BY MARK CHISHOLM, CTSP Whenever I am asked to speak about working with cranes, I always start by discussing the accidents that are happening. This is the foundation for what we should all craft our practices around in order to ultimately avoid the problems others have had. What slings to use, how to attach them, where to make the cut, what cut to u…

BY ANDY JONES, CTSP Eight years ago, my best friend and now business partner gave me a copy of “Knots at Work” for my birthday. This gift came just a month into my journey into the captivating world of tree work. As an aspiring climber, I devoured the book and committed many of its pages to memory. Jeff Jepson’s straightforward style and no-nonsens…

BY CHRIS GIRARD Webster’s New World Dictionary’s definition of a mentor is the following: 1. A wise advisor 2. A teacher or coach. Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.tcia.org.Por TCI Magazine

BY W. JIM CORTESE, BCMA Alex Shigo, father of modern arboriculture, burst on the arboricultural scene in the early 1980s with his theory of compartmentalization of decay in trees, CODIT. With this he changed our collective thinking about trees. He created a revolution in our field of arboriculture. That revolution is continuing today with new gener…

BY MICHAEL ROCHE, CTSP When you walk out from a safety lecture by Dr. John Ball, you definitely feel better informed, but it’s also likely you feel a little unnerved. Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.tcia.org.Por TCI Magazine

BY JIM KASPER In an issue dedicated to the “legends” of the industry, there’s no avoiding the name Mark Chisholm. His official tree-climbing career began more than 40 years ago, at age 12, helping with his dad’s business on weekends. He was making money rigging out trees before many in this industry today were born. But don’t let that fool you. “I …

BY ALEX JULIUS, BCMA For many, the transition from a job to a career in arboriculture starts with the purchase of the “ISA Arborist Certification Study Guide.” And when making that leap, it feels even more official when that certificate comes in the mail saying you’re now an ISA Certified Arborist. But, as with anything, someone was behind the scen…

By DON STARUK, EDITOR When we recognize a person as a legend, typically it is an honor we confer because of that person’s achievement or their impact on us personally. TCI Magazine staff surveyed some key industry contacts as well as fellow TCIA employees, asking for nominations for a new “Legends” feature. Our staff ranked the dozens of suggestion…

BY ANDY JONES, CTSP Last November in a TCI EXPO ’23 presentation, I explored the merits of battery-powered outdoor power equipment (OPE) and posed the question: Is it time to seriously consider transitioning to battery-operated tools? Initially, the Rooted Arbor Care team and I had modest expectations regarding the performance of battery products, …

BY ANDY JONES, CTSP, AND NICK GREENWOOD, CTSP In Part 2 of this series, we explored the deployment of steel and dynamic cable systems as risk-mitigation solutions for damaged trees or those with mechanical vulnerabilities. In Part 3, we will focus on another primary method of supplemental support: bracing. We also will touch briefly on guying and p…

BY RICK HOWLAND Ever wonder about that large, sturdy, fully grown tree standing as a centerpiece amid the show booths, equipment and convention goers at TCI EXPO? Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.tcia.org.Por TCI Magazine

BY CHELSI ABBOTT, MSC In this article, we’ll look at which characteristics help identify some of the fungi that can create hazardous trees for arborists. We’ll also look at fungal management and managing client expectations for trees with wood-decay rot. Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.tcia.org.…

BY JULIE BEE You knew it from the beginning – being an entrepreneur is no walk in the park. Hard work, hustle and the occasional all-nighter come with the territory. But if “up to your eyeballs” has become your everyday reality, you’re headed for trouble. Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.tcia.org.…

BY SYDNEY HUDZINSKI My start in this industry was rough. The first three months were a struggle. They were mentally, physically and emotionally draining. I remember white knuckling the steering wheel on my way home, wondering if I could do this job. Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.tcia.org.…

BY CHRIS GIRARD, CTSP I'm sure every tree worker has run into a case when you get a phone call to come in and remove a hazardous tree after construction has just been finished on a building site. Of course, it would have been so much easier and safer if the contractor had just called you beforehand. Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting t…

BY TRACEY MILLER This year at TCI EXPO, taking place November 7-9 in Baltimore, Maryland, attendees with an All-Access Pass will have exclusive access to engaging and educational Main Stage Sessions. These sessions will feature speakers offering fresh perspectives and invaluable insights tailored to tree care professionals. Here’s a glimpse of the …

