ArborTIMES™ Winter 2025

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HEARING LOSS RISKS IN TREE CARE By Mara Watts and Matt Smithmier Arborists face hidden risks from hazardous noise exposure that result in the lasting effects on their health. Proactive solutions can safeguard their well-being and professional longevity.

SOUND CHOICES: PPE By ArborTIMES™ Learn how to select OSHA-compliant hearing protection tailored to ar- borists, featuring practical tips on noise reduction, compatibility with other PPE, and communication- friendly solutions to safeguard hearing in high- noise environments.

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SPOTLIGHT ON EXCELLENCE: ARBOREXPO ’25 By ArborTIMES™

SPECIALIZATION VS. DIVERSIFICATION By Veronica Sparks

SHARPER TOOLS, SMARTER BUSINESS By Amy Kent Sharpening and maintain- ing stump grinders and chippers might seem like a hassle, but with these tools, extending the life of your equipment has never been easier. Explore the pros and cons of specialization versus di- versification in the tree care industry. Learn how focusing on niche services or offering a broad portfolio can impact profitability, market stability, and your business’s long- term success.

This year, ArborEXPO ™ is introducing two new and exciting develop- ments that will challenge, exhilarate, and celebrate.

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ARBORSPORTS™ By ArborTIMES™

SAGE ADVICE By Kelly May A trailblazer in arboricul- ture, Melissa LeVangie Ingersoll’s work spans safety advocacy, sustain- ability, and education. From co-founding WTCW to championing innova- tion, she is redefining the future of tree care. ArborSPORTS™ combines competition, camaraderie, and education, giving attendees the opportunity to watch elite climbers, sawyers, and rigging experts compete in events that celebrate the craft and precision of tree work.

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WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU

OUR SPRING ISSUE COMING IN APRIL • Women in Tree Care • Beating Beech Leaf Disease • Saluting Veterans • Energy-Efficient Machines And more!

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.

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