TreeActions

In this episode, Mark Gaudet shares his journey from scouting and tree climbing to a career in arboriculture, emphasizing the importance of foundational skills, adaptability, and understanding the history of techniques. Discover how early experiences and diverse training shape expertise and safety in tree work. In this episode, Mark Gaudet shares insights on evolving techniques in tree climbing, safety gear management, and industry safety culture, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and safety awareness.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and episode overview
00:03 Introduction to industry safety and technique evolution
00:07 Changes in training methods and skill retention
00:20 Use of tools like Blake's hitch and rope wrench
00:29 Safety protocols and safety gear management
00:33 Mark Gaudet's early connection to trees and scouting
00:42 History and development of safety rules in industry
00:45 Impact of technology and reliance on devices
01:01 Decision-making, humility, and safety consciousness
01:10 The importance of continuous learning and adaptation
01:26 Industry safety culture and future outlook
01:50 Experiences with tree climbing and tree planting as a youth
02:15 Scouting badges, permits, and skill development
03:08 Transition from scouting to professional arboriculture
03:58 Learning from arborists and hands-on training
06:08 Building skills through school and work experience
08:07 The importance of understanding knots and techniques
10:01 Adapting to new tools and methods in tree climbing
11:55 The value of historical knowledge and technique preservation
13:54 Balancing old and new systems for safety and efficiency
16:05 The role of continuous learning and adaptability
17:47 Reflections on career development and industry evolution
20:00 Closing thoughts and key takeaways

A Conversation with the Aging Arborist

This episode of the treeActions podcast is a little different.

I recently had the pleasure of being a guest on The Aging Arborist podcast, where we had a wide-ranging conversation about trees, arboriculture, and some of the experiences and ideas that have shaped my work.

The hosts of The Aging Arborist were kind enough to share the audio from our conversation with us, so we’re pleased to be able to bring the episode to the treeActions audience as well.

It’s always interesting to step into the guest chair. Rather than leading the conversation, I had the opportunity to reflect on my own experiences, talk through some of the issues facing arborists and the wider tree-care profession, and explore where our industry may be heading.

A big thank-you to the hosts of The Aging Arborist for inviting me onto the podcast, for the enjoyable conversation, and for generously allowing us to share it here.

We hope you enjoy the conversation.

In this episode:
We discuss arboriculture, professional experience, the realities of working with trees, lessons learned over the years, and thoughts about the past, present, and future of the profession.

🎧 Originally recorded for The Aging Arborist podcast and shared here with their kind permission.

Summary
Ian McDermott joins Dwayne and Tony for a wide-ranging conversation about trees, arboriculture history, education, humor, and the human side of working in and around forests. The episode moves from his personal path into tree work to bigger reflections on safety, training, and how trees shape culture, religion, and community.

Timestamps
00:00 - Welcome to the Human Forestry Podcast and introduction of Ian McDermott

01:11 - Retirement on the Isle of Man and returning to work

02:34 - First connections to trees through childhood woods and The Forest Ranger

03:44 - Olive harvesting in Crete and ancient trees

04:24 - Muir Woods and the emotional power of giant trees

04:54 - Growing up around Wally Woods and playing in the woods

07:03 - Isle of Man heritage, Viking identity, and tree symbolism

08:27 - Yggdrasil and trees of life in religion

09:05 - Wind, storms, and the loss of trees on the Isle of Man

10:07 - Traditional olive harvest methods and Ian’s affinity for olive trees

12:14 - From teaching ambition to park department work and horticulture training

14:02 - Early arboriculture education, branch walking, and old gear

16:43 - The first arboriculture book and how pruning ideas have changed

18:00 - Old pruning experiments, tree wounds, and cauterizing cuts

19:57 - Fire seasons, arson, and the role of forest management

21:02 - Tree paint, wound dressing, and old job-site habits

25:35 - Shigo, flush cuts, and why old traditions were challenged

27:33 - Working with Alex Shigo and Judy and the impact of his teaching

28:12 - The decline of arboriculture education in the UK

31:21 - Teaching as stimulation, edutainment, and keeping energy up

33:33 - Humor, religion, and the perspective joke about a penguin and a nun

36:42 - Trees in major religions and Ian’s Christmas talk on the subject

40:48 - From tree work into crew management and the ISA connection

42:14 - The famous “it’s a dog turd” misdiagnosis at a TRACK panel event

45:38 - Overthinking tree work and missing the simplest solution

46:39 - Taking time to observe the whole site before acting

47:40 - Mindfulness, response, and the human condition in tree work

49:03 - Aging, physical changes, and the darker jokes that come with experience

53:45 - Managing municipal tree crews and the importance of safety

54:14 - The Arbormaster tour and the spread of new equipment ideas

55:37 - Micro pulleys, slack tenders, and the purple pulley moment

58:08 - Port-a-wrap history, fair leads, and the loss of context

59:24 - Hitch climber systems and the evolution of climbing hardware

62:46 - The 1998 Birmingham conference and the first ISA event outside North America

