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Tree Surgeon's Podcast with Henri Ghijben

Henri Ghijben
Tree Surgeon's Podcast with Henri Ghijben
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  • Ep 15 Why Ben Hayford Walked Away From His Tree Surgery Business (And Doesn't Regret It)
    Download our FREE 7 Steps Guide: How to Acquire Commercial Clients and get the roadmap to land high-value contracts. https://info.treesurgeonsbusinessacademy.co.uk/Commercial-Client-Toolkit – Struggling to grow your tree surgery business? Join our Mastermind & Coaching Waitlist to be the first to know about upcoming business growth opportunities designed to help you gain more time, increase profit, and build a business that works for you! https://info.treesurgeonsbusinessacademy.co.uk/mastermindwaitlist – Join our free Facebook community to network with other tree surgeons, get valuable answers to your questions, and connect with professionals focused on growing their businesses! https://www.facebook.com/groups/treesurgeonbusinessowners – Starting a business in arboriculture sounds like a dream, but for Ben Hayford, the reality hit hard. In this raw and unfiltered episode of the Tree Surgeons Podcast, Ben shares how he went from building a tree surgery company from scratch to walking away entirely and why it was the best decision for his mental health and family. We cover: His journey from teenage gardener to climbing foreman The hard truths about running a tree business (spoiler: cashflow is brutal) Why hiring and managing people in this industry is so tough The emotional toll of chasing payments and juggling overheads How sub-contracting brought him peace—and even more money His new venture: Tree Ninjas, a lifestyle brand for arborists – About the Guest Ben Hayford is the founder of B. Hayford Tree Specialists, a Suffolk-based arboriculture business built from the ground up. Ben began his journey in the tree care industry while working for Mid Suffolk District Council, where he completed climbing courses and pursued his arborist qualifications. He’s appeared in industry publications, built a solid crew from scratch, and recently launched Tree Ninjas, a lifestyle brand for arborists. Ben’s story reflects the real-world challenges of growing a business, burnout, leadership, financial pressure—and the courage it takes to pivot toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. – Contact the Guest: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.hayfordtrees/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/B.hayfordtreespecialists/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hayford – Connect with the host: Website: http://tsba.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treesurgeonsbusinessacademy/ ; https://www.instagram.com/henrighijben/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/treesurgeonbusinessowners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben – This episode is sponsored by Greenline Arb (GLA) - a powerful digital platform created by tree surgeons, aimed at taking the stress out of tree work. Focussing on the main pain points in the game, such as; finding tip sites, connecting workers with employers, responding to emergency situations and locating services that are required to run a tree company. Green Line is allowing professionals to operate with more freedom. Solving multiple problems in one fell swoop. Download the app today or check out the website for more information. App Store: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/greenline-arb/id6448873784 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.greenlinearbapp&hl=en_US&pli=1 Website: https://www.greenlinearb.com/
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  • Ep 14 Secrets of Scaling a Tree Surgery Business with George Blake
    Download our FREE 7 Steps Guide: How to Acquire Commercial Clients and get the roadmap to land high-value contracts. https://info.treesurgeonsbusinessacademy.co.uk/Commercial-Client-Toolkit – Struggling to grow your tree surgery business? Join our Mastermind & Coaching Waitlist to be the first to know about upcoming business growth opportunities designed to help you gain more time, increase profit, and build a business that works for you! https://info.treesurgeonsbusinessacademy.co.uk/mastermindwaitlist – Join our free Facebook community to network with other tree surgeons, get valuable answers to your questions, and connect with professionals focused on growing their businesses! https://www.facebook.com/groups/treesurgeonbusinessowners – In this episode, Henri Ghijben welcomes George Blake of Blake Tree Care for a grounded and inspiring conversation about growing a successful tree surgery business from the ground up. From borrowing trailers and grinding stumps on weekends to managing a 16+ person team and planning for the future, George shares the real story behind building a business in arboriculture. They dive into the value of doing the basics right, creating a strong team culture, and adapting to the evolving challenges of the industry. If you're a business owner, climber, or just passionate about professional growth, this episode is full of practical lessons and honest insights. Topics Discussed: George’s journey from weekend firewood jobs to full-time tree surgeon Starting Blake Tree Care during the recession Challenges of pricing, staffing, and scaling a tree surgery business Building a strong company culture and retaining great team members The importance of investing in training and personal development Using quiet months to build future business (logs, outreach, networking) How George tracks performance with KPIs and bonus structures Creating leadership roles and planning for team growth The future of arboriculture: AI, robotics, and mechanization Thoughts on industry regulation and the need