competition, they provided teachable moments that can ripple out into daily work. “Safety is the biggest skill,” he empha- sized. “We have the opportunity to correct it here in a fun and competitive environ- ment, and they take those lessons from here and apply them on the job site.” A TEAM-BASED INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTED Unlike individual climbing competi- tions, ArborSPORTS™ is rooted in the realities of the trade. The format re- flects the way arborists actually work— side by side, relying on communication and mutual trust. “This is team-based, this is crew-based, this is company-based, and that’s how the industry is structured,” said Car- penter. “When you see folks that are wearing all the appropriate protective equipment, they’ve got work protocols, they’ve got established drop zones... they’re doing it in a safe and efficient way. It’s a way to help promote that pro- fessionalism.”
CHAMPIONS SPEAK: TEAM CLEAR CHOICE
Winners of the Friday final, Adam Hilton and Richie Cleary of Clear Choice Tree Service, shared what set their team apart. For Cleary, the edge came down to trust, coordination, and a unified mindset. “If you can work separately at the same task… that’s a good commodity for you,” Cleary explained. “It’s about having the same focus and the same game plan, and that goes along with the safety. Every- body knows what everybody’s doing.” Their partnership highlighted how sea- soned crews often move with a kind of shared rhythm, making quick deci- sions while staying aligned on safety and efficiency. Hilton, a vocal advocate for continuous training, attributed their success to consistent practice and an emphasis on fundamentals.
A new tradition takes root: ArborSPORTS™ ‘25 set the stage for a more visible, respected, and safety-first future in tree care.
38 | Spring 2025 ArborTIMES ™
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online