Summary

Blair Veitch, with 40 years of experience in the tree industry, shares his journey and insights. He recalls his early connection to trees, from climbing a 60-foot white spruce as a child to logging with his father. Blair's passion for tree biology grew over time, leading him to study and learn about trees. He emphasizes the importance of tree climbing competitions and training events in his career. Blair also discusses the challenges and rewards of transitioning from utility work to residential and commercial tree care. He highlights the need for physical fitness and self-care in the industry and draws parallels between trees and human resilience. Blair encourages young arborists to be patient and see things through, as good things will come with time and perseverance. The conversation explores the advancements in tree climbing and how technology has made the job easier and safer. It discusses the changes in the tree industry over the past 30 years, including scientific advancements and the need for proper trade recognition. The future of the tree industry is examined, with a focus on the importance of trade recognition and the role of associations in driving education and professionalism. The challenges in establishing arboriculture as a trade are discussed, including the fear of change and the need for organized labor. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the role of youth in embracing change and shaping the future of the industry.

 
Takeaways

• Early experiences with trees can shape a lifelong passion for tree care.
• Tree climbing competitions and training events provide valuable learning and teaching moments.
• Transitioning from utility work to residential and commercial tree care requires adaptability and learning new skills.
• Maintaining physical fitness and self-care is important for a long and healthy career in the tree industry.
• Patience and perseverance are key to success in the industry, and good things come to those who stick with it. Advancements in technology have made tree climbing easier and safer.
• The tree industry has undergone significant changes in the past 30 years, with scientific advancements and the need for proper trade recognition.
• Trade recognition is crucial for the future of the tree industry, and associations play a vital role in driving education and professionalism.
• Challenges in establishing arboriculture as a trade include the fear of change and the need for organized labor.
• The youth have an important role in embracing change and shaping the future of the industry.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

01:31
Early Connection to Trees

04:01
Passion for Tree Biology

06:13
Tree Climbing Competitions

07:20
Transition from Utility to Residential

08:17
First Time Climbing with a Harness

09:47
Involvement in Tree Climbing Competitions

10:33
Transition from Alberta to BC

14:23
Maintaining Personal Fitness and Self-Care

15:22
Drawing Parallels from Trees to Life

20:57
Maintaining Physical Health

25:19
Comparison to Trees

28:13
Adaptability and Change

30:10
Connection to Nature and Countryside

33:26
Advancements in the Industry

35:53
Challenges of the New Generation

38:07
Patience and Perseverance

44:25
Advancements in the Industry

44:44
Advancements in Tree Climbing

46:13
Changes in the Tree Industry

47:08
Recognition of Arboriculture as a Trade

48:16
The Future of the Tree Industry

51:57
The Role of Associations in Trade Recognition

55:50
Challenges in Establishing Arboriculture as a Trade

58:23
The Fear of Change

59:06
The Role of Youth in Embracing Change

59:48
Conclusion