Current IssueEditors Note

Basking in the Glow of ArborEXPO

Millicent Skiles, Editor

Dear Readers,

It was wonderful meeting all of you at ArborEXPO in March. Between the exhibitor booths and education sessions, I hope you left feeling as inspired as me. My goal was to talk to as many of you as I could to discover what matters most to you. I can’t wait to explore all of these topics in the upcoming issues of ArborTIMES.

In our jam-packed spring issue, we examine the tree care industry’s shift to electric vehicles and equipment. As it turns out, the transition is a bit more complicated than expected, as tree care work poses unique challenges and opportunities.

Ed Carpenter from North American Training Solutions (left) and Millicent Skiles (right) present attendee David Kovolsky with a $500 cash prize.

Keeping with our theme of electric, we explore how drones are being used in tree care and forestry work. From safety to marketing, there are so many ways these devices can be used to support businesses. We also explore the dangers of electrocution and provide gear and equipment designed to keep you safe while working along the lines.

I was especially honored to interview Greg Daniels, Bartlett Tree Experts’ former president and chief operating officer. Even though he retired in 2013, I was impressed that he still manages the organization’s acquisition efforts. That says a lot about the tree care industry, which clearly values hard-earned experience and wisdom. You can read his profile in Sage Advice, our regular column featuring the perspectives of industry veterans.

We also talk about responsible spraying and why it’s so important to include these practices in any integrated pest management plan. And finally, we review important marketing essentials designed to help you connect with more customers and stand out from the competition.

There’s a lot to explore in tree care and we have even more issues planned to give you exactly the kind of content you’re looking for. Got a story idea you’d like to see? I encourage you to send me an email at [email protected].

I’m still basking in the glow of ArborEXPO, but I’m also looking forward to our summer issue, where we’ll explore aerial rescue, heat-related injuries, tree relocation, and more. Until then, you can check us out online at arbortimes.org.

Yours in safety,

Millicent Skiles

Editor