The tree care industry is evolving, and safety is more important than ever. That’s why TCIA’s Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP) program is creating a community of safety leaders dedicated to making tree work safer, more efficient, and more professional. With over 3,000 CTSPs across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, this growing network of experts is setting the bar high for safety and leadership in tree care.
Why Become a CTSP?
If you’re passionate about safety and want to level up your career, becoming a CTSP is a game-changer. This program isn’t just about checking a box—it’s about becoming a leader in safety, someone who can coach teams, and foster a culture of accountability on the job site.
“Becoming a CTSP is an excellent way to advance your career while establishing yourself as a trusted safety leader in your company, with advanced expertise in hazard identification and incident prevention,” explains Irina Kochurov, TCIA’s director of credentialing programs. “You add value to your company when you can show your commitment to employee well-being and help your company reduce lost time to injuries and accidents.”
What CTSPs Are Saying
We asked current CTSPs why they pursued certification and how it has impacted their careers. Here’s what they had to say:
“Being a CTSP means dedication and a commitment to improving safety throughout the entire tree care industry and creating a culture of safety that improves and encourages it for everyone on the job site.”
— Michael Zimmerman, CTSP, Zimmerman Tree Service, Lake Worth, Florida
“We are the exemplars of the industry. It initially surprised me that now the product workers held me to a higher standard. As a BCMA/CTSP, I can’t just grab a saw to help out—I have to have my leg protection on first; my chinstrap needs to be secured. Our credentials are the obtainable goal of professionalism for the new cohort.”
— John Paul Sanborn, CTSP, Crawford Tree & Landscape Services, Inc., Milwaukee, Wisconsin
“It has been a pleasure to help with the prevention of accidents in the company I work for. It feels good seeing a safety culture around. It has also shown me that there are ways to handle situations that can be a bit difficult without the training. This is my first year as a CTSP, but I’m looking forward to gaining experience to help a lot more.”
— Francisco J. Reyes Ramirez, CTSP, SavATree-Spring Valley, California
“Helping employees go home safely every night is the most rewarding part of being a CTSP.”
— Tyler A. Drown, CTSP
Ready to Start Your CTSP Journey?
If you meet the eligibility requirements, there’s no better time to start. Whether you have years of experience in the field or are transitioning into a safety role, the CTSP program gives you the tools to become a leader in workplace safety.
And here’s the best part—scholarships through the Arborist Safety Training Institute (ASTI) can cover 100% of your CTSP training costs! That means you can enhance your skills, advance your career, and join a network of dedicated safety professionals at no cost to you.
Safety isn’t just a policy—it’s a mindset, a culture, and a commitment to the well-being of every tree care professional. Are you ready to take the next step and be a part of the movement?
Safety is the foundation of every successful tree care business. As a high-risk industry, tree care demands a proactive approach. TCIA’s safety programs and training help companies build a strong safety culture, reduce risks, and protect their workforce—ensuring a safer, more sustainable industry for all. To learn more about how TCIA’s safety programs create a culture of safety, click here.