BY PATRICIA CHAUDOIN From the Americas to Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia, Waco Boom Manufacturing LLC has built a solid reputation in what company sales director Geoff Abel calls a “niche market” for filament-wound, insulated fiberglass booms. Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.tcia.org.…

BY REBECCA SEIBEL, BCMA, CTSP The Six-Step Felling Plan is a checklist you and the people who work alongside you can apply to every tree-felling operation. It’s also a training tool. Employees who have achieved basic chain-saw safer- operator skills and who are prepared to do more can follow this. Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tci…

BY PATRICIA CHAUDOIN Taking the high road in his business practices is something Matt Hogarth, owner of Higher Ground Tree Care – an accredited, nine-year TCIA member company based in Granger, Indiana – holds dearly as one of his core values. “Our secret sauce is, we’re going to serve every customer well even if it’s to our detriment – even that ca…

BY MASON BRANDENBERGER, CTSP Running a successful tree care company requires more than just technical expertise and a solid work ethic. Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.tcia.org.Por TCI Magazine

BY JOSIAH GEORGESON A masterful estimate involves establishing trust, providing effective solutions and setting the stage for your crew to exceed expectations. Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.tcia.org.Por TCI Magazine

BY TRACEY MILLER When Jeff Gillis, president of WellTree Inc. – a 23-year TCIA member company based in Brunswick, Maine – first considered offering his employees a 401(k) program, he was daunted by the potential administrative burden and cost. Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.tcia.org.…

BY ERIC PETERSEN Everyone in your organization is in sales. There, I said it. Don’t agree with me? Keep reading, and let’s see if I can change your mind. Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.tcia.org.Por TCI Magazine

BY ASH CONNELLY TCI EXPO ’23 Saturday morning, like the sunset of a few days jampacked full of learning, connecting and staying up late. Coffee in hand and sleep in their eyes, an unexpectedly large crowd filled the room to gain a few tricks of the sales trade. Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.tcia.org.…

BY MICHAEL ROCHE 416 That’s a number that should resonate with you if you are a tree care owner or manager. It’s a number that should be in a company’s employee handbook, and in today’s business world, you need a good handbook more than ever. Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.tcia.org.…

BY DAVID RATTIGAN Noel Boyer has never taken the step to hire a business advisor, but has brought in professional help to lighten the load for himself and his staff. Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.tcia.org.Por TCI Magazine

BY DAVID JOSEPH Accountability is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as “the obligation or willingness to accept responsibility for one’s actions or duties.” But in the realm of leadership and organizational management, it’s more than a definition. Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.tcia.org.…

BY RON EDMONDS With a high level of merger-and-acquisition activity in the tree care industry, owners are naturally interested in what is driving all the activity and how it will affect their businesses. One term being bantered about is the EBITDA, a measurement of a business’s value. So what is your business’s EBITDA, and why should you care? Remb…

BY CHARLIE WHITE I was attending a recent ISA event and overheard a young climber seeking advice about doing the gnarly stuff in tree work. The response was well intended and does have a bit of truth: “It’s easier with people you trust.” Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.tcia.org.…

BY JOHN BALL, PH.D., BCMA, CTSP They came from tree crews of the largest tree care companies in the United States. They worked alone as the sole proprietor of their own companies. They performed line-clearance work along overhead power lines, pruned trees in residential backyards and removed trees in city parks. They worked for companies with words…

BY ANDY JONES, CTSP, AND NICK GREENWOOD, CTSP In Part 1 of this series, we discussed the need for supplemental support systems and the reasons we rely on cabling systems to serve as solutions for many structural vulnerabilities. In this article, we will cover some needed clarifications regarding the new A300-2023 as it applies to cabling. We then w…

BY PATRICIA CHAUDOIN For David Raines, owner of Raines Tree Care in Bentonville, Arkansas – a TCIA member company since 2015 – the morning of May 26 started out like any other Sunday, until he saw the stream of text messages from family and friends asking if he was OK. Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.tcia.org.…

BY STEVEN F. PREGLER In a recent article I read, an 18-year-old was killed by a falling tree while cleaning up storm damage. How tragic! Injuries and death can happen to anyone. They happen to homeowners and professionals alike. We read about them each month in the “Accident Briefs” of this magazine. How many incidents never get reported and become…

BY MARK E. BATTERSBY It’s no secret that many tree care businesses are adding electric or zero-emission vehicles to their fleets. Chipper and bucket trucks, vans, dump trucks – just about every commercial vehicle has an electric option. Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.tcia.org.…

