Professional certifications such as the Registered Professional Forester (RPF) and the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist program go a long way in strengthening the credibility and reliability of any trade. Standards of practice and a professional code of ethics guide the day-to-day dealings of the profession and outline their place in the urban environment. Whether it is the creation of urban forest management plans, or the risk assessment of an old tree, RPFs and certified arborists have a significant role to play in managing our urban forests.