for higher standards Advice for hiring, apprenticeships, and upskilling staff The power of consistency, communication, and doing the little things right – About the Guest George Blake is the founder of Blake Tree Care, based in Essex. With roots in arboriculture going back to his early teens, George studied at Otley College before becoming a full-time tree surgeon in 2008. In 2017, he launched his own company, which has since grown into a thriving team of over a dozen skilled professionals. Committed to continuous learning and high standards, George recently completed his Professional Tree Inspection (PTI) qualification and remains passionate about building a strong team culture and raising the bar in the tree care industry. – Contact the Guest: Website: https://www.blaketreecare.co.uk/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blaketreecare483 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blaketreecare/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlakeTreeCareTreeSurgeon – Connect with the host: Website: http://tsba.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treesurgeonsbusinessacademy/ ; https://www.instagram.com/henrighijben/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/treesurgeonbusinessowners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben – This episode is sponsored by Greenline Arb (GLA) - a powerful digital platform created by tree surgeons, aimed at taking the stress out of tree work. Focussing on the main pain points in the game, such as; finding tip sites, connecting workers with employers, responding to emergency situations and locating services that are required to run a tree company. Green Line is allowing professionals to operate with more freedom. Solving multiple problems in one fell swoop. Download the app today or check out the website for more information. App Store: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/greenline-arb/id6448873784 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.greenlinearbapp&hl=en_US&pli=1 Website: https://www.greenlinearb.com/    
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  • Ep 13 The Broken Arb Industry and How to Fix It with Matt Rowden
    Download our FREE 7 Steps Guide: How to Acquire Commercial Clients and get the roadmap to land high-value contracts. https://info.treesurgeonsbusinessacademy.co.uk/Commercial-Client-Toolkit – Struggling to grow your tree surgery business? Join our Mastermind & Coaching Waitlist to be the first to know about upcoming business growth opportunities designed to help you gain more time, increase profit, and build a business that works for you! https://info.treesurgeonsbusinessacademy.co.uk/mastermindwaitlist – Join our free Facebook community to network with other tree surgeons, get valuable answers to your questions, and connect with professionals focused on growing their businesses! https://www.facebook.com/groups/treesurgeonbusinessowners – In this episode, Henri Ghijben sits down with Matt Rowden of Rowden’s Tree Consultancy and Training for a brutally honest look at the tree surgery industry. From climbing trees at 17 to becoming a consultant, Matt shares his journey, the dangers and pressures in the trade, and why systemic reform is needed especially in training, safety, and pricing. Whether you're a climber, business owner, or aspiring arborist, this episode is packed with insights on navigating a challenging but rewarding profession. Topics Discussed: Matt’s journey from apprentice to consultant Starting a tree surgery business at 20 Financial stress, payment delays, and mental health The race to the bottom on pricing in the industry Training standards and issues with NPTC certification Safety concerns and the real cost of rushing work How better education and collaboration can raise industry standards The role of Arb Association, ICF, and need for regulation Career advice for young arborists Transitioning from climber to consultant The future of arboriculture: mechanization, consolidation, and professionalism – About the Guest Matt Rowden began his arboriculture career after earning a Level 3 diploma from Sparsholt College in 2006. He started as a lead climber with Hamptons Tree Care in Winchester before launching his first business, Sub Arb Ltd, in 2011. Originally intended as a subcontractor recruitment firm, Sub Arb evolved into a hands-on role that saw Matt work with over 50 different companies, building an extensive industry network. In 2017, he co-founded Harz Tree Surgeons Ltd, which he ran until 2019. Following the tragic death of a colleague, Matt sold the business and took a sabbatical to travel. He returned to the industry in 2020, combining contract climbing with further education, enrolling in TreeLife’s Level 6 Professional Diploma in Arboriculture. In 2023, Matt launched his current consultancy, Rowden’s Tree Consultancy and Training. Today, he splits his time between consulting, selective climbing contracts, and contributing regularly to Pro Arb magazine. – Contact the Guest: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowdentreeconsultants/ Facebook:  – Connect with the host: Website: http://tsba.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treesurgeonsbusinessacademy/ ; https://www.instagram.com/henrighijben/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/treesurgeonbusinessowners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben – This episode is sponsored by Greenline Arb (GLA) - a powerful digital platform created by tree surgeons, aimed at taking the stress out of tree work. Focussing on the main pain points in the game, such as; finding tip sites, connecting workers with employers, responding to emergency situations and locating services that are required to run a tree company. Green Line is allowing professionals to operate with more freedom. Solving multiple problems in one fell swoop. Download the app today or check out the website for more information. App Store: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/greenline-arb/id6448873784 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.greenlinearbapp&hl=en_US&pli=1 Website: https://www.greenlinearb.com/
