Raising the Bar Arbor AWARDS™ Celebrates the People Shaping the Future of Tree Care By Amy Kent
It doesn’t feel like long ago that the tree care industry gathered in West Springfield, MA, to ring in ArborEXPO™ 2026 . Yet, in the blink of an eye — and rough- ly eight months later — we’re already counting down to reg- istration for next year’s trade- show and all the excitement and events that come with it. ArborEXPO™ wouldn’t be complete without its annual awards ceremony, a pro- gram that is quickly becoming a meaningful part of the show while helping shape and elevate safety, equipment, education, and overall excellence across the industry: Arbor AWARDS™ . Of course, For the past two years, Arbor- EXPO™ has encouraged tree care professionals to share their greatest successes and most impactful contributions across four categories: safety, equip- ment, community involvement, and lifetime achievement. In its short history, the awards pro- gram has recognized a diverse group of individuals and com- panies whose dedication has helped improve the industry — for arborists, their clients, and the trees they care for. “The tree care industry is about more than just maintaining
fessionals whose work deserves recognition. The 2026 Arbor AWARDS™ ceremony honored three recipients of the Robert Bartlett Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award: Greg Daniels of Bartlett Tree Experts , Dr. Ed Gilman of the University of Florida, and es- teemed arborist Don Blair. Though their careers have taken different paths, all three have demonstrated the importance of continued education, a commit- ment to safety, and a willingness to embrace innovation — values that have helped shape the mod- ern tree care profession. MORE THAN JUST A PLAQUE For Arbor AWARDS™ recipi- ents, the recognition represents far more than a pat on the back or a trophy to display. The award serves as a tangible acknowledg- ment of contributions that have helped raise standards across an industry to which these pro- fessionals have dedicated years, and in many cases, decades. For Dr. Gilman, the recognition also provided an opportunity to reflect on the moments and re- lationships that shaped his ca- reer — particularly the moments when education translated into understanding.
trees; it’s about safeguarding the environment and enhancing the beauty of our communities,” said Sachin Mohan, creator of the awards program and show manager of ArborEXPO™. “Recognizing individuals and companies that excel in this field inspires all of us to reach higher standards and embrace sustainable practices. These awards are not just about honor- ing achievements; they’re about celebrating the heart and soul of an industry that works tirelessly to protect our natural resources and create a greener future.” As the industry continues to grow, so too does the list of pro- Dr. John Ball holding his Robert Bartlett Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award
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