At Mid Florida Tree Service, Inc., we take great pride in serving the vibrant community of East Lake-Orient Park with top-notch tree care solutions. With our deep-rooted commitment to excellence and decades of industry experience, we are dedicated to enhancing the beauty, health, and safety of the area's urban forest. Expert Tree Care Tailored to Your Needs

Image: Ojsandeus , CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Navigating the Seasons: Best Practices for Tree Cutting in Florida by Mid Florida Tree Service, Inc.

When it comes to the health and maintenance of your trees, choosing the right tree care provider is crucial. Trees are valuable assets to your property, providing shade, beauty, and environmental benefits. Proper care by qualified professionals is essential to ensure their longevity and vitality. One of the most significant factors to consider when selecting a tree care provider is their certification by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). In this article, we'll explore why ISA certification matters and provide tips on how to choose the best tree care provider for your needs. Why ISA Certification Matters: ISA certification is a hallmark of excellence in the tree care industry. The International Society of Arboriculture is a globally recognized organization that sets high standards for arborists and tree care practices. Arborists who earn ISA certification have demonstrated their knowledge, skills, and commitment to tree care through rigorous examinations and ongoing education. Here's why ISA certification is so important: Expertise and Knowledge: ISA-certified arborists have in-depth knowledge of tree biology, proper pruning techniques, tree risk assessment, and other essential aspects of tree care. They stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in the field. Professionalism: ISA certification is a mark of professionalism and a commitment to ethical conduct in the industry. Certified arborists adhere to a code of ethics that prioritizes the well-being of trees and clients. Safety: Tree care can be hazardous work. ISA-certified arborists are trained in safety protocols to protect both themselves and your property during tree care operations. Quality Work: When you hire an ISA-certified arborist, you can expect high-quality work that meets or exceeds industry standards. They understand the specific needs of different tree species and can provide tailored care. Tree Health: Certified arborists focus on the long-term health of your trees. They don't just address immediate issues but create maintenance plans that promote tree vitality and resilience. How to Choose a Tree Care Provider: Now that you understand the importance of ISA certification, here are some tips on how to choose the right tree care provider: Check for ISA Certification: Start your search by looking for ISA-certified arborists in your area. The ISA website provides a directory of certified professionals. This ensures you're working with a knowledgeable and skilled tree care provider. Ask for References: Request references from past clients. A reputable tree care provider should be willing to provide you with references or reviews from satisfied customers. Verify Insurance and Licensing: Ensure that the tree care provider has the necessary insurance and licenses to protect you from liability in case of accidents or property damage during tree care operations. Get Multiple Quotes: Don't settle for the first tree care provider you find. Obtain quotes from several ISA-certified arborists to compare their services and pricing. Discuss Your Needs: Have a clear understanding of what tree care services you require. Discuss your goals with the arborist and ask for a detailed plan of action. Get a Written Contract: Once you've chosen a tree care provider, request a written contract that outlines the scope of work, timeline, and costs. This helps prevent misunderstandings later. Ask About Equipment: Inquire about the equipment and tools the provider will use for the job. Well-maintained equipment is essential for safe and efficient tree care. Consider Long-Term Care: If you're looking for ongoing tree maintenance, discuss long-term care plans with the arborist. Regular pruning, fertilization, and pest management can keep your trees healthy.  In conclusion, selecting the right tree care provider is vital for the health and longevity of your trees. Choosing an ISA-certified arborist ensures that you're working with a knowledgeable and professional expert in the field. By following these tips and conducting thorough research, you can make an informed decision and enjoy the benefits of beautiful, healthy trees on your property.

