Few people influenced the profession more than Alex Shigo , often referred to as the Father of Modern Arboriculture. His research on the Compartmental- ization of Decay in Trees permanently changed how arborists understand prun- ing, decay, and tree response to injury. Much of modern arboriculture traces back to his work. Many arborists work- ing today are, in a sense, “Shigots” — sap- lings that grew from Shigo’s influence. One of his most enduring observations was simple: “If you want to know trees, you must touch trees.” That statement matters as much today as it did decades ago. Modern arborists have access to so- phisticated diagnostic tools, research databases, aerial imagery, and consult- ing reports. All of these have tremen- dous value. Yet some lessons can only be learned through direct observation and repeated exposure to real trees un- der real conditions. Decay patterns, root problems, bark char- acteristics, canopy density, structural defects, species-specific growth habits — these are things that become fully under- stood only through experience. Trees remain the best teachers in ar- boriculture. Shigo also offered guidance that con- tinues to influence plant health care practices today: “If you are going to inject a tree, make the wound as small and shallow as pos- sible.” While treatment technologies contin- ue to evolve, the principle remains relevant. Arborists should always ask whether a treatment achieves its objec- tive while minimizing unnecessary in- jury to the tree. Effectiveness matters, but so does stewardship. The industry can sometimes become over- ly focused on production rates and effi- ciency metrics while forgetting a simple
Decay patterns, root problems, bark characteristics, canopy density, structural defects, species-specific growth habits — these are things that become fully understood only through experience.
health care was still emerging as a meaningful component of professional arboriculture. Today, many successful firms recognize that preventative care, monitoring, and long-term client rela- tionships are essential parts of a sus- tainable business model. Wisdom like this rarely comes from a manual. It comes from experience — and from people willing to share it. LEARNING FROM THE TREES The evolution of modern arboriculture has also been shaped by individuals willing to challenge long-held assump- tions about trees themselves.
One longtime industry mentor used to say, “You can’t make money in the tree business until you get out of the trees.” The statement has proven true for countless companies. Technical ability may launch a business, but long-term success is usually built on leadership, training, client communication, and the ability to develop employees into professionals. Another saying was: “Plant health care treatments are the profit in the tree care business.” When that advice was first shared, many companies focused almost exclu- sively on removals and pruning. Plant
44 | Summer 2026 ArborTIMES ™
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