02/17/2026
🥅 🥅 🥅
I had a couple of big educational goals for myself last year and took advantage of the slower winter season to study for them.
For those who don’t know what one or both of these things are, you are not alone! ISA certified arborist and MCLP certified landscaper are industry specific certifications. They both require a certain level of respective knowledge and experience to pass, and may be required for work in certain areas or on special projects.
Some may remember that I actually did get MCLP certified in 2020, and for the next 2 years I had to explain what that was to nearly everyone I met. Then I
spent a few years being hired to “fix” plants that “a landscaper” or “a tree guy” worked on. I also spent a few years hiring employees and training them to help me fix these things, and that was when I realized how valuable an MCLP certification would be, to someone who actually was aware of it. If I had been approached by someone with an MCLP/ISA certification, it would be a nearly immediate yes from me both as an employer, and as a consumer.
✨ an MCLP certified landscaper is a state certified landscape professional, who has to pass an exam that is twofold. Part of the exam is multiple choice, and tests your knowledge of tree and plant biology, soil science and how it affects the health of your lawn and gardens, landscape maintenance and construction, basic tree, plant, and lawn care practices, among other related subjects. The other part of the exam is north eastern tree and plant identification, including the common and Latin names.
✨ an ISA certified arborist is a tree care professional who passed an internationally accredited certification exam. This exam tests your knowledge of tree biology, soil science and how it relates to tree health, prescription pruning and best management practices for tree care, tree risk assessment and management, safety practices and standards in tree care, and a great many other related topics in this industry.
🤷🏻♀️ Ok, so what does that mean? For our customers, it means that you have someone caring for your property that is:
-experienced and knowledgeable in how most of the plants and trees in your area work, and which ones are best suited for the specific microclimates in your yard.
-can identify, diagnose, and treat a number of plant disorders, as well as other issues such as erosion, water management, and damaged soil from construction or pollution.
-knows how to care for your mature trees, as well as your perennials and hydrangeas, and loves to see them thrive.
-can see how all parts of the property work together, and knows how to create balance and harmony between the property and its people.
-cares enough about their professional reputation to spend good money and countless hours of studying to prove it.
❄️ 🌷 Although the snow is still piled up high, the end of winter is near, and to our regular spring cleanup customers: we miss you! And you’ll likely be hearing from us within the coming month!
🌳 ✂️ Despite the snow on the ground, this is a fantastic time of year for a lot of tree and shrub pruning, as there is minimal damage to the still sleeping perennials under the trees, and far less risk of drought stress and insect predation on the tree itself.
We had a fun little pruning session last week with a Japanese Maple that is happily coexisting with someone’s back deck and walkway. We cleared a path in the snow, gave the deck some clearance and balance the rest of the tree, then made a couple of cuts that opened up the walkway again and called it good!
*Please note: spring blooming shrubs/trees (magnolia, forsythia, azalea, and lilac, etc), are being scheduled for later in the season after they have bloomed.)
If you’re interested in having us help care for your property this year, please let us know!
📧 [email protected]
📞 508-524-4459
