There is no denying that our world is rapidly changing. The tree care industry is no exception, as it relies on a diverse range of talents and expertise to thrive and meet the challenges of this evolving world.
I had the honor last year to sit on the Women in Arboriculture panel at the annual ISA conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Five females participated, including the facilitator, and we all had our own unique journeys of how we entered this industry and what we do daily to add value to it. The beauty of this exemplifies the principle that we are stronger together than we are apart, thanks to the synergy of different talents.
After the conference, I came across a comment from someone saying they thought it was funny to see all of the people attending the conference who weren’t yet ISA Certified Arborists. While I respect others’ opinions and the push for science, I feel the opposite. I welcome anybody to come to immerse themselves in knowledge and to gain experiences from the best in the industry. You must start somewhere, and I can’t imagine a better place!
Two of my favorite quotes from the panel were “Inclusion starts with empathy” and “Arboriculture is a collaboration, not a competition.” I feel strongly that science, safety and professionalism should be our driving forces to continue this movement. But we also must open our hearts and minds to the fact that it takes a diversification of people and backgrounds coming together to get us where we are going.
The strength of the tree care industry lies not only in its diverse skill sets, but in the sense of community that unites its professionals. Arborists, climbers, ground-crew members, consultants, trainers, equipment manufacturers and operators work collaboratively, recognizing that their collective efforts yield superior results.
A skilled climber’s precision in pruning is complemented by a consultant’s expert assessment of a tree’s health. A ground crew’s tireless support ensures safety and efficiency during tree-removal operations. Let’s not forget the personnel running the office, assigning leads, organizing the schedules and keeping operations strong to successfully support the execution of it all. The list of all the roles that make us go ’round goes on and on.
Power of unity
The power of unity transcends boundaries, cultures and ideologies. It is the catalyst for positive change, social progress and personal growth. In a world that often emphasizes division, unity reminds us of our shared humanity and our capacity to overcome challenges when we stand together.
The future of the tree care industry is one of continued collaboration and innovation and a commitment to environmental stewardship. Let’s do this by being inclusive, not exclusive. Doing so will ultimately result in paving the way for a future where everyone is valued, heard and empowered to take us to the levels we’ve all been dreaming about.
Let’s do this together and have some fun while we’re at it!
Amy Burkett is co-owner, along with her husband, Tyler Burkett, CTSP, of Burkett Arbor Care LLC, an accredited, 10-year TCIA member company based in Boerne, Texas. She also is a member of the TCIA Board of Directors.
