Hi gillean. This is Harvey. Thanks for guiding me here.
harvey
harvey
Spreading the word re: Arboriculture Industry
- Thread starter gillean
- Start date
mdvaden
Participating member
- Location
- Beaverton. Oregon
Are you after the "Cool factor" - or the real factor?
Is this to fit with a portrayal of arboriculture, or are you planning to be selective and edit a story that still portrays the dramatic side of an arborist, rather than the essence of arboriculture.
The reason I ask, is because going back to the beginning of this topic, your posts and questions seem to follow a well worn path of what may be the more obvious stuff.
I'm not yet 100% convinced that your final goal is a broad portrayal of arboriculture.
I think it's because you posts have been leaning toward the obvious, and not digging deeper with questions regarding the less obvious.
Some of the questions have seemed like selected fishing lures with the hopes to catch certain fish in a favorite fishing hole where the species are already known.
Is this to fit with a portrayal of arboriculture, or are you planning to be selective and edit a story that still portrays the dramatic side of an arborist, rather than the essence of arboriculture.
The reason I ask, is because going back to the beginning of this topic, your posts and questions seem to follow a well worn path of what may be the more obvious stuff.
I'm not yet 100% convinced that your final goal is a broad portrayal of arboriculture.
I think it's because you posts have been leaning toward the obvious, and not digging deeper with questions regarding the less obvious.
Some of the questions have seemed like selected fishing lures with the hopes to catch certain fish in a favorite fishing hole where the species are already known.
- Location
- High Point, NC
OK. To clarify. I am trying to understand the following items:
CONSUMER ARTICLE: From the Arborists' Mouths To Help You Take the Best Care of Your Trees & Be Aware of Their Value Overall.
How does one go about finding/hiring a true arborist?
What methods should the average consumer ask/research/do?
What is/are the misperceptions regarding arborists AND the arboriculture industry?
The average kid/adult probably is familiar with the fact that trees produce oxygen. Would you like consumers to know something more?
Is pay an issue re: a person with a truck getting your job because this person shows up with a chainsaw and does the job for a fraction of what a true arborist would charge?
TRADE ARTICLE:
Problems within the industry.
What's the difference between people who are arborists and those who enjoy rtc?
What do even arborist not know about the arboriculture industry that should be shared?
You are more than welcome to visit me in downtown Greensboro, NC. I am sorry that you are not convinced that I do not have an ulterior motive. I have two boys and have a multitude of other things that I do and am responsible for. Additionally, I am the Communications Chair for JDRF. This is, of course a non-profit organization. Yes, I give my time away for worthy causes. I happen to think arborists are worth it.
Sherrill has introduced me to an amazing industry with a wealth of story opportunities. It is not in the best interest for those I work for or for my personal integrity as a former reporter and now a marketing executive to waste time on 'making up things' or trying to twist things into some specific whole or quote that I am plotting to obtain.
Just not my style. I can respect your desire to withhold your secrets within the industry.
Again, I remind you that the average consumer doesn't know a lot about arborists, their value and any understanding of the arboriculture industry TODAY. Without arborists sharing key information that they wish consumers would know, consumers will know nothing new tomorrow or any tomorrow after that.
Feel free to share pertinent information as you feel best. Time to pick up the kids.
CONSUMER ARTICLE: From the Arborists' Mouths To Help You Take the Best Care of Your Trees & Be Aware of Their Value Overall.
How does one go about finding/hiring a true arborist?
What methods should the average consumer ask/research/do?
What is/are the misperceptions regarding arborists AND the arboriculture industry?
The average kid/adult probably is familiar with the fact that trees produce oxygen. Would you like consumers to know something more?
Is pay an issue re: a person with a truck getting your job because this person shows up with a chainsaw and does the job for a fraction of what a true arborist would charge?
TRADE ARTICLE:
Problems within the industry.
What's the difference between people who are arborists and those who enjoy rtc?
What do even arborist not know about the arboriculture industry that should be shared?
