Credentials & Verification
Serious Credentials. Easy to Verify.
Anyone can say they’re an expert. Here is every credential behind our work, what it means, and where you can check it.
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ISA
Board Certified Master Arborist
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ISA
Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
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ISA
Certified Arborist
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State of Louisiana
Licensed Arborist
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TCIA
Certified Tree Care Safety Professional
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TCIA
Plant Health Care Technician
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TCIA
Electrical Hazards Awareness
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Florida Chapter ISA
Prescription Pruning Qualified
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BBB
A+ Accredited Business
Veterans
Veteran Owned / Veteran Led
Board certified
The Highest Level in Arboriculture.
Board Certified Master Arborist is the highest credential awarded by the International Society of Arboriculture. It is held by Veteran Tree Care founder Ricky Folse.
Company credentials
- BBB A+ Accredited BusinessAccredited by the Better Business Bureau. View profile
- TCIA member companyMember of the Tree Care Industry Association.
- Fully insuredWorkers’ compensation and general liability insurance. Certificates on request.
- Louisiana licensedArborist work under a Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry license.
- Veteran owned / veteran ledLed by Owner / Director Lori Williams, U.S. Army veteran.
Ricky Folse
Every Credential, Explained.
Individual credentials held by our founder and lead arborist.
- ISA Board Certified Master Arborist® (BCMA)International Society of Arboriculture
The ISA’s highest credential. It requires years of experience as a Certified Arborist and a comprehensive exam covering tree biology, diagnosis, risk, safety and management.
Verify with ISA - ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)International Society of Arboriculture
Training and assessment in the ISA method for evaluating tree risk, including Level 1, 2 and 3 assessments.
Verify with ISA - ISA Certified Arborist®International Society of Arboriculture
The ISA’s professional arborist credential, with continuing education required to maintain it.
Verify with ISA - Louisiana Licensed ArboristLouisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry
Louisiana requires a state license to charge for or advertise arborist work. The state publishes its list of licensed arborists.
See the LDAF list - Prescription Pruning Qualification (PPQ)Florida Chapter, International Society of Arboriculture
Based on research by Dr. Ed Gilman. A qualified arborist writes a pruning prescription, deciding what to remove, reduce or keep, before the crew cuts.
About PPQ - Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP)Tree Care Industry Association
Safety leadership credential for running a tree care company’s safety program, training and compliance. Ricky is listed as a CTSP with Veteran Tree Care in TCIA’s FY 2024–25 Annual Report.
About CTSP - Plant Health Care Technician (PHCT)Tree Care Industry Association
Training in plant health care: diagnosis, soil, insects, disease and treatments.
About PHCT - Electrical Hazards Awareness Program (EHAP)Tree Care Industry Association
Training to recognize and stay clear of electrical hazards during tree work.
About EHAP - Class IV Electrical Line-ClearanceTraining / certification
Individual training in line-clearance practices. Veteran Tree Care does not offer main utility line clearance as a company service.
- Aerial Rescue TrainingClimber rescue
Training to safely reach and lower an injured climber, a critical part of crew safety.
- Tree & Plant AppraisalTraining / qualification
Training in valuing trees for insurance, damage and legal questions.
Industry standards
The Standards We Work To.
ANSI A300
The U.S. standard for tree care operations: pruning, support systems, soil and root management, construction management and risk assessment.
ANSI Z133
The U.S. safety standard for arboricultural operations.
ISA Best Management Practices
Guidance on tree risk assessment, pruning, tree support systems and managing trees during construction.
Don’t take our word for it
Verify Us.
Every credential and rating we list can be checked with the organization that issued it.
Get started
Preserving Trees. Protecting Properties. Continuing the Mission.
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Residential tree work
Pruning, removal, stump grinding and storm cleanup.
Request a free estimate -
Advanced arboriculture
Historic trees, risk assessments, legal or insurance questions, construction planning and commercial work.
Schedule an arborist consultation -
Emergencies
Trees on homes, cars, roads or lines. 24/7.
Call now -
Veterans
Structure, camaraderie, purpose and a path to leadership.
Continue your mission with us