Arbor Master

" Thanks for the great boost your organization gives to the Arboriculture industry. Since retirement from Springville City, Utah, my time has been devoted primarily to consulting. I still climb and have been teaching my grandson the art and science of arboriculture. Perhaps he will carry on the work and be involved, as I have, in promoting excellence in craftsmanship and sound science. ArborMaster has filled a void that has existed in the tree care industry in the US since well before the Second World War. My training started in 1955 under a graduate of arboriculture who tutored me on a personal basis for two years. What a tremendous difference your company would have made back then! Again, many thanks and best wishes for a great future.

Dick O'Hallsey, Tree and Landscaping Consulting "

ArborMaster is fortunate to receive a great deal of positive feedback from both our students as well as company owners, managers, and educators. If you have a testimonial that you would like to share with us, please visit this section of our site for submission.

Government (Federal, State, Local)

" The Surf City tree crew wanted to thank you for the best in-depth training opportunity they have ever had. The materials that were covered and the hands on personal instruction were outstanding, there is no way these techniques could be solely learned in a class room or seminar setting.

Your instructor Rip Tompkins was outstanding and very knowledgeable in all aspects of arboriculture work and safety, at no time did we feel we were being talked down to during our training or when questions were asked as in so many other training settings.

Our risk manager and safety officer had never seen this kind of in-depth professional training done for our industry, They are now in full support of adding more training opportunities through ArborMaster for our crews. If more organizations participated in your training programs and practiced proper safety, arboriculture techniques and professionalism our industry would be recognized for the professionals we are. Keep up the good work. Thanks again.

See you at the top! "

Randy Menzel , Supervisor

Public Works, Tree Maintenance

City of Huntington Beach, CA

" We definintely would jump at the chance to get him (Rip Tompkins) back. Seriously this was the best we have ever had. I really mean it. I am still getting calls and comments about how much everyone learned and enjoyed the class. "

Public Works Department Training Director

" I cannot emphasize how much my employees learned and were motivated by the ArborMaster training they attended. New safer and smarter techniques were taught and the pros and cons discussed. Perhaps more importantly, everyone got a good opportunity to closely examine how they were completing the basic job skills, and if somehow they had learned how to overcome difficulties using unsafe practices.

Ross Albrecht, City Forester, City of College Station, TX "

Ross Albrecht , City Forester

City of College Station, TX

" Dear Ken and Rip: Thank you and all your staff for the truly professional job they all did during our training. It was a once in a career opportunity for many of us and we enjoyed it thoroughly. "

ArborMaster Organizer

" Again, I can't begin to thank 'all' of you for a very professional program. All parties involved on our Municipal level were very impressed with the training sessions and the impact it had on the men "

Joe Troy , City Arboris

Yonkers, New York

" Ken, again thanks for your time and efforts yesterday the men really seemed to enjoy it. Everyone who attended the program has come up to me and said they learned something new and when are you coming back for more A very positive response even from some of the people who said they didn't need to be there. Thanks again and hope to have you back soon. "

Program organizer

" Dear ArborMaster,

The Huntington Beach Tree Maintenance and Emergency Response Team want to thank you for another outstanding training opportunity. Your instructors Rip Tompkins and Martin Morales were top notch in there presentation of the materials covered and when it came to the field exercises their outstanding knowledge and experience was evident and held the attention of all participants.

Again there is no way that the participants could ever get this type of training and confidence in a class room or seminar setting.

If more municipalities and tree care companies would participate in this level of training our profession would receive the recognition we deserve - after all the tree industry is the second most dangerous profession in the nation.

I would encourage other municipalities to participate in the training opportunities offered by ArborMaster to ensure employee and public safety, trade knowledge, confidence and professionalism. In doing so they will be helping to insure the longevity of their municipal positions and programs.
"

Randy Menzel , Supervisor Tree Maintenance

City of Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach, CA

Utility

" I've known Ken and Rip for a long time, and I've always respected their work. In 1999, as the Vice President of Bartlett's Utility Services Operations throughout the United States, I was seeing a drop in production and a rise in the frequency of accidents. While I felt that I had a solid safety and training program in place, my managers agreed that a different approach might be helpful. In the utility world of unit pricing, we felt that any improvement in the skill level of our crews would give us a competitive advantage.

When I first sat down and explained my training needs to ArborMaster, it was clear that they were listening to my concerns and goals. Ken and Rip tailored a program to meet my specific needs, and implemented the training. I personally spoke with each individual who went through the training. It amazed me to see how they responded. I remember one crew leader telling me that it was the first time anyone had ever taken an interest in him. What I found even more interesting was the impact it had on the individuals who didn't attend the training. Everywhere I went, I saw people using the techniques. Numerous workers asked me if they would get a chance to go ArborMaster training. After hearing that in several different operations, I made up my mind to make this training a regular event. This investment paid off. I saw a substantial improvement in the amount of trees trimmed and removed each week, which on a unit job can mean thousands of dollars directly to the bottom line.