63:57 - Fatality statistics, neighboring jobs, and why data can mislead

66:34 - One small mistake can end a career in arboriculture

67:36 - Aging climbers, lost strength, and changing perspective

68:08 - Body thrusting, footlocking, and the risk of losing basic technique

71:20 - Joe Hedger’s first footlock and breaking the world record

72:49 - Pete Donzelli, barefoot practice, and climbing balance

73:55 - German climbers and the early competition era in the UK

75:35 - The challenge of keeping up with all the changes in arboriculture

77:37 - Ian’s answer on the human forest and why volunteers matter most

78:22 - Birmingham Tree People and the idea that trees and people cannot be separated

80:08 - Town planning, canopy cover, and making cities livable

81:04 - Trees as a solution to air pollution and urban well-being

82:38 - Signed copies of Shigo’s books and the pithy points tradition

85:27 - Pithy point 666 and humic acids slowing decomposition in soils

86:23 - Tree pithy picture point 9 and autumn canopy color

86:51 - Trees, shade, and humans seeing so many shades of green

87:52 - The chemistry of chlorophyll and the link between people and trees

88:23 - Closing reflections on humor, conversation,

In this episode, Tiger Devine shares his journey from childhood stories to becoming a passionate arborist and storyteller. We explore lessons from trees, the importance of storytelling in learning, and the adventures that shaped his life and career. In this episode, Tiger Devine and Dwayne explore the importance of mindfulness, passion, and humility in arboriculture, sharing insights from their experiences and the legacy of Jamz Luce. They discuss how embracing challenges, continuous learning, and respecting nature can lead to growth both personally and professionally.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and guest introduction
04:01 Parenting stories and the power of imagination
08:44 Benefits of dyslexia and unique perspectives
14:04 Assessing trees for growth and health
18:34 The importance of storytelling in learning
22:27 Memorable stories from childhood and family
26:22 Journey from Hobart to becoming a tree professional
33:20 A pivotal moment climbing a tree at age 18
37:51 Traveling for growth and learning in arboriculture
43:32 Climbing giant trees and the awe of nature
48:18 Passion, love, and the risk of losing sight of the craft
52:35 Jamz Luce as a wise and imperfect mentor
56:37 Reflections on Jamz Luce’s influence and passing
01:01:08 The metaphor of climbing and the tree of life
01:05:04 The importance of seeding education and content creation
01:09:01 The spread of disease and tool sanitation
01:13:53 The sensory signals of trees and insect behavior
01:15:08 The challenge of industry standards and public perception
01:17:03 The importance of integrity and professionalism in social media
01:18:08 The value of accountability and constructive critique
01:18:54 The influence of social media and algorithms on industry standards
01:19:58 The role of content in shaping industry perceptions
01:20:55 The importance of verifiable sources and education
01:22:07 Using social media as a tool, not a crutch
01:22:48 The balance of passion, perseverance, and humility
01:24:05 Acceptance of industry realities and continuous learning
01:24:56 The legacy of mentorship and the cycle of knowledge
01:25:53 The impact of legacy and the importance of humility
01:27:02 The future of industry content and education
01:28:01 The importance of humility and sharing knowledge
01:28:58 The ongoing challenge of industry standards and social media
01:29:58 The constant of change and the value of humility

Summary
In this episode, Pete Nieves-Sosa shares his journey from crane operator to expert in tree work and crane safety, highlighting the importance of skill, safety, and business acumen in the industry. In this episode, Tony and Peter discuss the importance of safety, insurance, and training in the tree care and crane industries. They share insights on industry regulations, the value of hands-on experience, and the evolution of the Crane School.

