What Is an ISA Certified Arborist—and Why It Matters for Your Trees
When it comes to caring for the trees on your property, not all tree experts are created equal. Whether you’re facing storm damage, declining health in a beloved oak, or simply want to keep your landscape looking its best, there’s one credential that should matter most: ISA Certified Arborist.
At Kolcun Tree Care, we’ve proudly served Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, Savannah, and the surrounding Lowcountry for over 20 years. Our team includes ISA-certified arborists—professionals with the knowledge, experience, and training to properly care for your trees.
What Is an ISA Certified Arborist?
ISA stands for the International Society of Arboriculture, the leading global organization dedicated to tree care research, education, and standards. Becoming an ISA Certified Arborist means a professional has:
- Passed a comprehensive exam covering all aspects of tree biology, safety, pruning, disease management, and soil science
- Met rigorous experience requirements (typically 3+ years in the field or a degree in arboriculture)
- Committed to ongoing education to maintain certification
It’s not a one-and-done title—it’s an ongoing commitment to professionalism, safety, and science-based tree health care.
Why ISA Certification Matters for Your Trees
Tree care isn't just about cutting branches or removing dead wood—it’s about understanding how trees grow, how they respond to pruning, how to diagnose issues early, and how to preserve their health and beauty long-term. That’s where ISA certification makes a difference.
Benefits of Working with an ISA Certified Arborist:
- Accurate Diagnoses: Spot signs of disease, stress, or infestation early.
- Proper Pruning Techniques: Avoid damage caused by topping, over-pruning, or bad timing.
- Customized Care Plans: Tailored recommendations based on species, soil, and local climate.
- Safe Tree Removal: When removal is necessary, certified arborists do it safely and responsibly.
- Preservation First Approach: Arborists aim to preserve trees when possible, avoiding unnecessary removal.
In short, ISA-certified arborists know what’s best for your trees—and your property.
Services Backed by Certification
At Kolcun Tree Care, every service we provide is influenced by the knowledge and standards of ISA certification:
We follow industry best practices to ensure trees grow strong and balanced while minimizing disease risk.
Tree Removal & Emergency Tree Removal
When a tree must come down—whether due to storm damage, disease, or risk to property—our certified team handles it safely and efficiently.
We create custom tree fertilization plans to restore nutrient-depleted soil and strengthen root systems, especially in residential or commercial landscapes with poor soil conditions.
From insect infestations to fungal diseases, our arborists monitor and treat health issues before they become severe.
After tree removal, we offer stump grinding to eliminate hazards and make space for new plantings or landscape use.
Why Certification Matters in the Lowcountry
South Carolina and Georgia’s Lowcountry region offers a beautiful but challenging environment for trees. Salt air, humidity, hurricanes, compacted soils, and pests like ambrosia beetles and scale insects are all real concerns. Having an ISA-certified arborist on your side ensures that your tree care strategies are:
- Adapted to our coastal climate
- Designed to withstand seasonal storm threats
- Focused on long-term sustainability, not quick fixes
At Kolcun Tree Care, we know our region because we live and work here. Our local expertise is rooted in science and supported by decades of hands-on experience.
Practical Tips from Our Certified Arborists
- Inspect trees seasonally: Look for changes in leaf color, branch structure, or trunk damage.
- Avoid over-pruning: Removing more than 25% of a tree’s canopy can stress it.
- Mulch wisely: Keep mulch 2–3 inches deep, and avoid piling it against the trunk.
- Fertilize in spring or fall: Support growth and recovery with professional-grade nutrients.
- Call early: Don’t wait until a limb is hanging dangerously over your home—schedule regular maintenance with a trusted arborist.
Why Choose Kolcun Tree Care?
Kolcun Tree Care is more than a tree service provider—we’re your trusted partner in long-term landscape health. Here’s what makes us different:
- ISA-Certified Arborists with years of industry experience
- Family-owned and operated with a strong commitment to safety and integrity
- Over 20 years of professional tree care in Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, Savannah, and beyond
- Comprehensive service offerings, from pruning to emergency tree removal
- Personalized care plans for homeowners, HOAs, and commercial properties
When you hire Kolcun Tree Care, you're not just getting someone with a chainsaw—you’re getting expert-level guidance to help your trees thrive for years to come.
Schedule a Consultation with a Certified Arborist Today
Your trees are a valuable part of your property. Don’t leave their care to chance—or uncertified contractors. Let Kolcun Tree Care help you preserve their beauty, safety, and value with the expertise of an ISA-certified team.
Submit an inquiry through our website or call us at 843-757-8050 to schedule a consultation with a certified arborist.
When it comes to your trees, choose care you can trust.