In this business, sometimes we all focus on all the reasons why not to do something; instead of looking for reasons why to do it. I found a reason why to engage ArborMaster. My operation's morale improved, its safety improved, and it became more profitable. I hope that you find the same reason.

Dr. Dave Marren, Bartlett Tree "

Dr. David Marren , VP Safety and Regulatory Affairs

Bartlett Tree

Residential/Commercial

" I am finally taking the time to send a sincere thank you to your organization. I have to admit I was more than a bit skeptical about bringing in "professionals" to train my employees, especially the ones with years of experience. As it turns out they were the ones that got the most out of the training.

Your approach is great and you keep it all interesting. We are using what we learned every day and whenever I help one of the crews that does not yet have a lowering device or a pulley or even a sling, I wonder how we ever managed to make a dollar in the past.

Bill Jacobsen, Jacobsen's Tree Service "

Bill Jacobsen

Jacobsen's Tree Service

" I recently sent 2 area managers to your training. Between them, they probably have 40 years of experience. Separately they approached me after the training and both said that “yeah, I thought I had my techniques down pat. But I learned how to be more efficient and productive. Not only that, but if I had known these techniques when I first started, my body wouldn’t be in the bad shape it’s in now. "

Jack Guffey , President

Carolina Tree

" ArborMaster Training was the single greatest event that helped propel my business to the safe and productive level it is today. "

Ronald Haymaker Jr

Students

" Clear, concise instruction. Rip explained everything in good detail and gave personal attention to each student. He enjoys his work, which is evident in his presentation. His skills and expertise were shared on all topics. "

" Really appreciate your help in building a solid program for the USDA Forest Service climbers. Can’t wait for the next module – thanks! "

" Me, the guy that knows it all, been there, done that - humbled by how much I learned "

" Great training, well done. My expectations were high and were well met. "

" Look into taking some ArborMaster Courses......the BEST money you can spend for learning "

" Keep up the good work and continuing to educate and improve our profession "

" These people know what they are doing and it isn’t just one way and that is it. Safety is a good topic and they really told us about it. "

" I learned a lot & instructors were very kind in spite of my pushiness & stubbornness "

" Your ability to hold everyone's attention was 2nd to none - very professional "

" Absolutely the best training/class the state has sent me to - thank you gentlemen "

" I’d seen your videos and practiced a lot of climbing techniques. Your additions to the basics, i.e.; expanding on rescue, reroutes, etc were awesome. "

" After 25 years in tree care, I’m learning how much I still have to learn! "

" Everything was first class – I am thankful for the opportunity! "

" I think the material was presented at the right pace. I am inexperienced and appreciate the instructor’s professionalism and patience. Thanks! "

" Both Ken and Rip are exceptional instructors. It was the most useful information that I have received in ages. "

" I've just returned home after completing four days in your Level 1 Climbing and Precision Felling modules and would like to thank my instructors for the level of Professionalism which you all showed towards, "this old logger", at The Cockaponset National Forest in Haddam Ct. (17,000 acres). Having started logging back in 1973 here in New Hampshire under what I now call prehistoric conditions, has made me acutely aware of the pitfalls associated by teaching ones-self and learning the hard way. ArborMaster's programs has given me a new prospective concerning the safe dismantling and removal of one of our greatest resources. Your programs offer a fine balance between the scientific and the practical world required to complete any productive venture.

Again, thank you for your expertise. I now possess the fundamentals required to begin another chapter in the 'Wonderful World of Wood' "

ArborMaster Student

" Last summer I had the opportunity to attend one of your training modules on precision tree felling/basic rigging. First I would like to say that this was an outstanding training module for ALL tree cutters and pruners. The instructors were very professional and knowledgeable as well as helpful. Recently I received a newsletter as to your next classes, although there was little info offered on the card, your web site tells a lot more of the scheduling that may be easier to get into one of those classes. In closing I would like to THANK YOU and HUSQVARNA for some great training that you both provided to me. I am looking forward to being able to attend another class this summer. Thanks again! "

ArborMaster Student

" I just wanted to write you to tell you how much I enjoyed the ArborMaster program. I have already been implementing the new techniques into my everyday routine. Since the classes I have only used spurs one time and it was for a removal. I am really excited about what I have learned, it has given me a new outlook toward my profession. Just wanted to say thanks for a great job looking forward to seeing you next year. "

ArborMaster Student

" I received training on techniques that were covered in the training DVD's and the hands-on will reinforce what was taught and will be of great value back on the job. "

" This was one of the best classes I have ever attended. I look forward to more. "

" A recent student at the Tree Care Tech Reach program:

"I was looking for something more career-minded, and the opportunity to grow with a company,", the former Army medic says. "I've done just about everything out here, but thought this was a great opportunity. This is a really good program for guys getting started in the industry. There's a lot I learned this week; it's incredible."