 Resources

OSHA Crane Safety Standards - https://www.osha.gov/cranes
Crane Safety in Tree Work - Industry Guidelines - https://www.treesafety.org
Pete Nieves-Sosa - LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/petenievesosa
Crane Safety Climber School - https://cranesafetyclimber.com
Craneman Inc. - https://cranemaninc.com
Dr. Shygo's Pithy Points - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XYZ1234

Come along as we dive into the amazing bond between people and trees, sharing stories, learning about history, and uncovering scientific secrets. Our guest, Jack Harris, will tell us some amazing stories from Newfoundland, talk about how forests have changed over time, and show us why trees are so important to both our spirits and the environment.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tree Connections
01:51 Childhood Memories and Early Connections to Trees
10:19 Newfoundland's Unique History and Cultural Context
18:28 The Impact of Forestry Policies and Practices
27:41 Environmental Awareness and Sustainable Practices
34:37 The Impact of Deforestation and Reforestation Efforts
37:34 The Role of Trees in Newfoundland's History
40:29 Exploring Tree Communication and Consciousness
43:15 The Political Landscape and Unity in Canada
47:40 Celebrating Newfoundland's Lumber Heritage
51:44 The Newfoundland Pony Society and Conservation Efforts
56:18 The Connection Between Nature and Human Well-being
01:01:24 The Intersection of Science and Spirituality
01:02:11 The Importance of Forests in Climate Regulation
01:03:33 Political Dynamics in Environmental Conservation
01:05:25 Community Engagement in Forest Management
01:06:27 California's Environmental Challenges and Innovations
01:07:11 Cultural Diversity Across American States
01:07:54 Tree Memories and Childhood Experiences
01:12:40 Influential Figures in Arboriculture
01:14:49 The Impact of Glyphosate on Nature
01:17:30 The Joy of Tree Bathing and Nature Connection

Resources
The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U0X7U4A
Canadian Forest Service - https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/science-data/environment/forest-data/10052
Newfoundland Pony Society - https://newfoundlandponysociety.com/
Dr. Alex Shigo's Tree Biology Books - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Dr.+Alex+Shigo&ref=nb_sb_noss
Suzanne Simard's Research on Tree Communication - https://www.ubc.ca/

Guest links
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackharris
Website - https://newfoundlandponysociety.com/

Discover the fascinating journey of Michael Oxman, a seasoned professional tree surgeon, as he shares his extensive experiences spanning from childhood tree carving antics to leading-edge arboricultural practices. This episode covers everything from historic milestones in tree care to innovative rigging techniques used in old-growth logging and tree climbing competitions.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tree Actions Podcast
01:04 Michael's Early Connection with Trees
02:44 Growing Up in North Hollywood
04:17 The Transformation of Los Angeles
05:56 Transitioning to Oregon
07:18 Experiences at Beverly Hills Parks Department
10:51 Establishing the Rogue Valley Arborist Association
12:49 Networking and Learning in Arboriculture
14:11 Influential Figures in Arboriculture
16:33 Writing and Publishing in Arboriculture
20:05 Technical Difficulties and Communication Challenges
22:03 The Journey of Tree Climbing Events
27:03 Heritage Trees and Their Significance
34:37 The Evolution of Arboriculture and Marketing
39:16 The Joys of Working with Trees
44:47 The Legacy of Arborists
48:56 Connecting Through Community
53:21 Experiences in Tree Climbing Competitions
55:43 The Importance of Knowledge Sharing
01:02:22 The Historical Significance of Trees
01:06:41 Conversations as a Learning Tool
01:11:12 Pithy Points and Tree Biology

Resources
Tree Dr. Website - https://treedr.com
ISA Conference and Resources - https://www.isa-arbor.com
Tree Climbing Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/treeclimbing
Arb Climber Magazine - https://arbormagazine.com

Guest Links
Website - https://treedr.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/treedr
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/TREEDr

Discover the profound insights into the spiritual and energetic relationship between humans and trees as shared by John Hennessy, a forest therapy guide and a contemplative explorer. This conversation delves into the mystical qualities of trees, the importance of care and love, and how embracing natural laws can lead to personal and planetary harmony 

• John recounts feeling connected to trees from childhood through forest therapy experiences 
• Discussions on how trees act as powerful energetic beings and their role in Earth's magnetism
• Insights into forest therapy exercises that deepen our connection with nature and ourselves
• The importance of care as a fundamental principle of holistic well-being and planetary health
• The influence of sacred geometries, Fibonacci sequences, and vortex math on understanding the universe 
• The role of stories, language, and cultural history in shaping our relationship with trees
• Practical ways to honor and learn from trees through mindfulness, art, and scientific curiosity

