Liriope’s Muse: Tree Care Tips from a Master Arborist
TRUSTED TREE CARE SERVICES SINCE 1970
Liriope's Muse Press Release: We’re Houston’s Most Arborist-Driven Tree Care Company – And We’re Just Getting Started
In an industry where many companies rely on experience alone, we’ve taken a different path; one rooted in education, certification, and a commitment to doing things the right way every time. At Eric Putnam BCMA, Inc., we’re proud to say that we have six ISA Certified Arborists on staff, including a Board-Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) – a designation held by only a small percentage of arborists nationwide.
That alone sets us apart in the Greater Houston area. But what’s more exciting is this: we’re not even close to finished.
Why Arborist Credentials Actually Matter
To the average homeowner, “tree service” can all sound the same. Trimming, removals, maybe some planting; it’s easy to assume anyone with a chainsaw and a truck can handle the job.
That assumption is where problems begin.
Trees are not just landscape features – they are large, living organisms with complex biological systems. Every cut, every treatment, and every decision has long-term consequences. Poor pruning can destabilize a tree. Over-thinning can hinder mass damping. Improper treatments can create stress that takes years to show up.
That’s where certified arborists come in.
An ISA Certified Arborist has proven knowledge in tree biology, diagnosis, pruning standards, soil management, and risk assessment. A Board-Certified Master Arborist goes even further, demonstrating advanced expertise across all aspects of arboriculture, including plant healthcare, tree risk, and complex management strategies.
In short, credentials don’t just look good; they directly impact the quality and safety of the work being performed on your property.
Building a Culture of Education
What truly makes our company different isn’t just the number of certified arborists we have today, it’s the system we’ve built to create more.
Behind the scenes, we’ve invested heavily in training and development. Our crews don’t just show up and work, they spend a significant portion of their time learning, studying, and advancing their knowledge directly under the instruction of our Board-Certified Master Arborist and experienced Certified Arborists. From structured internal training programs to hands-on field mentoring, we’ve created an environment where growth is expected.
Right now, we have eight additional team members actively preparing to take their ISA certification exams.
That means in the near future, we won’t just have one of the most credentialed teams in Houston – we’ll be operating on an entirely different level.
But we’re not stopping at ISA certifications. Our commitment to education goes much further, as we actively support our team in pursuing additional credentials such as Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), pesticide applicator licensing, urban forestry certifications, and any other green industry specialization they’re passionate about. The goal isn’t just to collect titles, it’s to continuously deepen our understanding of tree biology, risk, and care so that every recommendation we make in the field is backed by a higher level of knowledge and professionalism.
What This Means for Our Clients
For our clients this isn’t just a statistic, it’s a direct benefit.
When you work with a company that prioritizes certification and continuing education, you’re getting:
- More accurate diagnoses of tree health issues
- Better pruning decisions that follow ANSI A300 standards
- Safer recommendations for risk management
- Long-term tree preservation strategies, not quick fixes
Instead of guessing, we rely on science. Instead of shortcuts, we follow standards. And instead of reacting to problems after they happen, we work proactively to prevent them.
Raising the Bar in Houston
The Greater Houston area is filled with beautiful, mature trees, especially species like Live Oaks that define entire neighborhoods. These trees deserve more than basic care. They require a level of expertise that goes beyond “good enough.”
Our goal has never been to be the biggest tree service company in Houston.
Our goal is to be the most knowledgeable, most trained, and most trusted.
Having six ISA Certified Arborists – and a BCMA leading the charge – is a strong foundation. But the real story is what’s coming next.
With eight more team members on track for certification, we are actively building one of the most highly educated arborist teams in the region.
We’re Just Getting Started!
The industry is changing. Homeowners are becoming more informed. Expectations are rising.
And we’re here for it.
We believe the future of tree care belongs to companies that invest in education, uphold standards, and treat trees as the complex living systems they are.
At Eric Putnam BCMA, Inc., that’s not a future goal, it’s what we’re building right now.
And we’re just getting started.
Liriope’s Muse - Expert Tree Care Tips
