When companies or arborists cut cor- ners or push outside the limits of skill- sets for a quick buck, dangerous mis- takes are made. “It’s a desperation move,” Burley noted, adding that this way of thinking can have deadly results. By contrast, responsible arborists are those that take their time to assess the specifics of a job, come up with a plan, put safety measures in place, and bid it out at a level that takes all that necessary prep work into account. For Burley, intensive preparation can never be overstated. “Our industry needs to take a step back and be more prepared,” he said. “That’s the biggest safety issue: People aren’t prepared, whether it be with skills, whether it be with training, whether it be with knowledge — they’re just not prepared.” TAKE ADVANTAGE OF INDUSTRY CONFERENCES For those wanting to level up without risking their safety, Burley strongly recommended tree care conferences like ArborEXPO™ . “They are the best bang for the buck when it comes to training and knowl- edge,” he said. “You can buy a ticket for the whole event and have access to all the classes you ever want to take.” Beyond training, expos are places to meet mentors, forge partnerships, and become part of the tight-knit communi- ty that defines the industry. “The tree care industry is very large, but very small in some respects. Ev- eryone knows each other,” he shared. “There’s always someone there to help you; there’s always someone there to give you advice.” And Bill Burley — whether dropping in by helicopter or offering advice from decades of experience — is one of those people.
Burley oversees ground operations as a climber carefully works the canopy. Every cut is guided by training and planning.
more material than a person with far less risk, freeing the manpower for more complex, risk-adverse tasks. Of course, mechanization can come with a hefty price tag — which can end up being upwards of $1,000 a month. But Burley reminds company leaders that this averages $50 per working day — a very reasonable outlay for equip- ment that boosts production and in- creases safety. “That’s not a lot of money, and if it is a lot of money, they need to think about how they’re bidding their jobs out,” he stated.
Beyond large equipment, Burley cham- pioned innovation in rigging and climb- ing materials for improving worksite safety. He stressed the importance of staying current on emerging tools and techniques, as these could drastically improve job efficiency and further re- duce danger. “DON’T GO CHASING PENNIES” Of all the lessons Burley shared, the one he returned to most often was also the simplest — and most sobering.
“Don’t go chasing pennies,” he warned.
66 | Summer 2025 ArborTIMES ™
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