I presented on this topic at TCI EXPO ’24 in Baltimore, where I had a great audience and received excellent feedback. When I started working on that presentation, I realized we had never really addressed language and cultural barriers for our tree workers. Knowing that TCIA and many other resources are beginning to focus more on the Hispanic community, I felt it was an important topic to explore.

Attendees of a Spanish-language session at the New York State Arborist (NYSA) Winter Conference in January 2025. “My friend Meghan Dos-Santos (center, with the author), a native English speaker, presented a cabling-hardware workshop in Spanish for the first time,” says the author. Unless otherwise noted, photos and graphics courtesy of Leo Roldan.

In this article, I’ll talk about the realities for our Hispanic workers in the tree care industry and the fact that addressing language, culture and education are essential for improving communication, training and safety.

From left, Erick Mauro, of Mexico, and Sandra Centeno, both with Spyder Manufacturing USA, a 26-year TCIA corporate member company based in Placentia, California; Leo Roldan; and Flavio Leandro Mendes, arborist and owner of Jardim Arte in Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brazil, at TCI EXPO ’24 in Baltimore.

Language barriers
As we already know, one of the biggest challenges we face is language barriers. Knowing this, we start to ask ourselves, “How can we work and communicate effectively with someone who doesn’t speak English?” By not addressing this issue, we limit our options and reinforce that invisible barrier instead of breaking it down.

So we know the struggle exists, but let’s take a step back and understand it from the very beginning – starting with the challenges of the industry itself.

It is generally accepted that tree work is considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. Between 1992 and 2007, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), a total of 1,285 tree-worker fatalities were reported – an average of 1.7 fatalities per week and 85 per year.

The situation worsened from 2015 to 2019, according to a report on dripline.com, with 660 fatalities reported, making it the deadliest period for the tree care industry. During this time, the fatality rate rose to 3.1 fatalities per week.

However, there are signs of improvement. According to “Insights Into Accidents in Tree Care,” compiled by Peter Gerstenberger, TCI Magazine, April 2024, from 2020 to 2023, there were 243 fatalities, bringing the average down to 1.2 fatalities per week.

Why is training failing?
Still, training efforts are not significantly reducing fatalities in the tree industry, and there are several reasons for that:

• Lack of engagement: Many workers may not be involved with organizations like TCIA (Tree Care Industry Association) or ISA (International Society of Arboriculture), leading to a disconnect between available training and actual workplace practices.
• Diverse experience levels: Workers vary greatly in experience, from beginners to those claiming decades of experience. This variation complicates consistent adherence to safety protocols.
• Communication barriers: Language and cultural differences between English-speaking and Spanish-speaking workers can lead to misunderstandings about safety measures.
• Cultural factors: Many workers may not fully adopt safety standards or may prioritize getting the job done over safety, contributing to accidents regardless of training.
  Inconsistent training adoption: While training resources exist, not all workers or companies engage with them meaningfully, leading to a lack of overall improvement in safety attitudes.

These factors create challenges in translating training into real-world safety improvements within the industry.

The role of language

Culture plays a critical role in safety adherence in several key ways. Graphic by Leo Roldan.

Language plays a significant role in fatality rates in the tree industry in several ways, including:

• Communication barriers: Misunderstandings can arise when instructions or safety protocols are not clearly communicated between English-speaking and Spanish-speaking workers. This can lead to improper practices or failure to follow safety measures.
• Training effectiveness: If training materials and sessions are not available in both English and Spanish, Spanish-speaking workers may miss critical safety information or guidance. This lack of understanding can directly contribute to accidents.
• Cultural misunderstandings: Language differences can lead to assumptions or misconceptions about safety practices, making it challenging to establish a safe work environment across diverse teams.
• Limited vocabulary: Workers with limited language skills might struggle to comprehend technical terminology, which can hinder their ability to recognize hazards and respond appropriately.
• Engagement in safety protocols: Workers who feel excluded or unable to participate fully in training due to language barriers may be less likely to engage actively with safety protocols, increasing the risk of accidents.

Overall, effective communication in a common language is crucial for ensuring that all workers understand safety protocols, leading to a reduction in fatality rates.

Cultural barriers
Before we can build an effective communication system, we first need to understand who we’re working with. Who are the people behind the hard work in our industry, and where do they come from?

As of 2022, Hispanics made up 30.5% of the tree-trimming workforce, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Within that Hispanic group, 63.6% were Mexican, 13% were Salvadoran and 6.49% were Guatemalan.

