Tree Care in Developing Nations

[bonner1040]

So having visited India, Mexico, and now Costa Rica it is obvious that tree care standards are not the same in some developing nations as here in the United States.

I have always dreamed of moving somewhere exotic and Meg was somewhat taken by Costa Rica and I really liked it as well.

What is the possibility of running a US standard (safety, quality, productivity) tree service in a developing nation? Having seen the aftermath of two tree removals recently in Costa Rica and the general standard of quality in street and private trees otherwhere in the world its evident that it might be an uphill battle.

What interests me at present is 2 groups, the really rich and the impossible situations.

Really Rich: people with money want manicured properties wherever they live, someone has to the high end pruning right? If its not being done the possibility is there to educate and create demand through sales.

Impossibles: From talking to people during my travels I get the impression that certain trees, that need removed just aren't, because the expertise or ability is lacked due to surroundings. I was also given the impression that doing tree work the way we do here is pretty much unheard of in developing countries. My vision is an 'elite team' that could travel Central America and do the big, the dangerous, the horribles, and the monsters, the trees others 'cant' do thus commanding a high rate. (Think the Graeme McMahon of Latin America)


What do you guys think?

 

[mrtree]

You have an interesting idea; I have also been thinking the exact same thing.

I have been involved in some tree care in Latin AMerica and I can assure you only the very rich (in gated communities) are interested.

There are a number of things to consider
1) staff
2) language
3) cultural limitations to the work
4) corrupt officials etc.

From what I have seen even the rich of the developing world do not expect what we consider top-notch tree care.

 

[boreality]

I hear they have daily beer delivery there. You could get cheap labor but you'd also compete with cheap labor.

 

[PatriotTreeCO]

very cool idea, I would love to hear from somebody that is actually doing that.

Cost of living would obviously be much less so you wouldn't need to make as much.

You would definitely make your money as a climber and be able to run a much more labor intensive operation. I am thinking even chippers would be unnecessary. Unless you are going to Venezuela labor is probably cheaper than fuel.

Gotta figure there is not that many "impossible" situations. Everywhere has the wealthy folks though. It would be key to get a well connected native speaking salesman though, probably more like a business partner.

 

[Richard Mumford-yoyoman]

[ QUOTE ]

What do you guys think?

[/ QUOTE ]

Very interesting concept, I am not sure how each country would handle the "outsourcing" of their labor for this kind of work. Perhaps locals could be the business front and hire outside contractors (you) to do the work. Hotels and expatriate communities would probably be the work source.
I travel extensively (just returned from Chile today) and at one time started a tourist company in Costa Rica.

 

[Daniel]

forget that...
if you want to do tree work, make it 6-9 months state side, then 3-6 months of R&R in paradise...
Best thing you could do in costa rica would be eco-tourism guided tours of the tree canopy, speed lines etc.. If you pick up some tree care for Bobby Weir, take it, but its not gonna pay the bills...