When it comes to your property and the trees that surround it, peace of mind doesn’t come from guesswork. At Nunnally’s Tree Service, we take tree safety seriously—that’s why we’re TRAQ Certified. While many tree service providers may offer pruning, trimming, or removal, not all are qualified to formally assess the risk a tree may pose to your home, business, or loved ones. We are.
What is TRAQ Certification?
TRAQ stands for Tree Risk Assessment Qualification. It’s a professional credential developed by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). This program trains and evaluates arborists in the science and best practices of tree risk assessment—giving them the tools to:
- Evaluate potential tree hazards
- Identify structural weaknesses
- Analyze environmental and site-specific conditions
- Recommend actions to reduce risk
A TRAQ Certified arborist doesn’t just look at a tree and guess—it’s a formal process grounded in science, observation, and professional judgment.
Learn more about the ISA TRAQ program here.
Are All Arborists TRAQ Certified?
No, they’re not—and that’s an important distinction.
While many tree professionals are skilled in trimming and removal, TRAQ certification is a separate qualification that requires:
- An existing ISA arborist certification or equivalent
- Completion of a 2-day training course
- A written and performance-based exam
You won’t find TRAQ certification everywhere—but you will find it at Nunnally’s Tree Service. Our ISA Certified Arborists have TRAQ credentials, which means your assessment is backed by the highest standards in the industry. We believe professional tree care means staying current, staying certified, and always putting safety first.
Do I Really Need a TRAQ Certified Arborist?
It depends on the job.
If you’re hiring someone for routine pruning or removing a dead limb, you may not need TRAQ-level expertise. But if you’re dealing with any of the following, a TRAQ Certified arborist is highly recommended:
- A large tree near your home or building that shows signs of stress or decline
- A tree that has visible cracks, cavities, or that is leaning
- A property exposed to high winds, hurricanes, or tornado threats (common in Virginia)
- A tree that neighbors or overlaps power lines, driveways, or public sidewalks
- You need a formal report for insurance, legal, or municipal purposes
In short, if the tree poses a question, we offer real answers.
What Makes Nunnally’s Different?
We don’t just offer TRAQ Certified assessments—we deliver them with local knowledge, decades of experience, and a dedication to safety. Homeowners and businesses in Chesterfield and the surrounding areas trust us to evaluate:
- Whether a tree is a hazard or simply needs care
- What steps to take next (removal, bracing, monitoring)
- How to protect their landscape and investment
This level of service is about more than credentials—it’s about doing things right the first time.
Contact us today for a consultation or professional tree risk assessment.
How Hard Is It to Get TRAQ Certified?
TRAQ certification is intentionally rigorous—only those who meet the ISA’s professional requirements and pass the exam are awarded the credential. Arborists must:
- Hold an ISA Certified Arborist or equivalent license
- Complete a multi-day training course with practical field exercises
- Pass a comprehensive written and scenario-based evaluation
- Renew the credential every five years through continuing education
At Nunnally’s, we view TRAQ certification not as an extra, but as a baseline for responsible, modern tree care.
When It Comes to Tree Risk, Guessing Isn’t Good Enough
Virginia’s seasons bring beauty—but they also bring storms, saturated soils, and high winds. Don’t rely on gut instinct or a “quick look” to judge whether a tree is safe. Whether it’s a towering oak by your home or a leaning pine near your business, you deserve a clear, qualified assessment.
Choose the professionals who hold the training, the credentials, and the care to back up every recommendation.
