Resources
Tree care associations, in plain words
The main groups that tree care professionals and companies join in the United States. Each entry says what the group is, why an owner might join, and links to its official website.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Lirevon is not affiliated with these organizations.
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
The ISA is a professional organization for people who care for trees. It is best known for its certification programs, such as ISA Certified Arborist. It also runs regional chapters, so you can usually find a local group that meets in your part of the country.
A tree company owner might join to take part in training events, meet other arborists nearby and keep up with current practice. Credentials from the ISA have their own rules for staying current, so check the ISA site for what applies.
Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA)
The TCIA is a trade association for tree care companies. It focuses on the business side of the work: safety training, standards, and a company accreditation program. It also supports the ANSI A300 tree care standards.
A company owner might join to get safety and business resources, learn what other companies do, and work toward TCIA company accreditation. Member companies can often be found through a directory on the TCIA site.
American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA)
The ASCA is a professional society for consulting arborists. These are arborists who give expert advice, reports and opinions, for example on tree health, construction near trees or disputes over tree damage, rather than only doing the cutting.
A company might look at ASCA if it wants to offer consulting or reporting work, or if an owner or staff member wants to grow into that kind of role. Most day-to-day removal and trimming companies do not need it.
Arbor Day Foundation
The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit that promotes tree planting and care. It runs well-known programs such as Tree City USA, which recognizes towns that manage their trees well.
A tree company is not a member in the same way as with a trade association, but owners often support its programs, share its homeowner tips and take part in local planting days. This is good community work that customers notice.
State and regional arborist associations
Many states have their own arborist or tree care association, and many ISA chapters cover a state or a group of states. Names and rules differ from place to place, so search for your state name plus "arborist association" and read the official site.
Joining a local group is a low-cost way to meet other owners, hear about local rules and find people to refer work to when you are fully booked.
Common questions
Which tree care association should a small company join first?
Many owners start with the ISA, because its certifications are widely recognized, or the TCIA, because it focuses on company safety and business. The right choice depends on your goals, so read each official website.
Is the ISA the same as the TCIA?
No. The ISA is a professional society that certifies individual arborists. The TCIA is a trade association for tree care companies. Many companies work with both.
What does an ASCA consulting arborist do?
A consulting arborist gives expert advice and written reports about trees, such as health, risk or tree protection on building sites. The ASCA is the professional society for these arborists.
Does the Arbor Day Foundation certify tree companies?
No. It is a nonprofit focused on tree planting and education, and it runs programs like Tree City USA for communities. It is not a trade association or a certifier of companies.
Are there local tree care groups near me?
Often yes. The ISA has regional chapters, and many states have their own arborist or tree care associations. Search for your state and check the official site.
Can I mention my memberships on my website?
Yes, if you are a current member. Say it plainly, use the organization name correctly and follow that organization's own rules for using its name or logo.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Check each organization's own website for current details.
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