Arborist or tree service? How to tell, and how to check, in Huntsville

The difference in one paragraph

"Tree service" describes a business. "Certified arborist" usually describes a person who holds a credential from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Many tree services employ certified arborists, and some do not. ISA says certification shows the person has the minimum knowledge and skill required for the scope of the credential they hold, and certification holders are bound by ISA's Code of Ethics.

When it is worth asking for a certified arborist

• You want to save a tree, not remove it, and need a view on its health or structure.
• The work is pruning on a large or valuable tree, where poor cuts can do long-term harm.
• You need a written opinion on whether a tree near the house is a hazard.
• For a straightforward removal of a dead or downed tree, the bigger questions are usually insurance, equipment and cleanup (see our tree removal page).

How to verify an ISA credential

ISA's Find an Arborist directory (also available through TreesAreGood.org) lets you search by name or certification number. It replaced ISA's older Verify a Credential tool, and the old directory data was frozen as of July 7, 2025.

Listing is voluntary, so a missing name does not prove someone is not certified. If you cannot find them, ask them to share their ISA digital certificate, which ISA provides to every credential holder.

Alabama's tree-surgery license

Separately from ISA, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries issues Horticulture Professional Services licenses, and tree surgery is one of the listed categories. The business must have a certified operator, and the license runs October 1 to September 30 each year. The Department's page does not describe a separate license for tree removal, so ask any company doing tree-surgery work whether it holds this license and for which year.

Trees on public land

If the tree is on public property or along the street, contact the City of Huntsville's Urban Forestry & Horticulture division first. It manages public trees and administers the city's tree ordinance.

Questions to ask either one

• Is anyone on the crew who will do my job ISA certified? What is their certification number?
• Does your business hold the Alabama tree-surgery license for the current year?
• Can I see your certificate of insurance before work starts?
• What exactly is in the written estimate, including cleanup, haul-away and stump work?

Related

• Tree trimming in Huntsville
• Tree removal in Huntsville
• How to choose a tree service in Huntsville
• Madison County storm and tornado record

Sources: ISA, Find an Arborist portal FAQ (2026) · TreesAreGood.org (ISA), Find an Arborist · ISA, Digital Badges · Alabama Dept. of Agriculture and Industries, Professional Services · City of Huntsville, Urban Forestry & Horticulture · checked 2026-10-19