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.TakeawaysMulberry 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.Chapters00:00Introduction and Background01:02First Connection with Trees05:03Transition to Climbing Trees Professionally06:08First Job Climbing Trees09:14Learning Knots and Climbing Techniques11:41Transition to Climbing without Spurs13:33Introduction to Throw Line16:31Becoming a Certified Arborist21:19Transition to ArborGuard and Learning from Experienced Arborists22:58Motivation and Gratification in Tree Work26:42Energy Expenditure in Tree Work29:11Thoughts and Energy30:17Efficiency and Production in Tree Work30:34Changing Work Practices and Connection to Trees31:21The Importance of Purpose and Environmental Impact32:14Evolving Risk Assessment and Decision-Making33:36Less is More Approach to Tree Pruning34:09Minimizing Wounds on Mature Trees35:18Drawing Personal Lessons from Trees36:07Compartmentalizing and Moving Forward37:35Trees as a Community and Giving Back38:11The Stone Soup Story38:28Passing on Knowledge and Creating a Legacy39:44Passion and Leadership41:08The Power of Collaboration and Community45:28The Importance of Combining Resources48:30Stages of Growth and Giving Back49:57The Need for Mentoring and Legacy52:27The Gap in Experienced Arborists54:48The Importance of Understanding Tree Biology56:04The Energetic Connection with Trees58:14The Shift in Training and Mentoring01:03:41The Importance of Self-Care and Mental Health01:05:08Redefining Work-Life Balance and Fun01:10:39Understanding the Why and the History01:13:21The Importance of Awareness and Change Thanks to our monthly supporters Chris GirardLaurie PrincePeter LaRueScottjason dommerAndrew HordykMark PrzekuratMichael TainDwayne Sr. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