You are more than welcome to visit me in downtown Greensboro, NC. I am sorry that you are not convinced that I do not have an ulterior motive. I have two boys and have a multitude of other things that I do and am responsible for. Additionally, I am the Communications Chair for JDRF. This is, of course a non-profit organization. Yes, I give my time away for worthy causes. I happen to think arborists are worth it.
Sherrill has introduced me to an amazing industry with a wealth of story opportunities. It is not in the best interest for those I work for or for my personal integrity as a former reporter and now a marketing executive to waste time on 'making up things' or trying to twist things into some specific whole or quote that I am plotting to obtain.
Just not my style. I can respect your desire to withhold your secrets within the industry.
Again, I remind you that the average consumer doesn't know a lot about arborists, their value and any understanding of the arboriculture industry TODAY. Without arborists sharing key information that they wish consumers would know, consumers will know nothing new tomorrow or any tomorrow after that.
Feel free to share pertinent information as you feel best. Time to pick up the kids.
mdvaden
Participating member
- Location
- Beaverton. Oregon
Maybe a good way to reply, is to add "TRADE" or "CONSUMER" if it applies.
So lets take this end:
CONSUMER
You are right, that many customers know that trees can provided oxygen.
What they rarely know, is that trees also use oxygen and supply carbon dioxide. That's in the roots. And that's why soil compaction, addition of hardscape, and plastic barriers under mulch can be a crisis.
Some tree service owners are not aware of this, but hopefully, most good arborists - hopefully most Certified Arborists - would be well aware of this.
ARBORIST vs R.T.CLIMBER
A good arborist, should be more capable of understanding how strong a tree is, how brittle or flexible branches are, and the likelihood of a potential danger from deadwood.
When leaves are gone bye-bye in winter, experienced arborists, due to the number of DIFFERENT trees that they will work in or climb, will better recognize what is dead and what is alive. The bark frequently has a different color and texture on live wood vs. deadwood, especially on small and medium limbs, and I believe that skilled arborists can recognize the diffence better. This means they should be able to enter a tree more safely.
Take Steve Sillett as an illustration - and comments in The Wild Trees book.
Entering a "Wild Tree" and other trees is potentially dangerous.
The Wild Trees includes an account where Sillett had to abort a climb when his wife called-out that debris was moving overhead, and a chunk came down, which I recall being the size of a small piano.
Now that's not even recreational climbing. And I'm sure that Sillett and his teams are very careful about this kind of potential danger. But the danger frequently exists. A lot of trees have attached and detached deadwood.
This is the nature of tree work where I feel that the professionals - as a whole - have a real edge over the amateurs or recreational class.
So lets take this end:
CONSUMER
You are right, that many customers know that trees can provided oxygen.
What they rarely know, is that trees also use oxygen and supply carbon dioxide. That's in the roots. And that's why soil compaction, addition of hardscape, and plastic barriers under mulch can be a crisis.
Some tree service owners are not aware of this, but hopefully, most good arborists - hopefully most Certified Arborists - would be well aware of this.
ARBORIST vs R.T.CLIMBER
A good arborist, should be more capable of understanding how strong a tree is, how brittle or flexible branches are, and the likelihood of a potential danger from deadwood.
When leaves are gone bye-bye in winter, experienced arborists, due to the number of DIFFERENT trees that they will work in or climb, will better recognize what is dead and what is alive. The bark frequently has a different color and texture on live wood vs. deadwood, especially on small and medium limbs, and I believe that skilled arborists can recognize the diffence better. This means they should be able to enter a tree more safely.
Take Steve Sillett as an illustration - and comments in The Wild Trees book.
Entering a "Wild Tree" and other trees is potentially dangerous.
The Wild Trees includes an account where Sillett had to abort a climb when his wife called-out that debris was moving overhead, and a chunk came down, which I recall being the size of a small piano.
Now that's not even recreational climbing. And I'm sure that Sillett and his teams are very careful about this kind of potential danger. But the danger frequently exists. A lot of trees have attached and detached deadwood.
This is the nature of tree work where I feel that the professionals - as a whole - have a real edge over the amateurs or recreational class.
