Our ISA Certified Arborists
Every tree on your property deserves expert care. Our ISA Certified Arborists bring science-backed knowledge, years of field experience, and a genuine passion for trees to every job we do.
What Makes an ISA Certified Arborist Different?
Anyone can buy a chainsaw and call themselves a tree service. An ISA Certified Arborist has demonstrated mastery of the science behind tree care. Here's what sets them apart:
Tree Biology & Science
Certified arborists understand how trees grow, how they respond to pruning, and what causes decline. This knowledge prevents improper cuts that can harm or kill trees.
Proper Pruning Techniques
Following ANSI A300 standards, our arborists make precise cuts that promote healthy growth — not the topping, flush cuts, and over-pruning that damage trees.
Disease Diagnosis & Treatment
From oak wilt to emerald ash borer, our arborists can identify tree diseases and pests early and recommend effective treatment plans before it's too late.
Ongoing Education
ISA certification requires 30 continuing education units every 3 years. Our team stays current with the latest research, treatments, and best practices.
Risk Assessment (TRAQ)
Our TRAQ-certified arborists use standardized methodology to evaluate tree risk — determining the likelihood of failure and potential consequences.
Ethical Tree Care
Certified arborists follow a code of ethics. We'll never recommend removing a healthy tree for profit or perform unnecessary work. We educate, then let you decide.
Certified Arborist vs. Uncertified Tree Service
ISA Certified Arborist
- Follows ANSI A300 pruning standards
- Can diagnose diseases and recommend treatments
- Understands tree biology and growth patterns
- Carries verified insurance and credentials
- Provides written assessments and reports
- Maintains certification through continuing education
- Will recommend preservation over removal when possible
Uncertified Tree Service
- ✗May top trees or make improper cuts
- ✗Cannot diagnose tree health issues
- ✗May not understand how trees respond to pruning
- ✗Insurance status may be unverified
- ✗Rarely provides written documentation
- ✗No requirement for ongoing training
- ✗May recommend unnecessary removals for profit
Meet Our Certified Arborists
Every arborist on our team holds current ISA certification and brings specialized expertise to your tree care project.
Jason James
President & Founder
Jason founded Tree Wise Men LLC with the vision of bringing professional, certified arborist services to Janesville and Southern Wisconsin. He oversees every aspect of company operations, from complex tree removals to long-term tree health plans for residential and commercial properties. His hands-on leadership and deep knowledge of Wisconsin native tree species have made Tree Wise Men a trusted name in Rock County, Dane County, and beyond.
Andrew Christl
Operations Manager
Andrew is responsible for coordinating crew schedules, managing project logistics, and ensuring every job site in Janesville, Madison, and the surrounding areas runs safely and efficiently. His love for all things trees runs deep. Andrew combines organizational skill and genuine passion for tree care to keep daily operations running at the highest standard.
Andrew Liebetrau
Sales Lead
Before entering the tree care industry, Andrew built his career in radio advertising, developing strong communication and client relationship skills. His love for the outdoors drew him to arboriculture. Andrew is known for providing clear, honest assessments and helping clients make informed decisions about tree removal, pruning, and long-term property care.
Mark Tyler Schrader
Grapple Saw & Crane Operator
Mark is our specialist in heavy equipment operations, holding ISA Certified Arborist credentials alongside his Certified Crane Operator certification and CDL Class A license. His unique combination of arborist knowledge and heavy equipment expertise makes him invaluable for complex tree removals requiring crane work, grapple saw operations, or specialized rigging throughout Southern Wisconsin.
Certified Arborist FAQs
What is an ISA Certified Arborist?
An ISA Certified Arborist is a tree care professional who has passed the International Society of Arboriculture's comprehensive exam and maintains their certification through continuing education. The exam covers tree biology, diagnosis, pruning, safety, soil science, and urban forestry.
Why should I hire an ISA Certified Arborist?
ISA Certified Arborists have demonstrated knowledge of tree biology, proper pruning techniques, disease diagnosis, and safety standards. Hiring a certified arborist means your trees are cared for by someone who understands how trees grow and how to keep them healthy — not just someone with a chainsaw.
What is TRAQ certification?
Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) is an advanced certification that trains arborists to systematically evaluate tree risk using a standardized methodology. TRAQ-certified arborists can assess the likelihood of tree failure, the consequences, and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.
How do I verify an arborist's ISA certification?
You can verify any arborist's certification on the ISA website at treesaregood.org. Ask for their certification number and look them up. All Tree Wise Men LLC arborists maintain current ISA certification with ongoing continuing education credits.
What continuing education do your arborists complete?
ISA Certified Arborists must earn 30 continuing education units (CEUs) every three years to maintain certification. Our team attends industry conferences, participates in TCIA training programs, and completes coursework in emerging topics like oak wilt management and emerald ash borer treatment.
Get Expert Tree Care from Certified Arborists
Schedule a consultation with our ISA Certified Arborists. We'll assess your trees, answer your questions, and provide honest recommendations.