As an ISA Certified Arborist, I earned my credential from the International Society of Arboriculture by logging years of full-time experience and passing a rigorous exam on tree biology, diagnosis, pruning, and risk assessment. That means when I evaluate your trees, you get verified knowledge, a professional code of ethics, and structured methods for judging risk — not guesswork.

If you’re looking for tree care in central Illinois, you’ve probably seen the term “ISA Certified Arborist” and wondered what it actually means. I’m Owen Piercy, owner of Owen’s Tree Care in Camargo, Illinois and an ISA Certified Arborist serving Douglas and Champaign County since 2014. Here’s what the credential requires and why it changes the quality of care your trees receive.

What is the ISA certification?

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is the leading professional organization in the tree care industry worldwide. ISA certification is the most recognized credential in arboriculture, and it’s the standard I hold myself and my company to.

What did it take for me to earn ISA certification?

You can’t simply sign up and take the exam. To qualify, I needed a minimum of three years of full-time arboricultural work experience. Then I had to pass a rigorous written exam covering tree biology and physiology (how trees grow, respond to stress, and compartmentalize damage), soil science and root systems, disease and pest identification, pruning standards and technique, tree risk assessment, and safe work practices in urban forestry.

What happens after certification?

Earning the credential wasn’t a one-time event. To keep my certification, I have to complete ongoing continuing education — staying current on updated pruning standards, new research, and evolving best practices, not just relying on what I learned years ago.

What does my certification mean when I walk your property?

It means the person evaluating your trees has verified knowledge, a professional code of ethics, and structured methods for assessing risk. When I walk your property, I’m not there to sell you something you don’t need. I’m reading the tree — crown structure, bark condition, root zone, branch attachments, species biology — and giving you an honest picture of what’s actually going on. Sometimes that means a corrective pruning. Sometimes it means removal. Sometimes the tree is fine and you can stop worrying. You’ll always get the straight answer from me.

Frequently asked questions

Is an ISA Certified Arborist the same as a licensed tree service?
No. The tree care industry has no universal licensing requirement — anyone can call themselves a tree service. ISA certification is a voluntary, exam-based professional credential that verifies real knowledge and experience, and it’s one I’ve earned and maintain.

How long have you been ISA certified?
I’ve served Douglas and Champaign County as an ISA Certified Arborist since 2014.

Do I need a certified arborist for a small job?
For basic work, not always — but for any decision involving tree health, risk, or removal, a certified assessment protects you from paying for the wrong work.

Call (217) 778-8030 or visit owenstreecare.com to schedule a free assessment. Serving Douglas County, Champaign County, and central Illinois — Camargo, Villa Grove, Newman, Tuscola, Urbana, Tolono, Philo, Sidney, Pesotum, and beyond.