Certification
Certified Landscape Technician
National Association of Landscape Professionals
$575 cost
Apply first aid procedures and safety practices to support safe working conditions in landscape operationsRead and interpret landscape plans to guide installation, layout, and site preparation activitiesSelect, plant, and establish landscape plants and turf in accordance with horticultural best practicesOperate and maintain landscape and turf equipment in compliance with safety and maintenance standardsSurvey, grade, and manage site drainage to prepare ground conditions for landscape installationInstall hardscape features, specialty elements, and edging in compliance with design specifications
Certification
Horticulture
National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3)
Apply horticultural tool safetyUse, store and carry tools safelyKnowledge of pruner and lopper designSelect one-handed and two-handed modelsKnowledge of blade and grinding technologiesApply cutting guidelines
Certification
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist
International Society of Arboriculture
Apply advanced tree biology knowledge including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and water relations to assess tree health and recommend evidence-based management interventionsPerform comprehensive soil assessments evaluating physical, chemical, and biological components to distinguish disturbed from undisturbed soils and develop management plans for problem soilsIdentify and evaluate biotic and abiotic disorders by analyzing symptoms, disease cycles, pest arthropods, pathogens, and tree physiological and structural defense responsesEvaluate and implement cultural, biological, mechanical, and chemical treatment options as part of an integrated plant health care programExecute advanced pruning practices by generating specifications based on best management practices to achieve structural, health, and aesthetic objectivesDevelop and implement tree protection and preservation plans for construction and development sites by assessing impacts and prescribing corrective treatments
Certification
ISA Certified Arborist
International Society of Arboriculture
Assess tree anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics to specify and recommend appropriate tree work aligned with growth stage and developmental needsIdentify tree species using morphological and physical structures and apply appropriate nomenclature to support tree management and communication decisionsSelect trees appropriate for a given planting site based on species characteristics, site conditions, and project requirementsAssess soil physical, chemical, and biological properties and their relationship to tree growth to recommend mitigation strategies for soil volume, structure, and nutrition deficienciesPlant and transplant trees in accordance with industry-accepted standards and provide post-planting care to ensure survival, structural development, and establishmentPrune trees using appropriate tools, cut types, and techniques that minimize impact on tree health, promote longevity, and avoid detrimental pruning practices
Certification
ISA Certified Tree Climber
International Society of Arboriculture
Comply with industry safety standards, laws, and regulations to protect the tree worker, other workers, and persons near the work zoneUtilize PPE appropriate for tree work activities including head, eye, hearing, and body protection to maintain worker health and safetyInspect the work zone for hazards including electrical systems, structural tree defects, and site conditions prior to job briefing and task executionReview work documentation and conduct pre-job tree and site inspections to identify and mitigate hazards before work beginsSelect, inspect, and use climbing and rigging ropes and equipment that meet applicable regulations and industry-accepted standards for safe tree workTie knots and assemble climbing systems to configure a secure tree climbing tie-in appropriate for the work conditions
Certification
ISA Certified Tree Worker Aerial Lift Specialist
International Society of Arboriculture
Apply safety standards, PPE requirements, and industry regulations to protect the aerial lift operator, ground workers, and persons near the work zoneConduct pre-operation inspections of the aerial lift device including mechanical systems, controls, and safety equipment before commencing tree workPosition and operate the aerial lift device to safely access tree work locations while maintaining stability and compliance with manufacturer specificationsIdentify and mitigate electrical hazards by applying electrical hazard awareness principles and maintaining safe approach distances from energized linesPerform aerial rescue procedures and provide emergency response for lift-related incidents involving the operator or other workers at the work siteExecute tree removal operations from an aerial lift using appropriate techniques to ensure accuracy, safety, and controlled processing of tree parts
Course
Landscape Design and Management
Career and Technical Education, Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE)
AL
Identify common landscape plants and turfgrasses by common namesDescribe physical and cultural characteristics of landscape plants and turfgrassDemonstrate principles of design and elements of art in landscape designCreate a landscape design, considering maintenance requirements, preservation of existing trees (when possible)Calculate the landscape materials, area, number of plants, and cost of plants and features in a landscape designIdentify tools and equipment used in the landscape industry
Course
Turfgrass Management
Career and Technical Education, Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE)
AL
Identify common turfgrass names and characteristics, and describe uses of warm and cool season grassesIdentify soil preparation techniques for turfgrassSummarize proper maintenance techniques for residential, commercial, and sports turfIdentify common problems in turfgrass cultivation, including diseases, weeds, nutritional deficienciesDescribe and demonstrate safe and economical use of commercial and residential equipment to installDemonstrate routine maintenance of turfgrass equipment
Course
Urban Forestry
Career and Technical Education, Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE)
AL
Explain key provisions of arborist safety standards, including International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) regulationsAnalyze tree-climbing techniques, and indicate which techniques should be used in specific applicationsDescribe and explain the purpose of climbing equipment used by arborists, including saddles, lanyards, snaps, ropesDemonstrate rigging techniques used by arboristsCompare and contrast management issues, concerns, and strategies in urban and rural forestryObtain and share information about tree removal methods