“There aren’t a lot of us,” Allison stated. “But we still need to be catered for.” The lack of women-specific PPE options undermines both safety and profes- sionalism. “I don’t want to look like I’m wearing my dad’s clothes,” she shared. “When I’m trying to stop traffic or lead a job site, I want to look like I belong.” Women in arboriculture are not ask- ing for pink gear or special treatment. They are asking for options — safe, affordable, well-fitting options that allow them to do their jobs without added risk. A CALL TO EQUIP THE FUTURE As arboriculture evolves, so too must the gear that supports its workforce. Ill-fitting PPE is not a minor incon- venience — it is a safety liability, a professional setback, and a sign that the industry has room to grow when it comes to inclusion. Women like Al- lison are not just asking for smaller sizes; they are asking for equal foot- ing in a high-risk profession where proper equipment can mean the dif- ference between safety and serious injury. The growing presence of women in tree care demands more than acknowledg- ment — it requires action. That means developing gear from the ground up with women in mind, listening to their feedback, and treating fit and func- tionality as non-negotiables, not after- thoughts. Innovators like Arbortec and Treehog are proving that progress is possible when companies invest in thoughtful design and meaningful consultation. But real change will come when the entire industry embraces this mind- set not only as a moral imperative but as a matter of safety, professionalism, and pride.
Well-fitting, high-visibility gear helps reduce the risk of snagging, a crucial detail when working near powerful and often dangerous equipment.
roles, the demand for high-perfor- mance PPE designed specifically for women continues to grow. Arbortec’s upcoming release reflects this shift and aims to help close the gap in ac- cess to professional-grade gear that truly fits. WHY THIS MATTERS In an industry built on risk mitiga- tion, it should be unacceptable that women are expected to compromise on safety to participate. Ill-fitting gear is not just a nuisance — it is a barrier to entry, a financial burden, and a serious safety hazard.
Brothers emphasized that the com- pany sees product development as an ongoing dialogue. Arbortec continues to gather feedback from its network of female ambassadors, customers, and testers, and regularly attends industry events, training sessions, and climb- ing competitions to hear directly from women in the field. “We want women to feel heard, sup- ported, and confident in what they wear,” she said. “That only happens by keeping the lines of communication open and acting on what we learn.” As more women enter the tree care profession in both field and leadership
28 | Spring 2025 ArborTIMES ™
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online