If your core mission is to help trees prosper and/or help tree owners live safely among them, then I want to work with you.

I provide flexible, subcontracted assistance to climbing arborists who need a safety-focused, dependable, and dedicated worker on the ground.

I also provide shrub and small tree pruning labor and well as proper mulching and other tree-centered services to eco-focused landscape contractors who want to do right by the trees under their care.

Background

One big storm threw me unexpectedly into the field of arboriculture in 2019. I wish it would have happened sooner in my career, but that’s how life goes. I became the third member of a crew that, despite a scrappy facade, did stellar work under the tutelage of a 40-year arborist and passionate ecologist. Then, in September of 2023, my employer retired. I was left addicted to tree care yet unwilling to work for “big arb” or tree removal experts, especially those who underbid jobs to keep their costly equipment fleet fed.

I wanted to get back to being part of a team with a passion for trees. Thus, I decided to incorporate contract ground crew services into the Natural Renderings portfolio, designed specifically for the kind of tree care professionals who prefer the work of keeping trees alive versus cutting them down.

A Discerning Nonconformist

Do you know of anyone else in our area who offers contract ground crew services? Are they insured? Experienced? Reliable? Do they care about trees as much as you do? If you’ve never thought about hiring this kind of subcontractor, here are some benefits this unique offering aims to provide:

Relieve Staffing Pressure

I am an on-call resource that can reduce the commitment and cost related to overhiring.

For example, if a two-person crew is adequate for 80% of your jobs, what do you do about the other 20%? Hire a third person? A part-time employee might be an option, but most people need health insurance, training, and other benefits. Additionally, it is estimated that the actual cost to an employer to hire an employee is 1.2 to 1.4 times greater than to hire a subcontractor. (IRS Rules for Subcontractor vs. Employee)

OR I am an on-call partner that can help you launch your business. I love working with arborists who are breaking away from the corporate profit culture to regain a tree-focused mission but are not yet established enough to bring on a regular staff.

Cleanup Eats Time But Yields Satisfaction

A lot of testimonials — good and bad — mention how well the tree service cleaned up the job. Meanwhile, you need to give your attention to the tree itself: structural improvements, healthy pruning cuts, storm damage remediation, etc. The tree will certainly notice such precision, but the clients often cannot see the important work you did in the canopy. They can only tell what you did to the ground.

I can improve your effectiveness as working climber and arborist by tending to the time-consuming tasks of cleanup and other customer-driven priorities. With an immense respect for the skill and knowledge of the certified arborist, my mission is to help you provide ethical care to the trees. And, the earth-friendly philosophy of the outdoor maintenance arm of Natural Renderings applies to ALL my work. This includes treading as lightly on the ground as possible.

Safety First Is More Than Just a Motto

I am professionally trained on the basics of climbing via completion of tree-climbing classes through the Morris Arboretum and Penn State Extension. While I am not a “working climber,” this knowledge better prepares me to assist, both in the day-to-day and when things get tricky.

The highest goal of every climb is stay alive. Achievement of that goal extends to every person on the ground below. Varying circumstances do make each day fresh, interesting, and exciting, but the more risk-related variables you can eliminate, the safer you are. Thus, climbing is not a solo act.

I can be that individual who is dedicated specifically to assisting you from the ground (watching your ropes, sending tools aloft, clearing a landing for your descent, communicating concerns, being present in case of emergencies, etc.), which is a crucial component of a safe climb.

Further, I am a trained and focused alternative to the risky choice of wrangling your next-door neighbor or out-of-work friend to help with that big project.

I am CPR/AED certified as well as Wilderness and Remote First Aid certified, offering an added layer of protection, one I hope to never use.

Lastly, because I am willing to accommodate your style and preferences, I’ll make sure you have an enjoyable day.

A Change in Perspective

Women in Aboriculture is a hot topic, not just because girls can care for trees, too, but also because wise arborists understand the benefits of diversity. The more qualities that are covered in your team, the better the end result. Yes, traits such as grit, brawn, hardiness, and stamina are must-haves for one of the most hazardous jobs in America. But a well-rounded crew also needs patience, creativity, compassion, and sensitivity.

I’ve heard it said that all you need for a groundie is someone with a driver’s license who shows up. Do you really believe that?