truth: arboriculture is biological work.
Trees are living organisms, not utility poles. DEVELOPING PEOPLE, NOT JUST EMPLOYEES The same philosophy applies to the people who work in the industry. One of the most overlooked aspects of running a tree care company is em- ployee development. Many employers struggle to find “good employees,” but the reality is that arboriculture has faced hiring and retention challeng- es for decades. It was difficult in the 1980s, and it remains difficult today. The solution has never been lowering standards. The solution is training. Employees cannot be expected to be- come skilled arborists through repeti- tion alone. Good arboriculture requires observation, critical thinking, commu-
Few people influenced the profession more than Alex Shigo (on the right), often referred to as the Father of Modern Arboriculture.
nication skills, professionalism, and pride in workmanship. People need to understand not only how to perform a task, but why that task matters.
The strongest crew members are often not the fastest workers or the most aggressive climbers. They are the individuals who understand biology, risk, professionalism,
ArborTIMES ™ Summer 2026 | 45
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