The black widow can be found throughout the entire United States, making it a prominent hazard for arborists everywhere. Its venom is so toxic, it can cause severe pain, nausea, and, in rare cases, paralysis. Source:Gerald Holmes, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Bugwood.org

Current Issue Featured Occupational Hazards PPE Safety

July 17, 2026 Mara Watts

Hidden Hazards in the Canopy – Part Two

Eight-Legged Threats Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably seen recent headlines warning the public about serious tickborne

E.J. employed SRS and MRS climbing systems to access a difficult section of the Cottonwood's canopy. Source: E.J. Turner

Advice Business Current Issue Latest Occupational Hazards Plant Health Care Pruning Safety

July 17, 2026 Ryfe Greenwood

Against the Odds

Preserving a Cottonwood in Clayton Cottonwoods can be a difficult species to work with. Their wood is often described as

A hollow tree may look harmless, but in spring it could house a highly defensive mother raccoon ready to bite. Source: Wikimedia

Occupational Hazards PPE Safety

May 7, 2026 Mara Watts

Hidden Hazards in the Canopy

Preventing Animal Bite Risks in Tree Care From furry creatures tucked away inside hollowed cavities to scaly and slithery reptiles

By making modest improvements to hydration, nutrition, and everyday movement, arborists can work more safely in the canopy. Source: Richard May

Occupational Hazards Safety

January 30, 2026 Cindy O’Hara

Bodies Built for the Branches

How Wellness Practices Keep Workers Aloft Long hours, heavy lifting, and unpredictable conditions make tree work punishing – yet most

It’s important to keep up with the maintenance and inspections of bucket trucks, even when it’s cold outside. Source: Bryan Alexander at Flickr.com

Aerial Lifts Bucket Trucks Equipment Occupational Hazards Safety

January 30, 2026 Mara Watts

Maintaining Bucket Trucks Through Winter

What Every Crew Should Know Bucket trucks are among the most sophisticated pieces of equipment in modern arboriculture, and their

Keep your eyes to the skies and your boots on the ground to ensure you, your crew, and the public stay safe while working in the drop zone. Source: Richard May - Taken during the Saluting Branches Day of Service

Occupational Hazards Safety

November 3, 2025 TJ Yurko

Look Out Below!

Giving the All Clear for Drop Zone Safety Heads up! Are you paying attention? Beneath every tree canopy lies the

Just resting a hot chainsaw on the grass can start a fire in the wrong conditions. Add a bit of wind and the situation can quickly get out of control. Source: Adobe Stock

Occupational Hazards Safety

July 30, 2025 Veronica Sparks

Fire Prevention in the Field

Best Practices for a Safer Industry Este es nuestro intento de convertir las historias en audio español usando Inteligencia Artificial.

An ambulance driving with its lights on.

Occupational Hazards PPE Safety

July 30, 2025 Jason Collins

Big Bleed Prevention

Essential Summer Safety for Arborists Este es nuestro intento de convertir las historias en audio español usando Inteligencia Artificial. Aún

A tree worker moving through the tree canopy wearing a safety helmet.

Equipment PPE PPE Safety

July 30, 2025 Jenny Cohen

“Headache!”

Choosing the Right Helmet for Tree Work Este es nuestro intento de convertir las historias en audio español usando Inteligencia

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Safety

Hidden Hazards in the Canopy – Part Two

Against the Odds

Hidden Hazards in the Canopy

Bodies Built for the Branches

Maintaining Bucket Trucks Through Winter

Look Out Below!

Fire Prevention in the Field

Big Bleed Prevention

“Headache!”

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