The Arborist’s Free Pass
I’ve been in PHC for 37 years. In the field, not the office. I’ve learned a few things, and recognized some areas for improvement this is just one I think we need to be mindful of.
Trees hold a very unique place in the hearts of people anywhere on the planet. People love trees because they embody the essence of life, beauty, and resilience. Trees provide shade on sunny days, clean the air we breathe, and serve as habitat for countless creatures, making them indispensable to our environment. Their wide roots and towering branches inspire awe and symbolize strength and stability, while their seasonal changes remind us of the cycles of life and renewal.
Trees also evoke emotional connections—memories of climbing them as children, relaxing under their canopies, or planting one to mark a special occasion. Beyond their practical benefits, trees offer a sense of peace and connection to nature, serving as quiet witnesses to our lives and steadfast companions in an ever-changing world. This deep affection for trees often extends—sometimes too easily—to those who work with them: The Arborists…
Because the love people feel for trees automatically spills over to anyone associated with their care. An arborist doesn’t have to do much to earn this admiration; it’s almost automatic. People assume that someone who works with trees must share their love for them. In a way, it’s as if the arborist inherits the goodwill that tree love naturally creates.
That unearned respect can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it helps arborists build trust and rapport with clients more easily. People are inclined to believe that arborists have their trees’ best interests at heart, simply because they’ve chosen this profession. That should not be the case. The love for trees can and does become a shield for us from scrutiny or criticism, even when our methods or intentions do not align with the health and longevity of the trees we are hired to care for.
This automatic trust is (at times) not at all deserved in our industry. Not all arborists share the same dedication to tree health. Many may prioritize profit over preservation, offering services that are more about quick fixes with better margins (ex: unnecessary removals, Trunk Injections) than long-term care. Our solutions are increasingly about simplification, and margin. Yet, because people assume the best about anyone working with trees, these practices often go unchallenged.
This phenomenon highlights the importance of looking beyond the label of “ISA Certified Arborist” to ensure that the person entrusted with your trees genuinely understands and respects their needs. Trees may automatically grant arborists a share of their love and goodwill, but it’s up to the arborist to prove they are deserving of it through expertise, ethical practices, and true commitment to the health of the trees they care for.
In the end, the love for trees should inspire both arborists and tree owners to work together to protect these majestic giants—not as a free pass, but as a shared responsibility.
John Walters
ISA Certified Arborist
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