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Leveling Up in Tree Care
Ryan Myott Earns ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification
We are thrilled to share that Ryan Myott, ISA Certified Arborist in Sioux Falls, has passed the rigorous ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification exam!
According to the International Society of Arboriculture, Ryan is one of just two arborists in the Sioux Falls area with this impressive credential.
This credential gives certified arborists, like Ryan, a standardized, science-backed way to assess tree risk. That means he can spot potential hazards — like dead limbs, structural weaknesses, or disease — and evaluate how likely those issues are to cause problems.
According to the International Society of Arboriculture, Ryan is one of just two arborists in the Sioux Falls area with this impressive credential.
This credential gives certified arborists, like Ryan, a standardized, science-backed way to assess tree risk. That means he can spot potential hazards — like dead limbs, structural weaknesses, or disease — and evaluate how likely those issues are to cause problems.
With this qualification, Ryan can clearly explain what’s going on with a tree, how risky it is, and what steps (if any) should be taken to keep people and property safe. It also means that Weller Brothers clients get professional, documented recommendations they can trust — whether that means pruning, monitoring, or in some cases, removal.
More than ever, you can trust the Weller Brothers team to help you make safer, more informed decisions about your trees.
What It Means to Be Tree Risk Assessment Qualified: Ryan Explains
We caught up with Ryan to hear more about what this new qualification means and how it benefits our clients.
What is the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification, and what sets it apart from other ISA certifications?
When a professional earns the ISA TRAQ credential, they’re recognized by peers and the public as someone with specialized knowledge in tree risk assessment. It’s more focused than general arborist certifications. TRAQ is all about understanding and communicating the risk a tree may pose to people and property.
Why did you want to pursue this qualification?
I wanted to learn a standardized, systematic process for assessing tree risk and giving tree owners the best possible information when they’re making decisions. It’s about promoting safety while also protecting the health and longevity of the tree. And personally, it’s one more step toward my goal of becoming a Master ISA Board Certified Arborist.
What was the process like?
Honestly, you could say I’ve been studying for 20 years by working with trees every day. But officially, I ordered the study guide back in January and attended a two-day training course followed by a full day of testing in Iowa City. The final exam included both a written and a practical field assessment.
How does this help clients make safer or more informed decisions about their trees?
It gives me a clearer understanding of a tree’s health and the potential risks it may pose. With that, I can provide accurate, science-backed recommendations, so clients don’t have to guess or make decisions based on fear or uncertainty.
What kinds of properties benefit most from a formal tree risk assessment?
Any property where safety is a concern, especially those with large, mature trees near homes, buildings, or high-traffic areas. If a tree failure could affect people, structures, or valuable landscape features, a formal assessment brings peace of mind.
Can you give an example of how this knowledge has already helped in the field?
Absolutely. A client recently asked for a Level 1 inspection on a large Linden tree. Part of the tree had a major dead branch, which was caused by storm damage that led to decay. Using what I’ve learned, I could identify how that decay had progressed through the tree’s natural defense systems. I also saw that the other side of the tree had formed strong reaction wood and remained healthy.
The tree was leaning, but only toward a fence and open yard — no high-risk targets. Based on the extent of the decay and the overall health of the tree, I recommended keeping it, with some selective pruning to reduce drag and a follow-up assessment in a few years. Without this training, I might not have been able to give such a balanced, confident recommendation.
Sioux Falls Tree Removal You Can Trust
Ryan’s ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification is yet another credential that sets the Weller Brothers tree team apart from other tree companies in the area.
You can count on us in Sioux Falls for tree and shrub removal and pruning, stump grinding, shelter-belt cleanup, climbing jobs, risk assessment, and more.