Tree Talk attended the New York State Arborists Annual Conference and Expo (February 4-5, 2024) and asked attendees what they are looking forward to regarding their own tree work/the tree industry in the near future.
Here are a dozen responses:
Ducep Moreno, New York City Parks:
“The recognition of tree climbing as skilled labor.”
Matt Childs, Contract Climber:
“I want tree climbing to be more respected in the industry — I want us to be valued.”
Logan Stine, Contract Climber/Trainer:
“The progression of my personal education.”
Joel Greifenberger, Valley Tree & Landscape Service:
“In an ideal world I’d like to see more tree planting opportunities out there — and follow-up care.”
Sarah Bray, New York City Department of Environmental Protection:
“Better foresight in design.”
Steven Knapp, Vice President, Certified Arborists of New York State:
“Not having any accidents and taking care of as many trees as I can.”
Gary Carbocci, Bartlett Tree Care:
“Safety above all for our crews and hoping we come up with an in-ground solution for beech leaf disease.”
Jim Dublar, North Shore Tree & Consulting:
“Properly implementing Integrated Pest Management.”
Bear LeVangie, Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop:
“Making sure that more people know the importance of trees and that we have so much to learn from them.”
Valerie Francis, New York City Parks:
“That more women come into forestry.”
Andrew Ullman, Davey Resource Group:
“Helping people take care of their trees.”
Pete Strom, Strom Horticultural Services:
“Being a tireless advocate for proper pruning.”
Will Vitagliano, Central Park Conservancy:
“New information that’s getting out in the industry, and how that’s being put into practice by our young, excited arborists.”