- Location
- Northern California
- Location
- Northern California
- Location
- High Point, NC
If I take this at face value, am I to interpret that this would be an arborist and not a hack based on mentioning ISA connection (wouldn't know this except with my time with Sherrill and a number of well-known folks. No one has instructed me as of yet but I can say that I do appreciate and call on Scott Prophett for information more frequently than he would like. I can say that Michael Tain knows how to write and has excellent patience and extraodinary training skills. I can also say that Tobe is extremely insistent on trying to qualify any and everything that is stated on his web site or in any material that he offers. I suppose that I have seen some comments to the contrary. All I would say is that he is human, but one who has a passion for trees and loves meeting arborists.
So in short:
Certified arborist (have arborist provide number and verify via key web sites. I think we have this on Sherrill.
Review a company's web site.
Look for information on tree care, what the arborist does and any connections that can be validated with ISA and/or TCI.
This is very basic and limiting. I will do some more research elsewhere and see what I come up with. I will also extract some of the comments that I have received as of late and see how you would like to hack my work. (See? I have a moment of humor.)
As for any concerns with where any information would be printed, any reporter worth anything will do fact-checking. It starts with me but I also connect a reporter with an expert in the field. The folks that I have mentioned would work. Also, the 4 main trade pubs are NOT going to publish anything that is not factual and accurate related to the industry. Consider each one of you skeptics with your own personal arboriculture filter. Plus, you know my name. And there are way more of you than the one of me.
So in short:
Certified arborist (have arborist provide number and verify via key web sites. I think we have this on Sherrill.
Review a company's web site.
Look for information on tree care, what the arborist does and any connections that can be validated with ISA and/or TCI.
This is very basic and limiting. I will do some more research elsewhere and see what I come up with. I will also extract some of the comments that I have received as of late and see how you would like to hack my work. (See? I have a moment of humor.)
As for any concerns with where any information would be printed, any reporter worth anything will do fact-checking. It starts with me but I also connect a reporter with an expert in the field. The folks that I have mentioned would work. Also, the 4 main trade pubs are NOT going to publish anything that is not factual and accurate related to the industry. Consider each one of you skeptics with your own personal arboriculture filter. Plus, you know my name. And there are way more of you than the one of me.
- Location
- High Point, NC
I can't read the attachments. Where can these materials be found?
- Location
- High Point, NC
So far, I feel I have about 3 or 4 responses in which I can take some information from, validate and consider. This latest one is of interest and much appreciated.
Re: Trade Vs. Consumer
Another consumer angle is getting people interested in trees via rtc. Please breathe before replying with anger. The goal is to connect consumers with folks who know what they are doing, know how to pick a safe tree to climb and use the proper equipment that will keep climbers safe and will not harm the tree.
So, if you know of qualified facilitators or arborists who actually make a bit of extra money taking folks up the trees to help these folks appreciate trees.
Another one against the other that I need help with:
Re: arborists vs. recreational tree climbers
I hear that there is potentially tension or maybe misunderstanding between arborists and recreational tree climbers? What's the 'sitch?'
Re: Trade Vs. Consumer
Another consumer angle is getting people interested in trees via rtc. Please breathe before replying with anger. The goal is to connect consumers with folks who know what they are doing, know how to pick a safe tree to climb and use the proper equipment that will keep climbers safe and will not harm the tree.
So, if you know of qualified facilitators or arborists who actually make a bit of extra money taking folks up the trees to help these folks appreciate trees.
Another one against the other that I need help with:
Re: arborists vs. recreational tree climbers
I hear that there is potentially tension or maybe misunderstanding between arborists and recreational tree climbers? What's the 'sitch?'
- Location
- High Point, NC
Steve Sillett is really an amazing talent and a true inspiration to doing whatever possible to preserve trees and the life still being discovered above 300ft! He is key note speaker at ISA this year, is this correct? And Wild Trees - I told him he was nuts climbing that tree and scaring his brother to death with no ropes or anything. He is of course, far beyond that time and it will be nice to hear him speak in St. Louis.
hand this out
Tree Basics: What Every Person Needs to Know About Trees
Alex Shigo
"Re: arborists vs. recreational tree climbers
I hear that there is potentially tension or maybe misunderstanding between arborists and recreational tree climbers? What's the 'sitch?' "
NOW where did you get that from?
