If you need trees trimmed away from power lines, expert testimony in court over a vegetation dispute, or if you just want the most qualified expertise for a new landscaping project, you need a Certified Arborist. Arborists are specialists knowledgeable about the needs and proper care techniques for trees. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) issues certification for arborists. The certification entails education and training criteria and both written and in the field testing of tree knowledge. Certificate maintenance for arborists includes thirty education credits every three years. While ISA certification is encouraged, it is not a mandatory qualification for arborists. Many people may refer to themselves as arborists, however it is always recommended to choose a certified ISA Professional Arborist.

Johnson Engineering has an in-house ISA Certified Arborist, Mark Lerch on our Landscape Architecture team. His knowledge of tree care techniques can help with addressing health issues of trees in constrained situations like parking lot trees and street trees. He also recommends plant and tree species as appropriate for particular locations in new planting plans to address the health, appearance, and safety.

Many existing developments are built with trees offering shade in parking lots, along sidewalks, and streets. Over time as the trees grow, they may become constrained if space is limited. This results in root uplift along sidewalks, streets, and driveways. Mark is addressing a situation like this by evaluating the mature trees in the parking lot at Golisano Children’s Hospital in HealthPark. After evaluating the condition of the trees and their planting beds, Mark will recommend solutions, which may include corrective actions such as soil amendments, the usage of structural soil, or the use of Silva Cells. Silva Cells are a modular suspended pavement system that supports root growth beneath pavement surfaces. Alternatively, the best option may be to remove existing trees and select a more appropriate species for the context. By consulting a Certified Arborist, you can determine the best course of action for existing or proposed trees in your project or community.

For more information, contact Mark Lerch, RLA, at [email protected].