Now, if we look at this from a language perspective, that translates to roughly three out of every 10 tree workers speaking Spanish. Why does this matter? Because understanding these numbers helps us gauge the likelihood of working with someone who doesn’t speak English. While the percentage is still relatively low, it’s significant enough to recognize the need for better communication strategies in our industry.

Countries of origin (for Hispanic workers in tree care) in 2022, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Graphic courtesy of the U.S. Census Bureau ACS PUMS 5-year estimate, datausa.io.

Culture and safety adherence
Culture plays a critical role in safety adherence in the tree industry in several key ways:

• Values and beliefs: Cultural attitudes toward safety can influence how seriously workers take safety protocols. In cultures where safety is prioritized, workers are more likely to adhere to safety practices.
• Communication styles: Different cultures have varying approaches to communication. Understanding these differences can improve the effectiveness of safety training and messages, making it easier for all workers to engage with safety protocols.
• Team dynamics: Cultural backgrounds can affect how team members interact. Strong interpersonal relationships and community values often found in Hispanic cultures can foster a commitment to looking out for one another’s safety.
• Behavioral norms: Some cultures may have informal practices or norms that conflict with formal safety procedures. Understanding these cultural behaviors can lead to better integration of safety practices into daily routines.
• Respect for authority: In certain cultures, there may be a high respect for authority figures. This can influence whether workers feel comfortable questioning unsafe practices or voicing concerns about safety.
• Acceptance of risks: Cultural perceptions of risk can shape how workers assess the dangers of their tasks, potentially leading to either greater caution or recklessness in adhering to safety measures.

By recognizing and addressing cultural factors, companies can develop more effective strategies to promote safety adherence among a diverse workforce, ultimately leading to improved safety outcomes.

Role of education
When we talk about language and communication, we also must consider education levels. In the U.S., the highest level of education for most tree workers is high school, according to datausa.io. But now, let me ask you – what level of education do you think most Hispanic tree workers have? The reality is that many have less than a high school education, according to a Pew Research Center report (“What the data says about immigrants in the U.S.,” September 27, 2024), with some only reaching middle school or elementary school, and in some cases, having no formal education at all.

This is crucial to understand when expecting Hispanic workers to learn another language. It’s not just difficult – it can be an enormous challenge. On top of that, we need to recognize that, for many Hispanic workers, Spanish isn’t even their first language. Their native Indigenous language comes first, Spanish is their second language and, if they learn it, English becomes their third.

English learning trend by generation. (generations delineated by birth date). Graphic by Leo Roldan incorporating data from us.norton.com.

Addressing cultural differences
Training can better address cultural differences by implementing the following strategies:

• Culturally relevant content: Incorporate examples, scenarios and case studies that resonate with the cultural backgrounds of the participants. This makes the training more relatable and effective.
• Language accessibility: Provide training materials and sessions in both English and Spanish (or other relevant languages) to ensure all participants can fully understand the content.
• Cultural-sensitivity training: Include modules on cultural awareness and sensitivity in the training program to educate workers about different cultural norms, values and communication styles.
• Interactive approaches: Use interactive training methods such as role playing, group discussions and team-building exercises to foster engagement and understanding across cultural divides.
• Involve cultural representatives: Include trainers or facilitators who are familiar with the cultural backgrounds of the participants. This can bridge gaps and enhance trust in the training process.
• Consider generational differences: Recognize that different generations may have varying attitudes toward safety and training. Tailor approaches to engage younger workers who might be more comfortable with technology and innovation.
• Encourage open dialogue: Create a safe environment where participants can share their concerns, experiences and cultural viewpoints. This fosters mutual respect and understanding among team members.
• Feedback mechanisms: Implement feedback channels to gather insights from participants on how well cultural differences are being addressed in the training. Use this feedback to improve future sessions.

By adopting these strategies, training can become more inclusive and effective, promoting better understanding and adherence to safety protocols among culturally diverse teams.

Jhoa Oliveros, 23, posing here without her usual PPE, emigrated from Colombia nearly two years ago and has integrated seamlessly into a non-Spanish-speaking tree care company, according to the author.

Generational differences
We know that Hispanics make up 30.5% of the tree-industry workforce, and that this percentage comes primarily from just three countries – Mexico, El Salvador and Guatemala. And we have an idea of their possible educational levels. But to fully understand their language barriers, we need to look at their generational demographics as well.

In the U.S., Millennials currently dominate the workforce (35%), followed by Generation X (33%), though Gen X is nearing the end of their careers.

