Why You Should Hire an ISA Certified Arborist — Not Just Any Tree Service in Harbor Springs, Michigan

When your trees need attention, it’s easy to call the first tree service that pops up online. But before you do, it’s worth asking: Are they an ISA Certified Arborist?

There’s a big difference between a general tree service and a certified arborist — and that difference can determine whether your trees stay healthy, safe, and beautiful for years to come.

At Limb and Leaf, our ISA Certified Arborists serve Harbor Springs and the surrounding Northern Michigan communities with expert tree care based on science, safety, and integrity. Here’s why choosing a certified professional matters.

1. Certified Arborists Are True Tree Experts

An ISA Certified Arborist is a tree care professional who has been trained, tested, and certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) — the industry’s gold standard.

This certification means your arborist has proven expertise in:

• Tree biology and growth patterns

• Safe pruning and cabling techniques

• Disease and pest diagnosis

• Soil management and root health

• Ethical tree preservation and removal practices

In short, certified arborists understand how to keep your trees strong, healthy, and beautiful — not just how to cut them down.

2. We Prune for Health, Not Just Looks

At Limb and Leaf, our pruning approach follows ANSI A300 tree care standards, which promote long-term tree health and structural stability.

Many general tree services still use outdated methods like “topping,” which severely damages trees and leads to decay or breakage later on.

Our ISA Certified Arborists make precise, thoughtful cuts that encourage strong growth and maintain your trees’ natural form — enhancing beauty and safety.

3. Early Problem Detection and Prevention

Trees can’t tell you when they’re stressed, but a certified arborist can spot the warning signs.

We’re trained to identify early indicators of:

• Fungal infections

• Insect infestations (like the emerald ash borer)

• Root damage or soil issues

• Structural weakness

By catching these issues early, we can save trees before they decline — protecting your landscape and avoiding costly removals down the road.

4. Safety and Liability Protection

Tree work can be dangerous, especially in Northern Michigan’s unpredictable weather.

Our certified arborists follow ANSI Z133 safety standards and carry full liability insurance, ensuring that every project is handled safely and responsibly.

If you hire an unqualified or uninsured crew and something goes wrong, you could be held liable. Hiring Limb and Leaf gives you peace of mind that your property — and everyone working on it — is protected.

5. Long-Term Value for Your Property

Healthy trees add beauty, comfort, and significant value to your property.

At Limb and Leaf, we take a long-term approach to tree care. Whether it’s pruning, cabling, fertilizing, or mulching we focus on preserving what’s healthy and helping your landscape thrive.

A general tree service may take shortcuts, but our certified arborists invest in your trees’ future — ensuring your property stays safe, vibrant, and valuable.

The Bottom Line

Hiring an ISA Certified Arborist isn’t just about getting the job done — it’s about getting it done right.

A general tree service can cut trees.An ISA Certified Arborist cares for them.

When you choose Limb and Leaf, you’re choosing expertise, safety, and genuine care for the trees that make your Harbor Springs property special.