ðģ ISA Certified Arborist Complete Video Guide
Comprehensive preparation videos for the International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist Exam
14
Expert Videos
9
Core Topics
100%
Exam Coverage
Tree Biology
Fundamental tree anatomy, physiology, and biological processes
Arborist Exam Prep: Chapter 1 – Tree Biology
Covers fundamental tree biology concepts and terminology, including processes like photosynthesis and respiration. Helps build a solid foundation in tree anatomy and physiology essential for the exam.
Pruning
Proper pruning techniques and their impact on tree health
Arborist Exam Prep: Chapter 8 – Pruning
Exam-oriented overview of tree pruning as a critical maintenance practice. Explains proper pruning techniques and their impact on tree health, emphasizing why correct pruning is one of the most important arboricultural practices.
4 Basic Pruning Cuts, Demonstrated & Explained!
A practical demonstration of the four fundamental pruning cuts and when to use each. A Master Gardener (Kirby Wilcox) walks through real examples of proper cutting techniques, explaining how each cut contributes to healthy tree structure. Great for visual learners to see pruning in action.
Soil Science and Nutrition
Soil properties, nutrients, and fertilization practices
Arborist Exam Prep: Chapter 3 – Soil Science
Breaks down the science of soils as it relates to arboriculture. Reviews soil properties in chemical, physical, and biological categories, soil texture and structure, and how soil conditions affect tree health. Provides a groundwork for understanding root environments and soil management practices.
Arborist Exam Prep: Chapter 5 – Tree Nutrition & Fertilization
Focuses on essential nutrients and fertilization techniques for trees. Explains how trees uptake nutrients, the role of macronutrients/micronutrients, and proper fertilization practices. This is a critical topic for aspiring arborists to understand soil amendments and tree feeding.
Diagnosis and Pest Management
Tree health problems, pests, diseases, and IPM strategies
Arborist Exam Prep: Chapter 10 – Diagnosis & Plant Disorders
Provides an overview of diagnosing tree health problems, covering common pests, diseases, and environmental stress disorders. Differentiates biotic vs. abiotic issues and introduces integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Great for learning a systematic approach to tree problem diagnosis and treatment.
Tree Risk Assessment
Evaluating structural defects, failure likelihood, and mitigation strategies
Arborist Exam Prep: Chapter 12 – Tree Risk Assessment
Exam prep video focusing on how to evaluate and manage tree risk. Discusses how to assess structural defects, likelihood of failure, and potential targets, following the standard tree risk assessment process. Helps candidates understand the principles of tree risk evaluation and mitigation strategies (critical for safety and risk management domain).
What is a Tree Risk Assessment? â Davey Tree
A beginner-friendly explanation of how professional arborists assess tree safety risks. Walks through different forms of risk assessment, starting with visual inspections and including advanced tools like resistance drilling and aerial evaluation. Real-world examples illustrate how arborists identify hazardous trees and recommend mitigation.
Tree Climbing and Rigging
Climbing gear, techniques, and safe rigging practices
Tree Climbing: How-to use a Basic Climbing Kit!
A hands-on introduction to tree climbing gear and techniques for beginners. This video (by Bartlett Arborist Supply) is tailored to those just starting out in tree climbing, demonstrating how to set up and use a basic climbing kit safely (ropes, saddle, helmet, etc.) and perform a simple ascent. Emphasizes safety and proper use of equipment.
Fundamental Rigging Techniques
An overview of basic tree rigging strategies and equipment. This short instructional video (ArborPod series) explores different rigging techniques, knots, and cuts used to safely lower limbs and wood. It’s a great primer on the principles of load management and rope work in tree removal or pruning operations, complementing the climbing knowledge for the exam.
Urban Forestry and Tree Protection
Tree protection during construction and urban forest management
Arborist Exam Prep: Chapter 13 – Trees & Construction
Explains best practices for protecting existing trees during construction and development. Reviews how construction activities (trenching, grading, compaction) impact trees and how to mitigate damage through techniques like root pruning, protective fencing, and proper planning. Essential for understanding tree preservation ordinances and methods to minimize site damage to trees.
Arborist Exam Prep: Chapter 14 – Urban Forestry
Covers the principles of urban forestry â managing and advocating for trees at the city/community scale. Discusses topics such as the benefits of urban trees, tree inventories, urban forest planning, and community involvement in tree care. Helps candidates prepare for questions on municipal arboriculture and policies for protecting and expanding the urban tree canopy.
Safety and Legal Considerations
Tree work safety, PPE, and OSHA compliance
Cal/OSHA Tree Work Safety Video
Comprehensive tree work safety training video developed by Cal/OSHA and the Hispanic Arborist Association. Demonstrates proper use of personal protective equipment, safe operation of chainsaws and chippers, fall prevention, and other critical safety practices in arboriculture. (Bilingual content, emphasizing compliance with industry safety standards like ANSI Z133 and OSHA regulations.)
Practice Exams and Review Sessions
Practice questions, study strategies, and exam preparation tips
Arborist Practice Test 2026 â Exam Questions & Answers
A full-length practice test video that presents multiple ISA Certified Arborist exam-style questions with the correct answers and explanations. Useful for self-assessment, this study guide video (by Practice Test Geeks) covers all exam domains and provides insight into the question format. Candidates can test their knowledge and identify areas for further review.
Arborist Test Training Tips 2026 â All You Need to Know
An exam tips and review session video that goes over key content areas and how to study for them. It outlines the major domains (tree biology, pruning, safety, etc.) and provides guidance on preparing for the certified arborist exam. The video offers study strategies, highlights frequently tested topics, and helps build confidence with last-minute tips for exam day.
â