How to go from dragging branches...

To becoming a highly successful arborist.

1. First step is to love stuffing branches in the back of the chipper

• This is more than a lesson about moving up in the arboriculture world. This is a life lesson. Whatever stage you are at today, love it, do it as well as you can and ask lots of questions.
• Though I must admit... watching a chipper chew through a 12 inch diameter log and spit it into the back of the truck is pretty cool.
• Learn how to do it as safely as possible.
• Understand that your role on the team is just as important as everybody else.

2. Learn how to fix the chipper

• Loving your job is about living in the moment. I'm not saying you need to become a chipper mechanic. What you need to do is become an expert in the basics. Show the next newest guy what you know. Show him how to do it safely. Show him where the wrenches go. Make yourself as useful as you can be. Help the mechanic fix the machine and do maintenance. Learn how and when to grease the machine. 

3. Become one with your chainsaw

• It takes a lot of practise to become good with a saw. Be that guy.
•  You never cut dirt and you never get pinched.
•  Your chain is always adjusted to just the right tension, your teeth are sharp and you know exactly where you want your rakers.
• You are balanced and comfortable, your back is relaxed and your elbows are straight.
•  You are one with the chainsaw like Jimmy Hendrix with his guitar.

4. Love rope and learn knots

• Buy a book on knots.
• Take a piece of rope home at night and practise. Do it night after night.
• Do it because you love rope.
• You do it because you want to get off the ground and up the trees.
• Ask lots of questions.
• Remember that the climbers in the tree today did the same thing to get where they are.

5. Take your time and climb safely

• Now that you're in the trees you realize how important those guys on the ground are.
• You realize that your success as a climber depends on how easy it is for the team on the ground.
• Move with purpose.
• Keep balanced.
• Think before you cut. Think about the size, the quality, the target.
• Work with one goal in mind. Control.

6. Responsibility

• You've become a good climber. Now you are leading crews and planning jobs.
• Remember everything that got you this far.
• Your work is done to the highest standard.
• The ropes are in order.
• You are one with your chainsaw.
• Keep asking and answering questions.
• Continue to love stuffing branches in the back of the chipper.
• Teach the new guy how to keep his saw sharp.

7. The "Big Picture"

•  You've done this over and over many times. Patterns are emerging.
• Clients are asking the same questions. They see only the tree in front of them.
• You now see more than the tree, you see the urban forest as a whole.
• The forest is declining.
• You are becoming wiser.
• Your work and your influence are affecting an ever greater sphere.

8. The Next Step in Your Career

• You've risen quickly but haven't yet reached your plateau.
• What is the next step up? You need to weigh the options.
• Do you continue with the same company? Or perhaps start your own?
• Or do you look for greater stability? Maybe get a job with the City.

9. You've Reached the Crossroads

•  You have achieved what you set out to do. The problem now is that you still aren't satisfied. How do you keep the momentum that got you here so quickly? How do you take the next step? And what is the next step?

10. Repeat Steps 1 to 9 but take it up a notch

1. Love what you are doing, you are an important part of a team.
2. Be the one to help fix it when the system is broken.
3. Become a master of the tools at your disposal.
4. Learn the ropes, keep asking questions, ask for the harder roles.
5. Proceed with clarity, purpose and care. Especially for the benefit of those who are working under you.
6. Acknowledge your responsibility.
7. Always be focussed on the big picture.
8. Figure out your next move up the tree.
9. Take it with confidence.