Article Contributed by Dave Greene | ISA NE-6697A, CTSP 05120, TRAQ
Tree Division Manager
Lynch Landscape & Tree Service, Inc.

Arborist Certification
In the tree care and landscape industry, success depends on more than just technical skill—it takes professionalism, communication, and a commitment to growth. At Lynch Landscape & Tree Service, based in Sudbury, Massachusetts, those values are central to how business gets done.
Arborist Certification: Why It Still Matters
As arborists, we know tree work is more than showing up with a saw and a saddle. It’s technical. It’s risky. And it demands a level of expertise the public doesn’t always see. That’s where certification comes in.
Whether it’s the ISA Certified Arborist credential, the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), or the Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP) designation—these aren’t just letters on a business card. They’re evidence that we’ve taken the time to deepen our knowledge, meet high standards, and stay current in a fast-evolving field.

To maintain arborist certification, arborists must participate in continuing education to stay current with evolving industry standards and research. This professional designation not only enhances career opportunities and earning potential but also provides customers with confidence that their trees will receive care from qualified practitioners who adhere to established best practices.
Arborist Certification brings consistency across regions and crews. It unites science, safety, and craftsmanship under a common language—whether you’re pruning in Massachusetts or consulting in Oregon. It also educates our clients on what qualified tree care truly looks like.
At Lynch Landscape & Tree, certifications are more than a point of pride—they’re part of the company’s DNA. Since 1980, Lynch has delivered expert tree care backed by a crew of credentialed professionals. Every removal, every pruning job, every consultation is rooted in the standards set by the TCIA, ISA, and the Massachusetts Arborist Association.
Investing in People: Bridging the Language Gap
But professional development at Lynch doesn’t stop with credentials. The company recently recognized another opportunity to elevate its team—by breaking down language barriers.
Like many green industry companies, Lynch has a diverse workforce, including Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking employees. To improve communication, safety, and inclusion, Lynch launched an English as a Second Language (ESL) program.

The free, on-site classes meet once a week for three hours after work. They cover workplace vocabulary, safety terminology, and conversational English. The impact has been immediate.
"The class has been amazing,” says David Rodrigues, a Foreman. “I feel more comfortable talking with my supervisors and understanding safety instructions. It’s also helping me outside of work—at the grocery store, with my kids’ school, and in daily life.”
The benefits go both ways. Improved language skills lead to:
Better job site safety — reducing accidents and misunderstandings.
Higher productivity — smoother communication means faster, clearer execution.
Employee retention — workers feel valued and supported.
Stronger team culture — everyone feels like part of the same mission.
“We want our employees to grow with us,” says Quentin Nowland, General Manager at Lynch. “By offering these classes, we’re investing in their future and helping them succeed—not just in their jobs but in their daily lives.”
Looking forward, Lynch plans to expand the program, add job-specific training, and potentially create a Spanish course for supervisors who want to better connect with their teams.
The Bigger Picture
From climbing certifications to language classes, Lynch Landscape & Tree Service is raising the bar on what it means to be a professional in the green industry. They’re proving that when you invest in your team—through education, arborist certification, and communication—everyone wins.
So whether you’re a seasoned climber, a crew leader, or building your own company, take note: professionalism is a journey, not a destination. And companies like Lynch are leading the way.
Certifications act as a benchmark for professionalism and ensure a standardized level of knowledge across the industry. They help distinguish skilled professionals from casual laborers, allowing clients to make more informed decisions when hiring. In a profession where safety, tree biology, and risk management intersect daily, arborist certification demonstrate not only technical competency but also a commitment to ethical practices and continuing education.
This commitment builds trust—with clients, municipalities, and insurance providers—and promotes greater accountability across the board. Moreover, arborist certification serves as a professional credential validating specialized knowledge and expertise in tree care practices.
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