TreeActions

Em’s career in the tree industry began in 2008 with the US Forest Service as a sawyer and hazard tree feller in Idaho.  Her love for chainsaws was immediate and powerful.  She has since worked with trees and chainsaws in many different forest types all over the country and became a full-time resident of the Pacific Northwest in 2014.  She was Washington State Parks’ first and only female arborist….so far.  After taking her career upward into the canopy and further fueling a passion for proper care of the world’s most incredible organisms, she started her own residential tree care company focused on preservation-based production arboriculture and consulting.  Throughout the past several years, Em has spent a large percentage of her time sharing her knowledge and passion with others in the industry through training and education as a lead instructor for a few arboriculture and forestry safety organizations.  Em was voted 2019 Tree Worker of the Year, and 2021 Arborist of the Year by the PNW Chapter of ISA.  She is an ISA Certified Arborist and is Tree Risk Assessment Qualified.

Summary
In this episode, we welcome Emily Roberts "Emro" to discuss the connection to trees and her career path in tree work. We learn about Emro's first experiences with trees and how her childhood fascination led to a career in the field. The conversation explores the importance of mentorship and learning from mistakes in tree falling. They also discuss the evolution of cutting techniques, including the introduction of precision falling and the controversy surrounding it. The episode highlights the importance of understanding chainsaw cutting and the benefits of the open-face notch technique. Overall, it provides insights into the journey and progression of Emro, her journey with trees, and in the tree care industry.  Beyond the obvious topics, if you read between the lines we discuss and explore the nature of training, learning and living.

00:00
Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:49
First Experience with Trees

03:49
Childhood Fascination and Career Path

08:40
First Memory of Success

11:46
Learning and Mentorship in Tree Falling

15:29
Feeling of Pride and Elation

17:27
Progression and Journey in Tree Work

20:45
Importance of First Tree Experience

22:01
Evolution of Cutting Techniques

23:47
Challenges and Learning from Mistakes

24:26
Introduction to Precision Falling

27:08
Controversy and Resistance to New Techniques

32:28
Importance of Understanding Chainsaw Cutting

35:31
Learning from Experience and Age

38:31
Different Approaches to Cutting Techniques

41:03
Benefits of Open Face Notch

45:54
Impact of Precision Falling in the Arborist Industry