HD5 - The Need for Certification of Arborists

  • Published: 1990
  • Author: Board of Commerce
  • Enabling Authority: House Joint Resolution 263 (Regular Session, 1989)

Executive Summary:
Study Overview

A. This study was initiated as a result of HJR 263 to determine the need for certifying arborists in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Board of Commerce through the means of survey data, a public hearing and written comments, reviewed the nature of the occupation, its unregulated effect on the public, the alternatives to state regulation, and the effectiveness of other state regulatory programs for arborists.

The level of regulation recommended by the Board is based on an extensive analysis of this information.

B. Key Findings

1. The search for complaints against arborists revealed little evidence of harm to the public health, safety, or welfare.

2. The Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture has recently initiated its own certification program.

3. There are various specialties within the occupation and individuals practice the occupation at numerous levels of experience and/or education.

4. The utility line tree trimmers are a unique subset of the occupation and receive special training in order to meet the tree trimming specifications to which the utility companies must adhere. The General Assembly addressed this issue in the 1989 Session in HJR 155.

C. Conclusions

Two major conclusions have been drawn as a result of this study:

1. There is not sufficient evidence of harm to the public health, safety, or welfare which can justify regulation of this occupation; and

2. A state regulatory program is premature in light of the certification program implemented by the national professional organization.

D. Recommendation

The Board of Commerce recommends that no state regulatory program be implemented at this time for Virginia arborists.