Christopher Wells Rippey of the Missouri Arborist Company

Tree Scum Podcast

Science EN ↓ 29 episodes

This is a podcast of the stories of those working in the tree care industry. We are a unique breed of folk who dangle our fleshy bodies in trees to make a buck. We are not paid or considered "skilled" like other working-class trades like plumbers or electricians though our jobs are much more dangerous. Our own industry buries us with constant work while we fear lay off right around the corner. We are judged and paid by how many certifications we have or don't have. We are told we are part of the growing green industry but no matter how important people say we are, we are still just Tree Scum a...

Be sure to visit the podcast's website and support the creator: www.MissouriArborist.com

Author

Christopher Wells Rippey of the Missouri Arborist Company

Episodes

Are certifications and qualifications helping the tree care industry or not? 29.10.2025 46:16

In this episode I talk about all the certifications and qualification that i have and whether or not I find them beneficial. I also talk about how certifications fund your local ISA chapter and how these organizations and the big ISA must make new qualifications once older ones hit their market saturation point to continue meeting revenue goals. I also talk about how I would structure credentialli...

Being helpful as a tree consultant, the worst person I have ever met, and report writing 15.10.2025 59:16

The worse person I have ever met is a person who values stuff over anything else. This is also a person who only thinks of themselves and will try to get your kids taken from you because they want a free tree removal. I met this person while working a tree job and in this episode I talk about how a good consultant could have helped this situation out. If you look moderately hard, you will find me.

Practical wisdom of Emerald Ash Borer treatments and what it is like to own a small tree company. 08.10.2025 1:02:48

In this episode I go over what it is like to own a small tree company and the practical details of treating trees of Emerald Ash Borer infestation. Hopefully you can see how stressful running a small company is but also see why the industry is heading to a place where only very small and very large companies will exist. I also go how to identify Emerald Ash Borer infestations, how to make money of...

An Introduction to Tree Scum 01.10.2025 34:53

This is an introduction on what to expect from this podcast, who I am, what I represent and were we go from here. We talk about what it is to work in the tree care industry, and I share how I got into the industry and what my first day on the job was like. Website: www. MissouriArborist.com Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: Missouri Arborist Company Email: Chris@MissouriArborist.com If you look modera...