ISA Certified Arborist Cert #SO-356834A. Licensed & Insured.

ISA Certified Arborist — What It Requires and What It Means

ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certification requires documented field experience, a passing score on an exam covering tree biology, risk assessment, pruning standards, and worker safety, and ongoing continuing education. James Martin holds ISA Certified Arborist credential #SO-356834A — verify James Martin's ISA certification — which is why arborist reports we sign are prepared for submission to Greenville County Planning, Spartanburg County, insurance adjusters, and courts.

Tree Climbers International Certified Tree Technician

The TCI Certified Tree Technician credential covers the climbing and rigging skills used in the tree canopy — equipment use, harness systems, rigging technique, and safe controlled lowering of cut wood. This is a field-skills credential that complements the ISA arborist credential: James Martin holds both, covering assessment and reporting as well as the aerial and rigging work performed in the canopy. Both certify him as an individual — Martin Tree and Turf Care itself is licensed and insured.

Licensed, Insured, and OSHA-Compliant

Martin Tree and Turf Care carries commercial general liability insurance: $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate, plus a $2,000,000 umbrella policy. Certificate of insurance is provided to any client who requests it before work begins. OSHA-compliant safety practices are followed on every job site.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ISA Certified Arborist?

An ISA Certified Arborist has documented field experience, passed a rigorous exam administered by the International Society of Arboriculture covering tree biology, risk assessment, pruning standards, and worker safety, and maintains continuing education requirements. James Martin holds ISA Certified Arborist credential #SO-356834A. This is the credential that insurance companies, permitting offices and courts commonly ask for on a formal arborist report.

What is TCI Certified Tree Technician?

The Tree Climbers International (TCI) Certified Tree Technician credential requires demonstrated competency in tree climbing, rigging, and safe removal techniques. It is a field-skills credential separate from the ISA arborist credential — focused on the hands-on climbing and rigging work done in the tree canopy. James Martin holds both credentials: ISA Certified Arborist for assessment and reporting, TCI Certified Tree Technician for the climbing and rigging work itself.

Why does ISA certification matter for tree removal?

ISA certification means the person evaluating your tree has formal training in tree biology and risk assessment — not just removal experience. For homeowners, this matters when you need a written report for a permit, an insurance claim, a neighbor dispute, or a real estate transaction. ISA-certified arborists can also identify whether removal is actually necessary, versus trimming or cabling that could preserve the tree.

Does Martin Tree and Turf Care carry insurance?

Yes. Martin Tree and Turf Care carries commercial general liability insurance — $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate — plus a $2,000,000 umbrella policy. Certificate of insurance is available on request before any work begins.

Connected to Trusted Local & Industry Organizations

ISA Certified Arborist

Tree Climbers International

BBB Accredited Business

Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce — Verified Member

Upper State Apartment Association

ISA and TCI are individual credentials held by James Martin.