WE - arborists and rec climbs have nothing but respect for the trees and we all take the care needed when we climb, either for profit(work related) or for pure fun and excitment of being in the trees.
there are many rec climbing arborists and climbers that are not yet arborists and rec climbers that are arborist BUT not production climbers. there are research climbers also - did you forget them?
Tree Basics: What Every Person Needs to Know About Trees
Alex Shigo
"Re: arborists vs. recreational tree climbers
I hear that there is potentially tension or maybe misunderstanding between arborists and recreational tree climbers? What's the 'sitch?' "
NOW where did you get that from?
WE - arborists and rec climbs have nothing but respect for the trees and we all take the care needed when we climb, either for profit(work related) or for pure fun and excitment of being in the trees.
there are many rec climbing arborists and climbers that are not yet arborists and rec climbers that are arborist BUT not production climbers. there are research climbers also - did you forget them?
Howdy,
Undetectibility is one of the goals of proper pruning. This subtle difference in the tree structure after it has been pruned is difficult to see in photos or video. Backlit photography looking upward into trees can get washed out easily.
While heavy thinning and clearance pruning allow visual examples that display the arborists art, restraint allows confining the cutting to a theraputic level. The amount of biomass removed can be dependant on how much time will elapse before the next pruning episode.
The 'sales pitch' by an arborist involves a modicum of trust in the skills offered to the consumer. Many jobs involve a confident arborist asking the potential client to just allow them to practice their art.
Lots of tree services are offered by a salesman who does not actually do the work themself, but sends a crew out. Most videos about arboriculture are commissioned by corporations in this boat. An owner-operator has the edge in the trust department, in my opinion, but this concept has been minimized in the public relations world.
I like the idea of a movie that takes the viewer to see a job before it is done, then tracks the limbs as they fall to gradually reveal an improved tree structure.
Hope you can provide this.
Ox
Undetectibility is one of the goals of proper pruning. This subtle difference in the tree structure after it has been pruned is difficult to see in photos or video. Backlit photography looking upward into trees can get washed out easily.
While heavy thinning and clearance pruning allow visual examples that display the arborists art, restraint allows confining the cutting to a theraputic level. The amount of biomass removed can be dependant on how much time will elapse before the next pruning episode.
The 'sales pitch' by an arborist involves a modicum of trust in the skills offered to the consumer. Many jobs involve a confident arborist asking the potential client to just allow them to practice their art.
Lots of tree services are offered by a salesman who does not actually do the work themself, but sends a crew out. Most videos about arboriculture are commissioned by corporations in this boat. An owner-operator has the edge in the trust department, in my opinion, but this concept has been minimized in the public relations world.
I like the idea of a movie that takes the viewer to see a job before it is done, then tracks the limbs as they fall to gradually reveal an improved tree structure.
Hope you can provide this.
Ox
- Location
- High Point, NC
If you consider Steve Sillett a researcher climber as I do, I don't believe that I have forgotten them or him as Tobe has gone on many climbs with Steve and seen firsthand the amazing bits of life never seen before that live above 300ft.
[ QUOTE ]
Howdy,
Undetectibility is one of the goals of proper pruning. This subtle difference in the tree structure after it has been pruned is difficult to see in photos or video. Backlit photography looking upward into trees can get washed out easily.
While heavy thinning and clearance pruning allow visual examples that display the arborists art, restraint allows confining the cutting to a theraputic level. The amount of biomass removed can be dependant on how much time will elapse before the next pruning episode.
The 'sales pitch' by an arborist involves a modicum of trust in the skills offered to the consumer. Many jobs involve a confident arborist asking the potential client to just allow them to practice their art.
Lots of tree services are offered by a salesman who does not actually do the work themself, but sends a crew out. Most videos about arboriculture are commissioned by corporations in this boat. An owner-operator has the edge in the trust department, in my opinion, but this concept has been minimized in the public relations world.