There has been a recent update to Florida law regarding the removal of certain trees. CHAPTER 2019-155 HB 1159 said that if a certified arborist or landscape architect says a tree is a "danger," it could be removed without the usual permits. However, this caused confusion and legal problems because "danger" is a vague term. A local government may not require a notice, application, approval, permit, fee, or mitigation for the pruning, trimming, or removal of a tree on residential property if the property owner obtains documentation from an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture or a Florida licensed landscape architect that the tree presents a danger to persons or property. A Better Way to Assess Tree Risk: To make things clearer, arborists have worked with lawmakers to change the language. Instead of "danger," we now use "risk," which is more practical and easier to understand. Our certified arborists follow the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) system. It helps us identify tree issues and assess the chances of problems and potential consequences. This way, we can make smart decisions about tree care. Why Our Certified Arborists Matter: To handle these changes successfully, we have certified arborists on our team. They've received special training and have been certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Our experts understand tree care, risk assessment, and management.  Conclusion: At Mid Florida Tree Service, we're proud to have certified arborists ready to provide top-quality tree care. With recent changes in Florida's laws, it's essential to have experts who can assess tree risk accurately. Our certified arborists bring their expertise to ensure your trees stay healthy and safe. When you choose Mid Florida Tree Service, you're trusting your trees to knowledgeable and experienced professionals who care about doing the job right.

Mid Florida Tree Service currently has two (2) City of Tampa Self-Certified Private Arborists on staff. Because of this, we are able to help our customers through the permitting processes. What is a Certified Arborist? A Certified Arborist is a trained professional who has obtained recognized certification, typically from organizations like the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and possess expertise in tree care, maintenance, and management. They are knowledgeable in assessing tree health, diagnosing issues, and providing guidance on proper tree care practices. Their role is to preserve and enhance the well-being of trees in diverse settings, such as urban areas, parks, and private properties. What's this about Self Cetification? The City of Tampa has created a system of self certifcation (SCPA) that can be fully explored here: https://www.tampa.gov/construction-services/tree-information/scpa Once an arborist obtains the SCPA certification, they gain the ability to perform several important tasks. Firstly, they can conduct tree conditions evaluations and risk assessments, which are necessary for the issuance of tree removal permits. These permits cover various types of trees, including protected, specimen, and grand trees. Additionally, the certified arborists can assess tree conditions and risks for the issuance of tree pruning permits, specifically for specimen and grand trees. Furthermore, with their SCPA certification, arborists can provide certification for tree surveys. These certified surveys are valuable for zoning reviews, right-of-way permit reviews, and building permit reviews. They offer crucial information about the condition and significance of trees on a specific property. In addition to tree surveys, certified arborists can provide certification for arborist reports. These reports play a vital role in zoning reviews, right-of-way permit reviews, and building permit reviews. They contain detailed assessments and professional opinions regarding trees, aiding in the decision-making process for development projects. In summary, the SCPA certification enables arborists to conduct tree conditions evaluations and risk assessments for tree removal and pruning permits. They can also provide certified tree surveys and arborist reports, which are essential for zoning, right-of-way, and building permit reviews. To participate in the SCPA program, applicants must have an active certification from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). This certification ensures that they have the necessary skills and knowledge in arboriculture. It's important to note that the certification is only valid for the certified arborist and cannot be used by anyone else, such as another person, company, or entity. Recertification is required every two years to maintain SCPA membership. Additionally, attendance at quarterly advisory meetings is mandatory. This ensures that certified arborists stay up to date with the latest practices and developments in the field. When it comes to self-certification, arborists need to use specific forms and follow approved evaluation and risk assessment methods provided by the city. The documentation they submit as part of the self-certification process serves as the accepted information for a particular development site. This means that Natural Resources won't need to conduct additional inspections for that site. Natural Resources has the authority to perform routine audits of the forms, reports, documentation, and methods submitted by SCPAs. This helps ensure that the program's standards are being followed and maintained. If there are any changes to local, state, or federal laws that affect the City Codes and Technical Standards taught in the program, additional or updated courses may be required to keep the certification valid. It's crucial for arborists to successfully complete these courses; otherwise, their certification could become void. Lastly, if an audit is conducted and an SCPA is found to be in violation of the program's requirements, their certification may become void. Compliance with the rules and regulations is essential to maintain the integrity of the SCPA program. Mid Florida Tree Service is always working toward providing the best service possible, while making things as easy as possible for our clients!

Done right and looking nice!

Trees are vital to our environment

Hillsborough County, Florida Tree Service