them some of the top Denver arborists.
David Merriman's Certifications
- ISA-Certified Arborist RM0786
- ASCA-Registered Consulting Arborist #538
- CO Dept. of Agriculture #07448
- NCCER Certified Crane Operator #26406948
- Emerald Ash Borer Specialist
- Journeyman Arborist
Jeff Disler's Certifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Science
- Insect Disease Relationship (IPM)
- CO Dept. of Agriculture #03989
- Emerald Ash Borer Specialist
- Journeyman Arborist
All of our estimators, foremen, and crews are trained under David and/or Jeff, and those who have completed our apprenticeship program. By keeping up to date on the latest industry standards, practices, and ethics, our certified arborists and tree care professionals are equipped with the necessary skills and understanding to be able to assist you with all your tree needs and requirements.
Here at ArborScape, our tree crews have conquered the art of tree climbing, and utility & equipment management. Not to mention they’re able to use applied sciences to assess any risk management so we can adhere to the safest techniques for everyone’s safety.
Aside from being certified “tree doctors”, ArborScape is Colorado-owned and has been in business for over 20 years! So we know Colorado’s terrain, its neighborhoods, and what your trees need in order to grow to their fullest potential.
ArborScape Assessments
Initial Estimator's Assessment
Performed during your initial consultation for requested tree work, our estimators are trained to identify the entire scope of work to build an accurate, transparent proposal.
1. Structural Integrity & Tree Health Diagnostics
- Root Flare & Soil Inspection: Examining the root zone for compaction, girdling roots, soil heave, or fungal decay that could compromise ground stability.
- Trunk & Canopy Examination: Checking for internal hollows, severe lean, co-dominant stems with included bark, and signs of pest or disease infestation.
- Biomechanical Risk Assessment: Utilizing ISA TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification) guidelines to calculate wood strength, load distribution, and structural failure risks.
2. Scope & Target Mapping
- Target & Property Layout: Identifying all high-value targets beneath or around the tree—including homes, fences, outdoor structures, septic fields, and neighboring properties.
- Utility Line Identification: Noting overhead electrical and communication drop lines to identify necessary clearance requirements according to ANSI Z133 safety standards. (ANSI A300 proper pruning standards)
- Access & Strategy Selection: Evaluating gate widths, slope gradients, and ground conditions to select the correct equipment (e.g., ground-protection mats, bucket trucks, or specialized rigging) for the proposal.
Crew's On-Site Operational Assessment
Performed by the Crew Leader and arborists immediately upon arrival on job day before setting up equipment.
1. Dynamic Hazard & Weather Check
- Real-Time Environment Review: Re-evaluating overhead hazards, recent weather changes (e.g., saturated ground or high winds), and active target changes (such as parked cars or pets in neighboring yards).
- Utility Distance Verification: Confirming precise approach distances from electrical lines and ensuring clearance before placing aerial lifts or climbing hardware.
2. Engineering & Rigging Plan
- Anchor Point Selection: Inspecting tie-in points and load-bearing crotches in the tree canopy to verify wood integrity before climbing or rigging heavy sections.
- Friction & Rigging Setup: Setting up specialized lowering blocks, friction brakes, and rigging ropes tailored to the day’s specific drop zones and limb weights.
3. Job-Site Safety & Crew Briefing
- Mandatory Pre-Work Tailgate Meeting: The Crew Leader conducts a job-site hazard review with all crew members to establish drop-zone boundaries, chip-zone paths, and two-way radio headset channels.
- Ground Protection & PPE Verification: Installing turf protection mats over high-risk lawn areas and ensuring all team members are equipped with required ANSI Z133 personal protective equipment (PPE).
Certified Arborist FAQs
A certified arborist specifically is someone who has passed the ISA exam after meeting rigorous educational requirements. These requirements include an understanding of Tree Biology, Tree Identification, Soil Management, Tree Installation & Establishment, Tree Pruning, Tree Diagnosis & Treatment, Trees & Construction, Tree Risk, Safe Work Practices, and Urban Forestry. This knowledge comes from a combination of classroom learning as well as hands-on practice.
As aforementioned, a certified arborist is knowledgeable in tree biology and practical application in how to manage diseases, and safe pruning and tree removals. Having this knowledge for your tree projects ensure high quality work, a safe and professional atmosphere, and arborists are licensed for your peace of mind.
ArborScape has certifed arborists on staff, and we can are fully licensed and insured and can provide copies to you for your peace of mind.
THAT YOUR YARD WILL STAND OUT.
Everything You’re Looking For When Hiring A Tree Company!