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to John Hennessy's connection to trees and forest therapy 
01:06 - Childhood memories carving initials in trees and the symbolism of storms and swaying 
02:05 - The profundity of observing a fly and lessons on adaptability and resilience 
03:29 - Lessons of swaying with life's winds from the tree's perspective 
04:58 - The process of forest therapy as a path to spiritual and personal awakening 
06:37 - The multidisciplinary roots of forest therapy and its spiritual dimensions 
07:32 - Training and mentorship in forest therapy practices 
08:02 - The significance of community and storytelling in arboriculture 
09:01 - Understanding trees as living, energetic systems and their role in natural law 
10:26 - The concept of holons and interconnectedness in ecology and human consciousness 
12:35 - Trees as historical and energetic landmarks, their relationship to lightning and magnetism 
14:33 - The energetic and vibrational qualities of trees and their impact on human well-being 
15:32 - Using frequency and sacred metals to harmonize with trees 
17:49 - The importance of resonance, vibration, and electromagnetic energy 
19:49 - The role of frequency, magnetism, and spiritual energy in tree health and human healing 
22:36 - Trees as creators of matter, their role in planetary energy cycles, and alchemy 
25:01 - Mitochondria, energy, and spiritual awakening through connection with trees 
26:47 - The ancient and ongoing significance of old-growth trees and their stories 
28:52 - Lightning, magnetism, and trees’ energetic properties, especially white pines
 30:05 - The guardian role of trees in ecosystems and the importance of care and attention 
32:23 - The limitations of language in expressing higher truths and spiritual experiences
 34:41 - The essence of sacred silence, non-verbal understanding, and intuitive connection 
37:18 - The balance of opposites, non-judgment, and embracing duality in life
 39:40 - The unity and dissonance of light and dark, good and bad, in natural harmony 
42:22 - The importance of care as the hidden principle for true sovereignty and peace 
44:58 - The universal pattern of the golden ratio and fractals in nature and consciousness 
47:45 - Fibonacci numbers, vortex math, and the flow of eternal energy 
50:17 - The potential hidden in sacred mathematics and the universe’s underlying order 
52:26 - The Gnostic gospels and the divine within, emphasizing self-awareness and inner power 
55:57 - Trees as ancient energetic portals and their role in spiritual history 
56:55 - The mythic power of vast trees and their connection to myth and science 
58:55 - Personal stories of connection, grief, and renewed respect for trees 
62:36 - The energetic and magnetic properties of white pines and their relationship to lightning 
65:50 - The sacredness of care, love, and intentionality in our relationship with nature 
69:38 - The importance of slowing down, listening, and honoring the sentient intelligence of trees 
70:05 - Closing thoughts on harmony, the universe’s divine design, and the ongoing journey of exploration

Discover the heartfelt stories, expert insights, and philosophical reflections shared by Clarence Talbot, a seasoned arborist from Halifax, Nova Scotia. From childhood connections to trees to the profound importance of safety and conservation, this episode delves into the deep bond between humans and trees and how that relationship shapes our communities and environment.

00:00 - Introduction to Clarence Talbot, Halifax arborist and storyteller
01:03 - Childhood experiences with trees and early outdoor adventures
03:36 - Transition from forestry school to urban tree services
05:02 - The influence of ranger training on arboriculture
06:52 - How forestry knowledge informs tree health assessments
09:18 - Uncovering historic trees and the Halifax explosion impact
12:54 - Recognizing the spiritual and energetic aspects of trees
15:54 - The importance of safety and safety culture in tree work
19:42 - Trees' role as protectors and community symbols
22:45 - Touching the roots: Trees’ potential to influence human well-being
25:45 - Integrating indigenous and natural medicine with arboriculture
29:40 - The interconnected ecological network of trees and fungi
32:45 - Reflections on passion, lifestyle, and the spiritual connection to trees
36:46 - The legacy of trees and family in the arbor culture
40:01 - The emotional and philosophical aspects of tree care
44:23 - The mystical and energetic relationships with trees
50:14 - Answers to how we can reconnect with the spiritual side of trees
55:52 - The healing properties of plants and traditional medicine
59:52 - The significance of trees in cultural consciousness and shared history
62:16 - Final thoughts: Trees as sentinels, symbols, and sources of energy

In a world increasingly detached from nature, many people find a profound connection with trees. In this episode of Tree Actions, we sit down with Joshua Burr, a passionate tree climber and arborist who shares his unique journey from childhood tree-climbing adventures to professional tree care. Join us as we explore the key insights he has gained along the way, emphasizing the significance of tree care fundamentals and community in the arborist industry.
Joshua Burr is an arborist and tree climber based in Utah, with years of experience in the tree care industry. His journey began in Michigan, where a childhood connection to trees sparked a lifelong passion for climbing and caring for these majestic giants. Joshua's story is not only about trees but also about the community and competition that shaped his career.