I like the idea of a movie that takes the viewer to see a job before it is done, then tracks the limbs as they fall to gradually reveal an improved tree structure.
Hope you can provide this.
Ox
[/ QUOTE ]
Well said Ox - I agree.
There is no simple way to point a consumer in the right direction where they can relax and know the job will be done right by just asking for X and X. The industry is too dynamic and fragmented. Some of the finest arborists I know have crossed swords with the organisations you mention, in their efforts to improve things.
ALL of my work is through referrals - I've never advertised. Its a bit like any consultancy, and politics - its all based on trust, how the professional inspires confidence. Alot of that is about personality, philosophy, and a desire to try to steer the client in the right direction. Now that frustrates me sometimes, and its at odds with a commercial approach, but then we are dealing with important patients - sometimes I just know its time to walk away. People now know not to call me if they don't want it done right.
My website links to this site for an independent approach to hiring an Arborist (UK market) - I like the tone:
http://www.tree-care.info/findanarb/choose
I don't like the idea of getting the masses into the trees, for reasons already stated. Those that feel compelled to climb and get close to trees will hopefully come to it through a sense of their own personal development, and respect for nature.
We become complacent about the risks as professionals - the fact remains it is our understanding of tree species, biomechanics and biology, or that of our supervisors, that reduces the risks. Then we have to understand the fundamental concepts of equipment systems and techniques, without a true back-up system.
This has nothing to do with the added risks of chainsaws and rigging in the professional department.
There have been many deaths with research climbers because of a lack of expertise with trees and equipment. Your Steve Sillet anecdote is one example of one of the risks. And it doesn't need to be the size of a piano to kill you!
A rec climber will still need to climb with a handsaw. But what can they be trusted to do with it?
I have concerns that what you have been employed to undertake, has a side spin of a recreational tree climbing business and associated sales of equipment and training; if it takes off with the general public, without proper thought and planning, there will be consequences in injury to both trees and climbers.
Professional Arborists have a big enough job getting their own house in order.
Trees offer us fantastic benefits, all the more in terms of personal development when we climb them. But as is often the case, the risks come in equal measure. These risks are rarely explained adequately in the professional field - I doubt their gravity will be fully explained and understood to rec climbers - the feel good gloss and romance takes care of that. On some professional introductory courses, after I explained the risks, some have walked away. Despite me getting chastised by the training provider, it is a good part of the selection process toward finding the right type of person. It is as much a moral as legal obligation.
With tree climbing, committment should be the key to entry.
Howdy,
Undetectibility is one of the goals of proper pruning. This subtle difference in the tree structure after it has been pruned is difficult to see in photos or video. Backlit photography looking upward into trees can get washed out easily.
While heavy thinning and clearance pruning allow visual examples that display the arborists art, restraint allows confining the cutting to a theraputic level. The amount of biomass removed can be dependant on how much time will elapse before the next pruning episode.
The 'sales pitch' by an arborist involves a modicum of trust in the skills offered to the consumer. Many jobs involve a confident arborist asking the potential client to just allow them to practice their art.
Lots of tree services are offered by a salesman who does not actually do the work themself, but sends a crew out. Most videos about arboriculture are commissioned by corporations in this boat. An owner-operator has the edge in the trust department, in my opinion, but this concept has been minimized in the public relations world.
I like the idea of a movie that takes the viewer to see a job before it is done, then tracks the limbs as they fall to gradually reveal an improved tree structure.
Hope you can provide this.
Ox
[/ QUOTE ]
Well said Ox - I agree.
There is no simple way to point a consumer in the right direction where they can relax and know the job will be done right by just asking for X and X. The industry is too dynamic and fragmented. Some of the finest arborists I know have crossed swords with the organisations you mention, in their efforts to improve things.
ALL of my work is through referrals - I've never advertised. Its a bit like any consultancy, and politics - its all based on trust, how the professional inspires confidence. Alot of that is about personality, philosophy, and a desire to try to steer the client in the right direction. Now that frustrates me sometimes, and its at odds with a commercial approach, but then we are dealing with important patients - sometimes I just know its time to walk away. People now know not to call me if they don't want it done right.
