Two Tree Guys

Alex, Geoff, and Ryan join us from The Academy training facility in Loveland, CO to talk about their paths into the industry, near misses, gear and more.

Join lead instructors Andy and Kyel from the CO Academy Bootcamp as they break down what it takes to run a successful three-day tree care training bootcamp. Covering everything from intense pre-camp prep—sourcing wood, gathering gear, and setting up training spaces—to hands-on training days focused on chainsaw safety, climbing operations, and working aloft, they give listeners a roadmap for hosting a safe, efficient, and engaging bootcamp. Hear tips on managing trainer-to-student ratios, engaging seasoned participants, keeping energy high, and fostering a team-oriented learning environment. Perfect for tree care professionals looking to elevate training in their own teams, this episode emphasizes the importance of investing in people, planning, and a passion for safety.

Rodlyf grew up surrounded by violence and drug addiction and spent time in and out of shelters in Brooklyn. As a child he was able to find positive adult influences that instilled in him a strong work ethic. For the past 15 years, he has worked for the Department of Agriculture, focusing on an eradication program targeting the Asian long-horned beetle. He spends much of his time climbing trees in Central Park and Prospect Park, searching for signs of beetles. Rodlyf is now dedicated to passing on his knowledge to others.

Phil Rogers discusses Clogger’s high-performance chaps and the cost of ownership for various types of PPE. Their next-generation chaps feature improved attachment systems, better breathability, flexibility, and enhanced washability. He highlights how downtime due to broken gear and the need to buy multiple replacements diminish any initial cost savings. Rogers emphasizes that the real value lies in durability and performance, especially as productivity drops when the heat index rises. Clogger, a company from New Zealand, aims to address these challenges with innovative PPE designs.

Meet the 67-year-old tree expert who's been climbing for almost 50 years. He started at 17 and had to be rescued out of the tree on his first climb! Hear about his journey from post-Vietnam tree work, pruning during dormancy, and battling Dutch Elm Disease—plus his faith and commitment to preserving trees whenever possible.

livingtreecare.com

From the forests of Switzerland to studying mechanical engineering and earning a master’s degree in forestry, Greg’s career has been far from conventional. After working in various roles, he eventually launched his own tree care company. Faced with tough challenges in the field, Greg invented the groundbreaking GRCS winch in 1997, revolutionizing how tree work is done. The idea came to life during a tricky job removing a dead silver maple over a tile-roofed home, where crane access was impossible. His innovative solution? A rigging system that has since transformed the tree care industry.

goodrigging.com

Cameron, a tree care specialist at Sennebogen, is back on the 2TG podcast to share his journey of physical recovery and the insights he's gained along the way.

Meredith and Andrew teach us about Oath Soil Life products and how their microbes create a strong support system for trees and promote healthy growth. These powder packets, which have been in development for 30 years, contain 150 strings of healthy soil microbes which increase the microbial diversity in the soil. www.oathsoillife.com

Cortland was born in CA and started climbing trees at the age of 17 through his family owned business. He joined the army after attending Sac State and was deployed a year later. While in Iraq Cortland was a part of a 9 man QRF team. After his deployment he was looking for that same sort of camaraderie and could only find it within the tree industry. He is now running his own tree company and learning as much as he can about training.

Megan grew up a tomboy and learned about forestry in her vocational high school. After graduating from college with two degrees she got a job training telecom tower climbers rope access techniques. Next she joined Husqvarna and did product training with them for 3 years before going onto Wright Tree Service as a safety supervisor. She now owns her own training company - www.upward-training.com where she works with owners to be safer and more productive.