Find an Arborist

If you live in D.C. and are interested in getting a tree planted at home for free, check out our residential planting programs. For all other tree services such as pruning, health assessment, landscape design, custom plantings, and site preparation, please apply through our Fee for Service Program. A directory of certified arborists is also available through the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (MAC-ISA). Street tree issues should be reported to the District’s 311 Service Request Center.

The tree care services industry is not universally regulated. Maryland, for example, licenses tree care workers, but D.C. and VA do not. Washington D.C. does require all businesses, including tree care companies, to be licensed for various basic requirements.

One way to ensure that your arborist has the necessary skills is to verify that they have been certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). To locate an ISA certified arborist in the D.C., Maryland, Virginia area, go to the the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the ISA at goodtreecare.com.

When hiring an arborist, it is always prudent to:

  • Ensure they are at minimum certified by the ISA, and that their certification is valid. The ISA has various certification levels; the “Board Certified Master Arborist” is the highest.
  • Check references and work examples.
  • Check for liability, property damage, workers compensation and related insurances.
  • Ensure required permits and licenses are up-to-date.
  • Be wary of individuals driving around in pickup trucks offering low-cost tree removals and pruning services for cash-payments.

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