My website links to this site for an independent approach to hiring an Arborist (UK market) - I like the tone:
http://www.tree-care.info/findanarb/choose
I don't like the idea of getting the masses into the trees, for reasons already stated. Those that feel compelled to climb and get close to trees will hopefully come to it through a sense of their own personal development, and respect for nature.
We become complacent about the risks as professionals - the fact remains it is our understanding of tree species, biomechanics and biology, or that of our supervisors, that reduces the risks. Then we have to understand the fundamental concepts of equipment systems and techniques, without a true back-up system.
This has nothing to do with the added risks of chainsaws and rigging in the professional department.
There have been many deaths with research climbers because of a lack of expertise with trees and equipment. Your Steve Sillet anecdote is one example of one of the risks. And it doesn't need to be the size of a piano to kill you!
A rec climber will still need to climb with a handsaw. But what can they be trusted to do with it?
I have concerns that what you have been employed to undertake, has a side spin of a recreational tree climbing business and associated sales of equipment and training; if it takes off with the general public, without proper thought and planning, there will be consequences in injury to both trees and climbers.
Professional Arborists have a big enough job getting their own house in order.
Trees offer us fantastic benefits, all the more in terms of personal development when we climb them. But as is often the case, the risks come in equal measure. These risks are rarely explained adequately in the professional field - I doubt their gravity will be fully explained and understood to rec climbers - the feel good gloss and romance takes care of that. On some professional introductory courses, after I explained the risks, some have walked away. Despite me getting chastised by the training provider, it is a good part of the selection process toward finding the right type of person. It is as much a moral as legal obligation.
With tree climbing, committment should be the key to entry.
- Location
- Northern California
- Location
- Northern California
- Location
- Northern California
- Location
- High Point, NC
Cool idea! It's on the list.
- Location
- High Point, NC
My goal is to offer something that will help the average homeowner appreciate trees and understand the value of having someone trained and skilled to take care of the trees they may have in their front or backyard.
Conundrum - complaints aboud regarding how little consumers know and how folks in trucks with chainsaws get business because they offer a cheaper price to homeowners.
Hmm- I keep hearing complaints but I am not seeing the complaints being followed with initial ideas or solutions to help the arboriculture industry flourish by having skilled, trained and certified arborists getting the jobs and not just anyone. Nothing is too complex. Information can be broken down into chunks that a person (homeowner) at any level can understand. So, let's see some ideas, solutions.
Conundrum - even with complaints, I am not picking up on many beginning steps that one would want to offer the general public to help provide true tree care experts the jobs that will not only 'get the job done' but will be done in such a way to preserve the tree as much as possible.
Hmm-So arborists feel like their jobs get hijacked by mutilators who chop up trees for bottom barrel prices. If homeowners don't know the difference, the value of an arborist - a true arborist who cares about the full potential of each and every tree - then the complaints continue. However, I'm not quite sure that the complaints should continue without taking some time and coming up with a solution. It's like not voting and complaining about who is President. You are the people who want to see your industry taken seriously. You want the general population to have maybe a bit of appreciation of the work you do...that is I think you folks do.
Conundrum - Nothing is simple. Yet no one is willing to try to boil anything down to try to help educate homeowners. So, if I want to educate homeowners about ways to verify that the right person is taking care of their trees, I should just forget about it? I shouldn't try? I am only after equipment sales and training sales?
Hmm-SherrillTree does not train anyone or offer training. No money motive there. SherrillTree sells gear but would NEVER want to promote climbing a tree without someone who is a qualified facilitator. So, if people elect to find out more about recreational tree climbing, these folks would need to connect with a qualified facilitator. Sherrill has no financial benefits from its list on the web site showcasing recreational tree climbing facilitators. In fact, it would be great to have more to list.
