TCIA Supports Licensing Laws Based on Best Business, Safety and Tree Care Practices
As professionals, arborists help ensure that America’s heritage is cared for in the best way possible and that the nation’s existing tree canopy is preserved. As tree care companies employing these professionals, companies must abide by best business practices, as well as best safety and arboriculture practices, in order to ensure that consumers are protected and trees receive the best care.
Unfortunately, the few existing state licensing laws across the nation that focus on an individual exam that tests knowledge of general arboriculture practices do not ensure professional expertise in the field and do little or nothing to protect the consumer from hiring an inexperienced arborist or an unethical company. Having one arborist who can pass a test does not provide reliable evidence that the employer complies with best business, safety and arboriculture practices.
What is absolutely clear, however, is that too many states suffer from a low standard in commercial arboriculture – from the perspective of the trees, the safety of employees, and to the detriment of consumer protection. A license that contains no continuing education – nor a requirement for best business practices or enforcement – is a license that offers false assurances to consumers.
This Draft Legislation highlights the important practices and standards that tree care companies should require.
