What’s the Difference Between a Certified Arborist and a Board Certified Master Arborist?

Understanding Tree Care Credentials in Denver

If you’re hiring a tree care company in Denver, you may come across professionals who are ISA Certified Arborists, and others who are ISA Board Certified Master Arborists. While both certifications come from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), there’s a significant difference in experience, training, and expertise between the two.

At Colorado Premier Tree Care, we believe informed homeowners make the best decisions. Here’s what you need to know about the two highest tiers of tree care professionals—and how it affects the quality of care your trees receive.

What Is an ISA Certified Arborist?

An ISA Certified Arborist is a professional who has met the basic standards of knowledge and experience in arboriculture and has passed a comprehensive certification exam.

Requirements:

• At least 3 years of full-time experience in arboriculture or a related field

• Pass the ISA Certified Arborist exam, which covers topics such as tree biology, pruning, safety, tree risk assessment, diagnosis, and more

• Commit to continuing education and follow a strict code of ethics

What They Do:

Certified Arborists are trained in general tree care, including:

• Tree pruning and removal

• Diagnosis and treatment of pests and diseases

• Tree planting and establishment

• Soil management and fertilization

• Tree risk assessments

This level of certification is more than enough for most residential and commercial tree care needs. At Colorado Premier Tree Care, all of our arborists meet or exceed this standard.

What Is a Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA)?

The Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) is the highest level of certification offered by the ISA. This credential is awarded only to arborists who demonstrate exceptional knowledge and leadership in the field of tree care.

Requirements:

• Must already be an ISA Certified Arborist in good standing

• Have at least 5 additional years of advanced arboricultural experience

• Pass a rigorous three-part exam focused on science, practice, and management

• Demonstrate a proven commitment to industry leadership, education, and ethical standards

• Maintain ongoing continuing education at a higher level than standard Certified Arborists

What Makes Them Different:

A Board Certified Master Arborist is often sought out for:

• Complex tree health problems or high-value specimen trees

• Consulting work, including construction planning and expert witness testimony

• Developing long-term management plans for large estates, campuses, or municipalities

• Diagnosing and treating tree issues that may be misidentified or overlooked by others

Only a small percentage of ISA Certified Arborists achieve BCMA status. It’s a mark of expertise, advanced training, and professional excellence.

Why It Matters for Denver Homeowners

Denver’s urban forest faces unique challenges: drought stress, compacted soils, high altitude, invasive pests like emerald ash borer, and extreme weather. Whether you're trying to save a mature oak, diagnose a struggling spruce, or decide how to manage a right-of-way tree, the credentials of your arborist matter.

• Certified Arborists are trained to perform expert tree care safely and effectively.

• Board Certified Master Arborists provide deeper insight and advanced solutions for complex problems.

If your property includes high-value trees, or if you’re facing a challenging tree issue, working with a BCMA ensures you’re getting guidance from one of the best in the profession.

Trust the Experts at Colorado Premier Tree Care

Whether you need routine tree pruning or a consultation for a challenging situation, you can trust Colorado Premier Tree Care to provide the highest level of service. Our team includes ISA Certified Arborists with years of experience and specialized training in the unique needs of Denver’s trees.

We offer:

• Expert diagnosis and treatment

• Tree health and soil improvement programs

• Risk assessments and removals

• Species-specific pruning and preservation strategies

• EAB and pest management services

Not Sure What Your Tree Needs? We’ll Help.

If you're unsure whether your tree needs routine care or a more advanced consultation, reach out to our team. We’ll evaluate the situation and match you with the right arborist for the job.

📞 Call: [720-990-7004]🌐 Visit: [coloradopremiertreecare.org]📧 Email: [experts@coloradopremiertreecare.org]