SherrillTree does sell tree gear that can be used for rec climbing. BUT one doesn't need to buy gear to connect with facilitators and rec tree climbing locations to test out the experience. In fact, many folks enjoy recreational tree climbing through qualified facilitators and use the equipment that they rent/are provided from the facilitator. This gear is already in hand. Sherrill does not profit from any of this. The goal is to help encourage folks to find a great outdoor activity that will also be a way to help educate and help people of all ages to appreciate what is growing all around them - those tall things with leaves. I would say that making sure the facilitator is of the quality and skill that the industry would want, as well as finding any arborists who offer rec climbing as a side job, (met someone in Charlotte who offers this in KY) would be something that you folks would want to weigh in on.
Bottom line:
It is my intention to help encourage the general population to appreciate trees, what they bring to each of us and to have a real look at a true arborist, what he/she does and what an impact a skilled and caring arborist brings to a homeowner's backyard rather than someone driving in with a truck and chainsaw.
My personal bottom line: I am definitely sorry that the skepticism is at such a high level. If one has any questions about the media and how I work with national reporters and what work I have already accomplished, please just ask. I would say that I am not going to consider that any comments thus far ASSUME that I really do have an ulterior motive to just get a quote and run with it. As I have much to learn about the arboriculture industry, I would think that it MAY be possible that some have much to learn about the media and how it REALLY works. I want to take your concerns and find a way to help folks appreciate your value.
For the love of all humanity, I am not a 'bad guy.' I am not part of a media mofia or 'out to getcha' organization. Do you have a multitude of media resources to help educate the national public? Are reporters knocking on your doors daily to ask you to help educate the average homeowner? Do you have actual access to any national media connection? Are you continuing to see homeowners appreciate arborists and willing to pay a bit more for someone who is looking at the longterm care of trees? Would you like to be appreciated, understood and valued?
I have been thoroughly impressed with the people I have met thus far and I want to do something about it because I happen to have some great connections. Or we can all go home and play Crazy Eights, complain about homeowners not appreciating arborists and hiring just anyone. Status quo. I'd rather make a difference and a positive one.
gillean@thekingsenglish.com
Conundrum - complaints aboud regarding how little consumers know and how folks in trucks with chainsaws get business because they offer a cheaper price to homeowners.
Hmm- I keep hearing complaints but I am not seeing the complaints being followed with initial ideas or solutions to help the arboriculture industry flourish by having skilled, trained and certified arborists getting the jobs and not just anyone. Nothing is too complex. Information can be broken down into chunks that a person (homeowner) at any level can understand. So, let's see some ideas, solutions.
Conundrum - even with complaints, I am not picking up on many beginning steps that one would want to offer the general public to help provide true tree care experts the jobs that will not only 'get the job done' but will be done in such a way to preserve the tree as much as possible.
Hmm-So arborists feel like their jobs get hijacked by mutilators who chop up trees for bottom barrel prices. If homeowners don't know the difference, the value of an arborist - a true arborist who cares about the full potential of each and every tree - then the complaints continue. However, I'm not quite sure that the complaints should continue without taking some time and coming up with a solution. It's like not voting and complaining about who is President. You are the people who want to see your industry taken seriously. You want the general population to have maybe a bit of appreciation of the work you do...that is I think you folks do.
Conundrum - Nothing is simple. Yet no one is willing to try to boil anything down to try to help educate homeowners. So, if I want to educate homeowners about ways to verify that the right person is taking care of their trees, I should just forget about it? I shouldn't try? I am only after equipment sales and training sales?
Hmm-SherrillTree does not train anyone or offer training. No money motive there. SherrillTree sells gear but would NEVER want to promote climbing a tree without someone who is a qualified facilitator. So, if people elect to find out more about recreational tree climbing, these folks would need to connect with a qualified facilitator. Sherrill has no financial benefits from its list on the web site showcasing recreational tree climbing facilitators. In fact, it would be great to have more to list.
