Get Involved

Affiliated Professional Industry Organizations

Becoming a member of ISA is a great way to tap in to the network of arboriculture professionals and industry news. ISA is connected to many other organizations in the green industry that strive to make a difference in your community and provide like-minded individuals with resources and ways to get involved. The organizations listed below help further ISA’s mission and offer many opportunities for participation and outreach.

ISA works closely with industry organizations that provide professional resources, green initiatives, educational advancements, and international industry ties. Affiliated Professional Industry Organizations support the tree care industry on many levels around the world.

Alliance for Community Trees

Alliance for Community Trees (ACTrees) is a green industry organization that supports grassroots, citizen-based nonprofit organizations dedicated to urban and community tree planting, care, conservation, and education. ACTrees offers resources and tools to help nonprofit organizations provide tree education, organize tree planting events, expand their reach, and build revenue.

Arbor Day Foundation

ISA and the Arbor Day Foundation are industry partners that work together to promote tree planting events and public understanding of the benefits of trees. The Arbor Day Foundation administers a number of programs that promote tree planting, urban forest management, best practices in utility arboriculture, tree recovery after natural disasters, and rain forest preservation. This organization also collaborates with Dimensions Educational Research Foundation in the development of the children’s educational program, Nature Explore, which is designed to connect children with nature.

Careers in Arboriculture

Those looking to begin a career in the arboriculture industry might be wondering where to start. Those already working in the industry might be asking, "Where do I go next, and what are my career options?" ISA has developed a Career Paths in Arboriculture flowchart to learn more about the types of positions available in the industry. Each position displayed in this flowchart links to a full job description with accompanying information about job experience, academic experience, training required, and certifications likely needed. This resource provides a look at the "big picture" of working in professional tree care.

ISA International Tree Climbing Championships (ITCC)

Professional tree climbing competitions are held around the world to provide a platform for arborists to learn about the latest in climbing techniques and innovations in equipment. ITCC showcases the highest level of professional skills and safety, providing a competitive learning environment for those working in the industry. The competitions simulate working conditions of arborists in the field. Male and female competitors perform five different events during preliminary rounds. Each event tests a competitor's ability to maneuver safely and professionally in a tree while performing work-related tree care tasks in a timely manner.

These competitions are a great way to introduce the public to the skills professional tree climbing arborists must use for safe, professional tree work. Visit the ITCC website to learn more and find upcoming events to attend.

ISA Regional Organizations

ISA is the premier tree care organization worldwide. As an international organization, the goal is to provide the best services and programs at both the international and regional levels. Being a society that understands the needs of the industry on a global level is highly important, but also offering a local connection allows ISA to provide additional benefits and networking opportunities. Consulting with someone who understands the specific concerns of your region can be done by reaching out to ISA Local Chapters and Associate Organizations. They are excellent resources that help supplement ISA’s mission on the local level. Professional Affiliates are member organizations that offer networking opportunities geared toward specific areas of practice.

TREE Fund

ISA and the TREE Fund are cooperative organizations that work hand-in-hand to advance arboriculture research, education, and technology. The TREE Fund offers research and education grants that provide funding for research projects worldwide and arboriculture programs for students from Kindergarten through college. A grant that specifically supports education about the emerald ash borer is also available. In addition, the TREE Fund offers scholarships for high school and college students pursuing careers in the arboriculture industry.