O’FALLON, Mo. — Hansen’s Tree Service announced Friday that through his years of hard work and dedication, Hansen’s own Certified Arborist Russ Talley received his accreditation as a Master Arborist.
A Master Arborist is the highest level of certification offered by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and not an easy rank to achieve. In addition to passing an extensive exam, a Master Arborist must have 20 hours each of Continuing Education Units in Science, Practices, and Management and have a minimum of 3-5 years as an ISA certified arborist, among other criteria.
Talley first began work for Hansen’s Tree Service in 2001 and received his Certified Arborist certification in 2003. Building his knowledge and passion for tree care over the years, Talley decided to “pick it up a level” and apply to become a candidate for Master Arborist.
After meeting candidate criteria and sitting through hours of comprehensive professional knowledge and skill exams, he has earned the coveted title of Board Certified Master Arborist.
“I’m proud I was able to obtain [the certification of Master Arborist]. Not just for myself, but for the company,” Talley said.
Chad Hansen, President of Hansen’s Tree Service, agreed and said he’s especially proud of talley and his accomplishment.
“Russ has always been a smart and valuable member of the Hansen team. With this new credential, it proved to the rest of the industry and our community just how good he really is,” Hanson said. “He will be one of only a handful of arborists in the state with the credential of Master Arborist, and I could not be more proud.”
A Master Arborist will impact not only Hansen’s Tree Service in a meaningful way, but the local community as well.
In becoming a Master Arborist, Talley will provide valuable resources to the public and staff, providing assistance in training and helping both residential and commercial customers make informed decisions as to their tree’s health and care.
As the only tree service company in Missouri with two Master Arborist’ on staff, Hansen’s Tree Service employs an additional 10 ISA Certified Arborists and became one of the first tree care companies in Missouri to be certified by the Tree Care Industry Association.
Founded in 1988, Hansen’s is one of the most accredited tree service companies in the St. Louis area.