The Low Country of S.C. is well known for its majestic oaks and its variety of recognizable trees.
In the town of Conway, S.C., streets are designed around these moss draped gems. While the town of Myrtle Beach was named for the coast’s wide variety of multi-colored Myrtlewood trees.
A well preserved tree is a work of art.
Says Todd Stephenson, ISA Certified Arborist, “It’s almost impossible to make good decisions about trees without consulting a certified arborist.“
You can hear Todd’s entire interview in the header above or reach out to him personally at 843-651-TREE. Todd owns Total Tree Care, Inc. Todd is considered among the leading Certified Arborists in S.C.
What is an ISA Certified Arborist?
An ISA Certified Arborist must be trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of arboriculture. ISA Certified Arborists must also adhere to the Code of Ethics that strengthens the credibility and reliability of the workforce. To be eligible for the ISA Certified Arborist exam, you must have one or both of the following:
- Three or more years of full-time, eligible, practical work experience in arboriculture
- A degree in the field of arboriculture, horticulture, landscape architecture, or forestry from a regionally accredited educational institute
In practically every state in the U.S.A., a degree in the field of arboriculture, horticulture, and landscape is required for arborist certification.
ISA Certified Arborists and Their Role in the Environment
By their very nature, trees and green space provide benefits and add value to developments. The ability of trees to improve and maintain the quality of water, soil, and air and to remove pollutants from the air is well known. Trees also provide shade and help lower temperatures during hot weather. Trees enrich people’s lives and beautify landscapes. Preserving trees has positive effects on the image and attractiveness of developments and enhances developers’ reputations and profits.
Preserving trees in developments increases a project’s attractiveness, monetary value, and marketability by providing aesthetic and functional values. Lots where trees are preserved can be sold more quickly and at higher prices.
Research has shown that mature trees increase the worth of a property up to 12 percent. Developers who understand these values realize that it is in their best interest to encourage the preservation of trees and green spaces.
The North Coast of S.C. (known as the Grand Strand), as well as Pawleys Island homeowners are increasingly making tree preservation a top priority.
ISA Certified Arborists and Their Role in the Community
A white paper study produced by the New Phytologist Foundation in 2019 lays out the importance of trees in relationship to child development.
A Tree’s role in cognitive development and education
To increase literacy and numeracy, children need to have access to nature, and at the very least, green and natural views of trees (Berman, Jonides, & Kaplan, 2008; Faber Taylor, Kuo, & Sullivan, 2002; Lin, Tsai, Sullivan, Chang, & Chang, 2014; Tennessen & Cimprich, 1995). As reviewed in Kuo, Browning, Sachdeva, Lee, and Westphal (2018), stress levels, concentration, and intrinsic motivation are likely strong factors in a child’s success as a student. Students who are focused, attentive, and engaged are more likely to succeed in school and receive a quality education. Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can impact a student’s success in school (Rief, 2012). Green environments, such as open spaces with big trees, are related to reduced symptoms of ADD and ADHD (Faber Taylor & Kuo, 2009; Faber Taylor, Kuo, & Sullivan, 2001).
Tree cover is strongly linked to student academic performance (Kuo, Browning, Sachdeva, et al., 2018; Kweon, Ellis, Lee, & Jacobs, 2017; Matsuoka, 2010). In one study, views of trees and shrubs at schools, as opposed to grass, were strongly related to future education plans and graduation rates (Matsuoka, 2010). Li and Sullivan (2016) found that students who had views of trees and green environment from their classrooms, as compared to being in a room without windows or a room with a view of a brick wall, scored substantially higher on tests measuring attention, and they had a faster recovery from a stressful event. Students who learn in the presence of trees and nature have improved classroom engagement (Kuo, Browning, & Penner, 2018). Trees can promote a quality education, which has innumerable advantages for society. Access to trees supports a quality education and can help countries meet the UN SDG, especially ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Why You Should Hire an ISA Certified Arborist Today
Please watch the short video above. A trained arborist can beautify your property, help your trees to thrive, and in turn increase your curb appeal and home value. A trained arborist will benefit your trees and not damage them.
Total Tree Care, Inc is located in Pawleys Island, S.C. To schedule a consultation with Todd, call him at 843-651-TREE or visit the website at Total Tree Care, Inc.