Eight years ago, my best friend and now business partner gave me a copy of “Knots at Work” for my birthday. This gift came just a month into my journey into the captivating world of tree work. As an aspiring climber, I devoured the book and committed many of its pages to memory. Jeff Jepson’s straightforward style and no-nonsense explanations resonated with me like the work of few other writers had.

After developing acute carpal tunnel from excessive knot practice, I purchased the second edition of “The Tree Climber’s Companion.” I don’t say this lightly – this book changed the trajectory of my life. It was packed with valuable information on climbing and safety techniques, but it also offered profound wisdom that extended beyond tree work. Jepson boldly addresses the uncomfortable topic of death, while providing encouragement and hope for what lies beyond. His references to the Creator strengthened my prayer life and inspired me to share my faith with crew mates just as he did.

Jepson was kind enough to take the time to answer a few questions about himself – for the benefit of all of us!

At a Glance

Jeff Jepson

Name: Jeff Jepson
Job title: Arborist/author
Company/organization: Beaver Tree Service
City/state: Longville, Minnesota
Years in industry: 40
Credentials: ISA Certified Arborist since 1999
Area(s) of impact: Educator through book writing
Books: “The Tree Climber’s Companion,” “Knots at Work,” “To Fell a Tree,” “Groundie”

Do you have a “legend” or role model you learned from?
“The arborists I learned most from are many of the same ones I mention in the acknowledgements of the third edition of ‘The Tree Climber’s Companion’: Peter ‘Treeman’ Jenkins, with Tree Climbers International; Don Blair, author of ‘Arborist Equipment’; Sharon Lilly, with the ISA, author of ‘The Tree Climber’s Guide’; Jerry Beranek, author of ‘The Fundamentals of General Tree Work’; and Ken Palmer and Rip Tompkins, through their ISA training videos.

“Of course, there were many others as well. However, it wasn’t until I listened to Alex Shigo and read his books that I developed a deep appreciation and wonder for trees as living organisms and not just something to climb and work in.
“I liken each one of these individuals to the growth rings of a tree. Each one contributed to my love for and growth in the profession. I feel blessed that I had so many ‘rings of influence’ in my career.”

Jeff Jepson with his wife, Bonnie, in a cedar of Lebanon tree in Lebanon this past April. “No climbing gear because we weren’t that far from the ground – think bouldering,” says Jepson. All photos courtesy of Jeff Jepson.

Why do you share your skills/knowledge with others? What is your motivation?
“I think people in general naturally delight in sharing what they love doing. C.S. Lewis said it wonderfully: ‘I think we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses, but completes the enjoyment.’ That’s why I’ve written the books. It’s my way of praising the joys of tree work and sharing what I’ve learned and enjoyed about it with others.”

What is your favorite thing about the industry?
“Climbing trees. My love of tree work began with climbing, and now, at 69, I still love climbing trees. Only now I get to climb and work with my son, who took over the business earlier this year. It doesn’t get any better than that as far as I’m concerned.

“But frankly, I enjoy all aspects of the industry – the camaraderie that comes from working with the crew, getting to know the customers, and yes, even working as a groundie lowering limbs and dragging brush. It’s such a multi-faceted profession that one never gets bored. This is why my everyday mantra has been, ‘Best job I ever had!’ And I’ve had many over the years. And, of course, in my case, I also get the pleasure and privilege of writing about it all.”

What has been your favorite or, in your opinion, the most innovative industry advancement (equipment or technology)?
“If you would have asked me 25 years ago, I would have said the open, split-tail climbing system, with slack-tender pulley, and Blake’s hitch. I still think they’re all great, though I typically use one of the modern friction hitches. But now, as an aging and somewhat wiser climber, I love the new mechanical friction devices and ascenders that allow me to climb on a stationary rope system with little effort. I typically use this system for canopy access only and switch to a moving rope system once aloft (but not always).

“Without these tools, I don’t think I’d be climbing much anymore. I also really appreciate the lighter weight and more comfortable climbing spikes (compared to the old steel ones) and the ridiculously lightweight and powerful climbing chain saws.”

Jeff Jepson climbing – and no doubt looking and listening for birds.

Tell us something nobody or not many people know about you.
“I’m an avid bird watcher. I always have been. But as a climber, I literally get a bird’s-eye view of their world and get some wonderful opportunities to observe them in the canopy. That is, when the chain saw’s not running. However, bird watching also can be a real distraction from getting work done when you’re trying to identify some warbler that won’t sit still long enough for you to identify. But when you’re the boss, or the father of one, who cares?”