"The instructors were great," Henderson says. "If you didn't understand something, they made sure you got it". "

Tree Care TechReach program

Charlotte, North Carolina

Seminars/Workshops

" The ArborMaster® Training courses are awesome! Rip and Ken are true professionals. I learned new techniques in both climbing and chain saw safety and methods that have proven invaluable, not only to me personally, but to the students in the Arboriculture course I teach at Kansas State University. I highly recommend ArborMaster® Training Courses to both beginner and professional. "

Cathie Brooks , Instructor

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS

" We have used ArborMaster for the last 5 years for our state wide municipal tree workshop. Rip and the staff at ArborMaster are always a delight to work with and very professional. Rip is truly a gifted instructor and really connects with the industry in a way few other facilitators can. He works extremely hard preparing for our workshop the day before and arrives well organized for a full day program. His and ArborMasters' talents are evident in the number of positive comments we receive each year and we are fortunate to have them on our program each year. "

C. Dwayne Jones , Superintendent of Parks & Horticulture

City of Waynesboro

" Please tell Ken Palmer we really appreciated him and all that you folks back east did for North Dakota, and that I personally heard many positive comments on his presentation skills and arborist knowledge. Ken is an asset to the arboriculture industry. The sharing of his knowledge with practicing arborists is helping advance the professionalism of this industry in leaps and bounds. I hope he has success and good fortune in all of his future endeavors. Take care. "

Jeff Heintz , Assistant City Forester

City of Bismark

" Dear Deb: I want to thank you, Ken and Rip for the fabulous workshop that your company put on at ALCA Student Career Days. Rip and Ken were a big hit! We got many great comments about the workshop. Also a special thanks to Rip for making a trip to Illinois in the dead of winter to work with us on finding a site for this event. I am glad that the Performing Arts Center's stage rigging worked for practice tosses. Again thank you for planning and carrying out this great event that has become a perennial favorite with Student Career Days participants. Best wishes! "

Pat Goller , Student Career Days Coordinator

ALCA

" Please pass on this note to Rip Tompkins. We had the pleasure to attend a seminar last weekend hosted by Vermeer in Nashville TN. Not only was the material extremely informative, but Rip's ability to communicate and keep his audience absolutely focused was very impressive. Super Job Rip, we hope to see you again at some future seminar "

ArborMaster Seminar attendees

Other/General

Dick O' Hallsey

Tree and Landscape Consulting

Spanish Fork, UT

" ArborMaster®, a true pleasure.
According to my thesaurus there are a number of other terms for pleasure including: delight, enjoyment, entertainment, fulfillment, fun, gratification, joy, play, satisfaction, and thrill. I have had the pleasure to have taken an ArborMaster program personally and got to repeat training with my forestry students. The Western Illinois University branch of the Student Society of Arboriculture recently completed an outstanding Collegiate ArborMaster program. I experienced all of the above terms for pleasure and more. For one who teaches students, it is rewarding to see a group of young men and women turned on to arboricuulture. Rip Tompkins and Ken Palmer have a fantastic program. If you are interested in increasing your knowledge of arboriculture and professional skills, I highly recommend holding one of their training programs. If you are interested in a pleasurable experience, go through the ArborMaster® program. "

Thomas L Green, PH.D , Urban Forestry Professor, Past Il Arborist Assoc President

" Well, I was petrified of chainsaws before attending the program. Seriously. You could not get me within 30 feet of a running saw. Now I want to use one. I take every opportunity I can to cut something, anything. I did not take the rigging class, I couldn't change my vacation. I would recommend the ArborMaster training classes. (In our pending tree care policy I included a statement that anyone using a chainsaw must have professional training.) ArborMaster's emphasis on safety is key. All of us need to be reminded and helped to do our jobs safely. The tools can be deadly. Accidents are not planned events, but with awareness many can be prevented. We can all learn from each other, no one person has all the answers. I always appreciate tips on how to do things better, easier and safer. I hope to take the training again in a couple years after I develop some bad habits. "

Katie , Horticultural Staff

Indianapolis Zoo

Indianapolis, IN

" The Collegiate ArborMaster® Training Program was an outstanding success on our campus thanks to your excellent instruction, generous support and enthusiastic work with our students. The skills you have taught us and the opportunity for hands-on experience would not have been available without your program. I can honestly tell you that you have made a huge impact on the education of those who represent the future of our profession. They can now apply classroom instruction and lab training to actual field experiences provided by your program. NICC, and the arboriculture profession as a whole, owe you a great debt of gratitude. "

Rick Tagtow , Arboriculture Instructor

Northeast Iowa Community College