Why is this important? Because Millennials and Gen Z have grown up surrounded by technology, and in many parts of Latin America – including Mexico – English-language programs were introduced in public primary, secondary and higher-education schools starting in the early 2000s.

This means that as younger generations enter the workforce, the need to learn Spanish to communicate with Hispanic workers may become less critical over time. However, understanding generational differences helps us recognize where language barriers still exist today and how they may evolve in the future.

Remember, we’re focusing on workplace communication only. If you want to learn Spanish as a second language to better connect and integrate into Hispanic culture, that’s a different discussion.

My friend Jhoa Oliveros, 23 years old, is a great example of a generational language difference. She emigrated from Colombia nearly two years ago and has integrated seamlessly into a non-Spanish-speaking tree company. She is learning English quickly and has had no major difficulties adapting. A hardworking and determined woman, she aspires to pursue a career in the green industry and hopes to become a Certified Arborist very soon.

Now let me share another example of generational language differences. I proctor ISA certification exams, and I’ve noticed a striking pattern among Spanish-speaking candidates who have lived in the U.S. for years. When they take the test in Spanish, four out of five fail. However, when I recommend they try the English version, despite English not being their first language, they often score higher, and many even pass and earn their certification.

This highlights an important reality; in the tree care industry, we become proficient in industry-specific vocabulary, terms and definitions in English. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean we speak English fluently in everyday conversations; it simply means we have learned enough to advance in our careers.

Connecticut Tree Protective Association (CTPA) Annual Spanish EHAP Program, February 19, 2025.

Communication is the key
I’ve never understood why some native speakers expect flawless language from non-native speakers. As long as there’s a genuine effort to communicate, no one should feel offended. Mistakes happen, even in our own native languages. Speaking a foreign language is challenging, and accents or minor errors shouldn’t hold anyone back from expressing their thoughts.

As a native Spanish speaker, I’ve encountered people who judge me professionally because of my accent. But let’s be real – anyone who speaks multiple languages will naturally have an accent, unless they’ve been immersed in the language since childhood. Instead of discouraging those who are trying, we should celebrate the effort it takes to learn and communicate in a new language.

It generally isn’t offensive to try to communicate in Spanish with someone whose English is limited, especially if you are making the effort to bridge the language gap. Most people appreciate when others attempt to speak their language, even if it’s not perfect. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Be respectful: Show some kindness and respect.
• Keep it simple: Avoid complex sentences.
• Use non-verbal communication: Employ gestures and body language.
• Be patient: Be willing to repeat.
• Ask for help: Use translation apps.

Communicating with a non-English speaker at work
To ensure clear communication and avoid misunderstandings, let’s agree to use only English while working. This creates consistency and reduces confusion for everyone.

Now, here are some key strategies to make communication smoother:

• Take a deep breath: Stay calm and composed. Patience is key.
• Slow down your speech: Speaking too fast can make it harder for non-English speakers to understand. Pace yourself.
• Be respectful: Avoid frustration or condescension. A positive attitude makes a big difference.
• Keep it simple: Use clear, direct language. Avoid slang or complex phrases.
• Use non-verbal communication: Gestures, facial expressions and demonstrations can reinforce your message.
• Be patient: Learning and processing a new language takes time. Give your co-workers the space they need to understand and respond.

By following these steps, we can create a more inclusive and efficient work environment for everyone.

Wrapping up
Throughout my life, I have devoted myself to training and working with Hispanic individuals from various parts of Latin America. It truly has been fascinating to witness their dedication to learning despite the language barriers. The effort they put into mastering the industry-specific vocabulary is exemplary and serves as testament to their determination. This resilience and eagerness to adapt not only allows them to integrate into the workforce more seamlessly, but also paves the way for endless opportunities in any industry they choose to pursue.

Understanding language, culture and education levels is essential for improving communication and safety in the tree industry. Efforts should focus on bridging language gaps and fostering cultural awareness to enhance workplace relationships and reduce fatalities.

Stay committed, stay focused and remember that knowledge knows no boundaries.

Leo Roldan is a Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP), an ISA Certified Arborist, a tree climber and bucket operator and a TCIA Qualified Trainer (QT). He is a skill trainer based in Mamaroneck, N.Y., for The Davey Tree Expert Company, an accredited, 53-year TCIA member company headquartered in Kent, Ohio.

This article is based on his presentation on the same subject at TCI EXPO ’24 in Baltimore, Maryland. To view to a video recording created for that presentation, click here