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EIGHT-LEGGED THREATS By Mara Watts Tickborne illnesses and spider bites can be debilitating and potentially lead to life-threatening conditions. Unfortunately,
arborists work in the conditions where the culprits best thrive.
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A LOSS THE SIZE OF TEXAS By Joseph B. Pipitone In May 2026, the tree care industry lost a legendary arborist, David Mauk. He believed that both individ- uals and businesses rise or fall to the level of leader- ship available to them, and he worked every day with intention and purpose to serve others better. THE HOURS YOU DON'T BILL By Joy Gomez Across the tree care industry, owners obsess over production rates, equipment utilization, and jobsite efficiency. Explore ways to improve crew efficiency on the road and behind the wheel. GRAPPLE SAW MATERIAL HANDLING By Tchukki Andersen, BCMA, CTSP Operating a knuckle-boom crane in tree care is far more of a cognitive skill than a mechanical one. Even though the machine is capable, the wood itself may pose additional obstacles, like moisture and hydraulic pressure.
NEW COLUMN!
THE ARBORISTS WHO BUILT US By W. Jim Cortese The technical side of
arboriculture has changed tremendously over the last fifty years. Yet one of the most important aspects of tree work has changed very little: Arboriculture remains a profession built on mentorship.
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AGAINST THE ODDS By Ryfe Greenwood
Managing cottonwoods is never an easy feat. For esteemed arborist, Ryfe Greenwood, saving this beloved tree required a unique approach — one rooted in risk management rather than risk avoidance.
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WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU
OUR FALL ISSUE COMING IN OCTOBER
Got a story idea you’d like to see? Send your ideas to editor@arbortimes.org . Do you have photos of your crew in action? Send them to info@arbortimes.org. Proper techniques and PPE — hard hats, eye and hearing protection, and fall protection — are a must for photos depicting field work.
ArborTIMES ™ Summer 2026 | 5
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