BY PATRICIA CHAUDOIN Tim Scherpenisse, owner of New Life Arboricultural Services based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is adamant about maintaining a slow and steady rate of growth within his company. “We’re always growing and looking for the next legacy client, but if the opportunity does not align with our core values, we pass,” he notes, adding, “For…

BY TRACEY MILLER For many attendees, TCI EXPO is not just an event; it’s a pilgrimage for tree care professionals, a place to meet new friends and reunite with old ones. The industry is growing and changing rapidly, and many companies bring their whole teams each year. Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.tcia.org.…

BY RUDY RUTEMILLER, TIMOTHY M. WALSH, CTSP, and JEREMY LEWIS In November 2023, at TCI EXPO in St. Louis, Missouri, we three authors presented two case studies where The Davey Tree Expert Company and Petzl worked congruently to find safe and compliant work-positioning solutions for crews on unique and nontraditional work sites. Rember to subscribe t…

BY CHRISTOPHER J. LULEY, PH.D., AND KEVIN T. SMITH, PH.D. Part 1 of this two-part series, “Heartwood and Heart Rot, Part 1: Are They Important to Arborists?” ran in the May 2023 issue of TCI Magazine. Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.tcia.org.Por TCI Magazine

BY JEFF INMAN JR., CTSP Do you think about weights when rigging, or just tie stuff on and proceed to cutting? Are you someone who spends time factoring in angles, vectors and the system that needs to be built for the task ahead, or are you just throwing a rope up there and hoping for the best? Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.…

BY ANTHONY TRESSELT, CTSP As with any technical undertaking, there are various ways to mitigate or dissipate force in our rigging systems. Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.tcia.org.Por TCI Magazine

BY ARABELLA ARDEN “CTSP, it’s who I am,” states Kristoffer Rasmussen, TCIA Accreditation auditor and the owner of arboriststrong.com, a tree care safety consulting company based in Azle, Texas. Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.tcia.org.Por TCI Magazine

BY TAMSIN VENN “Getting the tree down is no longer the problem, managing the wood waste is. ‘Now what do I do with all this volume?’ Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.tcia.org.Por TCI Magazine

BY KELPIE WILSON The following is an excerpt from Kelpie Wilson’s new book, “The Biochar Handbook” (Chelsea Green Publishing June 2024), and is printed with permission from the publisher. Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.tcia.org.Por TCI Magazine

BY TAMSIN VENN In February 2024, The Davey Tree Expert Company fired up its new biochar facility in East Dundee, Illinois. The facility recycles wood waste from its many client properties in the Chicago area and turns it into an environmentally friendly soil additive, biochar. Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.tcia.org.…

BY GEOFF KEMPTER Revisions to ANSI A300 standards often reflect emerging research or attempts to balance tree health with economics and safety. Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.tcia.org.Por TCI Magazine

BY ANDY JONES, CTSP, AND NICK GREENWOOD, CTSP At TCI EXPO ’23 in St. Louis, Missouri, we hosted a training on the show floor called “Cabling Made Easy.” With the assist of our training partner, Thomas Paine, CTSP, we demonstrated our preferred method of cable installation and attempted to explain the merits of this method. Rember to subscribe to TC…

BY GLYNN C. PERCIVAL, PH.D. The benefits of a woodchip mulch layer over the root system of a tree are now widely recognized. These include conservation of soil moisture to reduce the detrimental effects of drought and weed suppression, and, as the mulch layer is degraded, the nutrients released provide a valuable organic fertilizer. Rember to subsc…

BY HANS J. TIELMANN III, CTSP As a New Jersey Licensed Tree Expert, TCIA Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP) and TCIA Qualified Trainer, I have witnessed the profound impact that technological advancements have had on the tree care industry. Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.tcia.org.…

BY RICK HOWLAND It’s become a given. Compact loaders and mini skid steers are a godsend for the tree care industry. They come in several configurations – ride in or on, stand on, perhaps articulated, wheeled or tracked. Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.tcia.org.Por TCI Magazine

By TAMSIN VENN As health & safety manager, Josue Palacios oversees the safety training of a largely Hispanic workforce at Rancho Tree Service, a six-year TCIA member company headquartered in Bakersfield, California. Rember to subscribe to TCI Magazine by visiting tcimag.tcia.org.Por TCI Magazine