SherrillTree does sell tree gear that can be used for rec climbing. BUT one doesn't need to buy gear to connect with facilitators and rec tree climbing locations to test out the experience. In fact, many folks enjoy recreational tree climbing through qualified facilitators and use the equipment that they rent/are provided from the facilitator. This gear is already in hand. Sherrill does not profit from any of this. The goal is to help encourage folks to find a great outdoor activity that will also be a way to help educate and help people of all ages to appreciate what is growing all around them - those tall things with leaves. I would say that making sure the facilitator is of the quality and skill that the industry would want, as well as finding any arborists who offer rec climbing as a side job, (met someone in Charlotte who offers this in KY) would be something that you folks would want to weigh in on.
Bottom line:
It is my intention to help encourage the general population to appreciate trees, what they bring to each of us and to have a real look at a true arborist, what he/she does and what an impact a skilled and caring arborist brings to a homeowner's backyard rather than someone driving in with a truck and chainsaw.
My personal bottom line: I am definitely sorry that the skepticism is at such a high level. If one has any questions about the media and how I work with national reporters and what work I have already accomplished, please just ask. I would say that I am not going to consider that any comments thus far ASSUME that I really do have an ulterior motive to just get a quote and run with it. As I have much to learn about the arboriculture industry, I would think that it MAY be possible that some have much to learn about the media and how it REALLY works. I want to take your concerns and find a way to help folks appreciate your value.
For the love of all humanity, I am not a 'bad guy.' I am not part of a media mofia or 'out to getcha' organization. Do you have a multitude of media resources to help educate the national public? Are reporters knocking on your doors daily to ask you to help educate the average homeowner? Do you have actual access to any national media connection? Are you continuing to see homeowners appreciate arborists and willing to pay a bit more for someone who is looking at the longterm care of trees? Would you like to be appreciated, understood and valued?
I have been thoroughly impressed with the people I have met thus far and I want to do something about it because I happen to have some great connections. Or we can all go home and play Crazy Eights, complain about homeowners not appreciating arborists and hiring just anyone. Status quo. I'd rather make a difference and a positive one.
gillean@thekingsenglish.com
mdvaden
Participating member
- Location
- Beaverton. Oregon
Let's see how this goes.
Actually, I think that the non-arborists should be the ones to carry out the educating of the public.
Arborists can teach what needs to be known, but the implementation and distribution of the information might be better served by others. Or by folks like yourself.
For example, in Oregon, it's OLD news that someone should do a license check on a contractor. That's one tip offered in our area.
The average homeowner with a brain should know that, and has probably heard it over a dozen times over, including on the news.
But at least in my case, maybe just 2 or 3 homeowners in a year, who have met me for the first time, check my license number. And that can be done instantaneouly online at:
Landscape Contractors Board Website
And many arborists are under the Construction Contractors Board which offers a similar tool.
But even though homeowners have been told to take care of that responsible action, many of them don't.
A good chunk of the problem does not lie with ignorance.
If homeowners are not motivated by the desire to use common sense and be smart, one of few alternatives might be FEAR. It should not be the best motivator. But maybe some people need to be shocked into taking action.
Dramatic spectacular video and stories of good arboriculture, may need to be equally matched in quantity by spectacular accounts of butchery and destruction.
Actually, I think that the non-arborists should be the ones to carry out the educating of the public.
Arborists can teach what needs to be known, but the implementation and distribution of the information might be better served by others. Or by folks like yourself.
For example, in Oregon, it's OLD news that someone should do a license check on a contractor. That's one tip offered in our area.
The average homeowner with a brain should know that, and has probably heard it over a dozen times over, including on the news.
But at least in my case, maybe just 2 or 3 homeowners in a year, who have met me for the first time, check my license number. And that can be done instantaneouly online at:
Landscape Contractors Board Website
And many arborists are under the Construction Contractors Board which offers a similar tool.
But even though homeowners have been told to take care of that responsible action, many of them don't.
A good chunk of the problem does not lie with ignorance.
If homeowners are not motivated by the desire to use common sense and be smart, one of few alternatives might be FEAR. It should not be the best motivator. But maybe some people need to be shocked into taking action.
Dramatic spectacular video and stories of good arboriculture, may need to be equally matched in quantity by spectacular accounts of butchery and destruction.
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KBNest -Midline Attachable SRS Canopy Anchor.
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