What advice do you have for someone getting into the industry?
“Three things. First, be prepared before getting up in a tree. That means getting as much knowledge and training as possible and getting the best equipment possible. Take advantage of all the books, articles, equipment catalogs, websites, instructors, co-workers and YouTube videos available. As I state in the introduction of the ‘Companion’: ‘In a profession fraught with as many “dangers, toils, and snares” as ours, you owe it to yourself, and your coworkers, clients, family and friends, to be as prepared as possible.’

“Second, pay attention! I mention this repeatedly in ‘Groundie’ and ‘The Tree Climber’s Companion’ as the tree worker’s ‘one thing.’ You need to pay attention in order to learn, pay attention to be useful and pay attention to survive. And in a world of so many distractions – think iPhones, for one – paying attention is a skill that requires serious effort.

“Lastly, protect your hearing. I wish I would have been more diligent about doing so earlier in my career. Now I wear hearing aids, and still can barely hear the songs of some of my favorite birds (winter wren, hermit thrush), not to mention conversations with people, of course. Fortunately, hearing protection is more effective than it once was, and some woodchippers and chain saws (battery powered) are getting quieter.”

What do you hope your lasting legacy will be?
“Probably the four books I’ve written. My hope is that they’ll continue to be useful well into the future. Even though new techniques and tools will be introduced, I think there is enough knowledge – and wisdom – that is so fundamental to tree work in my books that they will prove useful for quite some time. I also hope that my writings will inspire other arborists to share their knowledge with others. That they might write a book – I had no formal education on doing this – write a magazine article, start an arborist blog, etc. As Patrick Masterson says on his
EducatedClimber.com website, ‘Never stop learning, never stop sharing, never stop growing – in work as in life.’

“It just may be, however, that I’ll be remembered as the guy who talks too much about death and dying and even spirituality in his books. That may be. I’m sure it might be annoying to some readers, though I’ve only heard a few complaints. But if we’re going to participate in this inherently dangerous profession of ours, I think it’s necessary not only to talk about accident prevention, but also about death preparedness – difficult as that conversation may be. I offer a much more pointed view about this very topic in the ‘Final Words’ of my new edition of ‘The Tree Climber’s Companion.’”

Cheers! Jeff Jepson and his wife, Bonnie, in their home in Longville, Minnesota.

Conclusion
As my career has progressed, the lessons I’ve learned from Jeff Jepson’s invaluable instruction have resonated with me in various ways.

After a few years of climbing, I was approached by ISA News to write a piece for their “Climbers’ Corner.” I was not only surprised by this opportunity, but also at a loss for what to write about. After struggling for inspiration, I decided to revisit some of my favorite tree books. In Part One of “The Tree Climber’s Companion,” Jepson discusses the tools of the trade for well-prepared climbers. I immediately recognized my topic!

This led to my first article, titled “Tools of the Trade,” which was published in ISA News in April 2021 and later in TCI Magazine, in June 2022. With more than 20 articles written and numerous TCI EXPO presentations under my belt, I can confidently say that Jeff Jepson’s books were instrumental in kickstarting the training segment of my career.

While the tips and tricks have been immensely useful, it is Jepson’s anecdotes about life that have had the most profound impact on my journey. Shortly after launching Rooted Arbor Care, I read “Groundie.” This book is essential for everyone in tree care, but the most vital lesson I took away was the importance of being a “teachable employee.”

According to Jepson, “Being teachable means being willing to learn from others, listening and watching with genuine interest and using discernment while showing respect when asking questions or offering suggestions.” This wisdom has been crucial to my personal growth, and “be teachable” has become a prominent mantra for the team at Rooted.

Jepson has imparted so much knowledge to many of us in the tree care community, but perhaps the advice that resonates most with my team and me is the importance of taking time during breaks – especially lunch – to share stories. This practice is key to fostering a great culture, and is one of the primary reasons this career field is so exceptional. Like so many others, I feel blessed to have learned from legendary arborists like Jeff Jepson!

“Exchanging stories during this time is a means of dispensing wisdom and wit, building trust and appreciation
and of deepening friendships.”
– Jeff Jepson, “The Tree Climber’s Companion”

Andy Jones, CTSP, is an ISA Certified Arborist, production climber and co-founder of Rooted Arbor Care, a TCIA member company based in St. Louis, Missouri. He also is a member of TCI Magazine’s Editorial Advisory Committee and a presenter at TCI EXPO.