Women in Arboriculture
Written by: Brent Kahn, Certified Arborist WI-0302A
Working as an arborist for Wachtel Tree Science means a love and passion for all types of plants. From the tall majestic trees down to delicate flowers below. We have a strong desire to be outside with nature while working hands on in a team dynamic. We work alongside other people who are equally as passionate and in a culture that mentors safety, learning, and personal growth. The challenging work provides a great physical workout eliminating the need to join a gym. These factors are what drive our arborists to be the best they can be each and every day.
The gender dynamic in our profession is changing. Arboriculture has moved away from being a male dominated industry. For those women who prefer the outdoors to an office job, joining the tree care industry is a great career. Schools, colleges, and professional tree care organizations are mentoring and supporting career paths for women in our field. New equipment and techniques have helped to make the job safer and easier for everyone. The bottom line is to follow your passions and do what’s right for you. Go after what you want and don’t be intimidated. The challenges and hard work the job contains are real, but are easily overcome with drive, determination, a creative mind, and a supporting team around you. You won’t know what opportunities are out there until you give it a try. Arboriculture is a rewarding career and trees don’t discriminate over gender.
Our current production team contains 30% women and is still growing. That next truck that shows up on your property to care for your trees, may just be one containing our talented team of women. You may see them spraying your crabapple, injecting your Ash tree that shades your patio, or working from a rope and saddle to prune that branch over your home. They may be operating a lift some 90 feet in the air or using our mechanized equipment to load logs from a hazardous tree that needed to be removed. Our Wachtel Tree Science team is much stronger with the positive dynamic and perspective our female arborists provide. Please continue to welcome our entire team onto your properties to care for your landscape!