WI worked on this for many years until finally I realized how it could work. And honestly, it changed my life because I’ve demonstrated or showed other people that there was a way to ascend into a tree with less effort [and] less energy. Q : What do you enjoy most about working as an independent tree care provider today? A : Freedom. Being able to determine my time schedule and the allowance to be able to make accommodations, to not have to be structured necessarily. If I need to do something in the course of the day, I don’t feel like I’m on the clock. I was on the clock for years, and I’ve never really had that freedom. Q : How important is it for experienced professionals to share their knowledge with newcomers to the industry? A : [I] can’t say enough about it. Each year, I look for the opportunity to share my knowledge either at the annual con- ference or at regional meetings. And I’m constantly being asked to … share my knowledge, so I still continue to write for the chapter newsletter. Some things are inspired by just working in the field and others are when people ask me questions and I don’t have the answer, so then I’m inspired to seek the answer. Q : After 50-plus years in tree care, what advice would you give to someone just start- ing their career in this industry? A : Don’t think you know it all. Be will- ing to learn and accept the knowledge that’s being given to you and seek knowl- edge when you don’t have the answer.
Phillips in his early days—high above the ground, doing what he did best as a skilled arborist.
ArborTIMES ™ Spring 2026 | 73
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