In this episode, Philip Kelley shares his journey in the tree care industry. He recalls his first connection with trees as a child, particularly with mulberry trees. He discusses the cultural significance of mulberry trees and their importance in certain cultures. Philip then talks about his transition to climbing trees professionally and the challenges he faced, including learning knots and climbing techniques. Philip reflects on the motivation and gratification he finds in tree work, as well as the energy expenditure and efficiency in the industry. This conversation explores the changing work practices and evolving connection to trees in the arboriculture industry. The importance of purpose and environmental impact is discussed, along with the need for a less-is-more approach to tree pruning. The concept of leaving smaller wounds on mature trees is emphasized, as well as the lessons that can be drawn from trees in personal life. The importance of collaboration, community, and passing on knowledge is highlighted, as well as the need for mentoring and creating a legacy. The conversation also touches on the importance of self-care, mental health, and redefining work-life balance in the industry.

Takeaways

• Mulberry trees have cultural significance in certain cultures, such as ancient Chinese culture.
• Transitioning from climbing with spurs to climbing without spurs can be challenging but offers new opportunities.
• Becoming a certified arborist can open doors to better job opportunities in the tree care industry.
• Tree work provides a sense of gratification and accomplishment, as well as the opportunity for constant learning and new experiences.
• Efficiency and production are important factors in tree work, but it's essential to balance them with safety and environmental considerations. Embrace changing work practices and evolve your connection to trees as you mature in the industry.
• Consider the purpose and environmental impact of your work, and explore solutions that allow trees to give back to the environment.
• Adopt a risk assessment approach that is based on knowledge and experience, and avoid unnecessary fear-mongering.
• Take a less-is-more approach to tree pruning, considering the impact on the tree and the necessity of the work.
• Draw personal lessons from trees and apply them to your own life and growth.
• Collaborate with others and contribute to the arboriculture community, passing on knowledge and creating a legacy.
• Prioritize self-care, mental health, and work-life balance in the industry.
• Understand the why behind your work and the history of arboriculture to make informed decisions and build a strong foundation.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

01:02
First Connection with Trees

05:03
Transition to Climbing Trees Professionally

06:08
First Job Climbing Trees

09:14
Learning Knots and Climbing Techniques

11:41
Transition to Climbing without Spurs

13:33
Introduction to Throw Line

16:31
Becoming a Certified Arborist

21:19
Transition to ArborGuard and Learning from Experienced Arborists

22:58
Motivation and Gratification in Tree Work

26:42
Energy Expenditure in Tree Work

29:11
Thoughts and Energy

30:17
Efficiency and Production in Tree Work

30:34
Changing Work Practices and Connection to Trees

31:21
The Importance of Purpose and Environmental Impact

32:14
Evolving Risk Assessment and Decision-Making

33:36
Less is More Approach to Tree Pruning

34:09
Minimizing Wounds on Mature Trees

35:18
Drawing Personal Lessons from Trees

36:07
Compartmentalizing and Moving Forward

37:35
Trees as a Community and Giving Back

38:11
The Stone Soup Story

38:28
Passing on Knowledge and Creating a Legacy

39:44
Passion and Leadership

41:08
The Power of Collaboration and Community

45:28
The Importance of Combining Resources

48:30
Stages of Growth and Giving Back

49:57
The Need for Mentoring and Legacy

52:27
The Gap in Experienced Arborists

54:48
The Importance of Understanding Tree Biology

56:04
The Energetic Connection with Trees

58:14
The Shift in Training and Mentoring

01:03:41
The Importance of Self-Care and Mental Health

01:05:08
Redefining Work-Life Balance and Fun

01:10:39
Understanding the Why and the History

01:13:21
The Importance of Awareness and Change