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  • Ep 12 From the UK to Canada: Building a 100+ Employee Tree Service – Martin Evans’ Journey
    Download our FREE 7 Steps Guide: How to Acquire Commercial Clients and get the roadmap to land high-value contracts. https://info.treesurgeonsbusinessacademy.co.uk/Commercial-Client-Toolkit – Struggling to grow your tree surgery business? Join our Mastermind & Coaching Waitlist to be the first to know about upcoming business growth opportunities designed to help you gain more time, increase profit, and build a business that works for you! https://info.treesurgeonsbusinessacademy.co.uk/mastermindwaitlist – Join our free Facebook community to network with other tree surgeons, get valuable answers to your questions, and connect with professionals focused on growing their businesses! https://www.facebook.com/groups/treesurgeonbusinessowners – In this episode of the Tree Surgeons Podcast, host Henry welcomes Martin Evans, a British-born arborist who made a bold move to Canada and built Vancouver Island Tree Services (VI Tree)—a thriving tree care business with over 100 employees. Martin shares his journey from starting in the UK tree industry, facing business challenges, and ultimately relocating to Canada to take on new opportunities. He discusses the differences between the UK and Canadian tree industries, the realities of running a large-scale tree service business, and advice for arborists looking to grow their careers or even move abroad. Whether you're a tree worker, a business owner, or just fascinated by international success stories, this episode is packed with valuable insights, industry comparisons, and practical advice for anyone in arboriculture. Topics Discussed:  - Martin’s journey in arboriculture - Starting and scaling a tree service business - Challenges of running a tree surgery business - Differences between UK & Canadian tree work - Utility & contract work - Working in extreme conditions - Advice for aspiring arborists & entrepreneurs - Opportunities for UK arborists in Canada   Chapters:  00:00:00 - Introduction Henri introduces Martin Evans and his background. 00:02:00 – How Martin discovered tree surgery after studying gamekeeping. 00:05:00 - Martin’s first tree business in the UK. 00:08:00 – Why Martin chose Canada over New Zealand or France. 00:12:00 – Comparing wages, training, and job opportunities between UK and Canadian Tree Industries  00:18:00 – Starting Vancouver Island Tree Services (VI Tree) 00:23:00 – Winning utility contracts and navigating competitiog, expanding into BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and beyond. 00:27:00 – How tree workers operate in harsh Canadian winters. 00:30:00 – Advice for arborists & tree surgery business owners 00:32:00 – How UK climbers can move to Canada and get work. 00:35:00 – Final thoughts and how to connect with Martin – About the Guest Martin Evans is the CEO of Vancouver Island Tree Service and CEO of West Coast Wood Chippers, with over 25 years of experience in arboriculture. Originally from the UK, Martin ran his own successful tree service company for 15 years before moving to Canada in 2010 with his wife and four children. He studied Woodland and Estate Management at Warwickshire College of Agriculture (1991-1993), laying the foundation for his expertise in the industry. – Contact the Guest:  Website: https://www.vitree.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-evans-b7699339/ ;  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vitree.ca Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VITree.ca# – Connect with the host: Website: http://tsba.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treesurgeonsbusinessacademy/ ; https://www.instagram.com/henrighijben/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/treesurgeonbusinessowners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben – This episode is sponsored by Greenline Arb (GLA) - a powerful digital platform created by tree surgeons, aimed at taking the stress out of tree work. Focussing on the main pain points in the game, such as; finding tip sites,  connecting workers with employers, responding to emergency situations and locating services that are required to run a tree company. Green Line is allowing professionals to operate with more freedom. Solving multiple problems in one fell swoop. Download the app today or check out the website for more information. App Store: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/greenline-arb/id6448873784 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.greenlinearbapp&hl=en_US&pli=1 Website: https://www.greenlinearb.com/
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  • Ep 11 What's the Real Reason Behind Poor Leadership Growth: Crimson Kings Share Hard Truths
    Download our FREE 7 Steps Guide: How to Acquire Commercial Clients and get the roadmap to land high-value contracts. https://info.treesurgeonsbusinessacademy.co.uk/Commercial-Client-Toolkit – Struggling to grow your tree surgery business? Or maybe you’re working long hours but not seeing the profit you deserve? Apply for a FREE 15-minute strategy call with me, and let’s map out a plan to help you gain more time, increase profit, and build a business that works for you!  https://www.treesurgeonsbusinessacademy.co.uk/widget/bookings/henri30 – Join our free Facebook community to network with other tree surgeons, get valuable answers to your questions, and connect with professionals focused on growing their businesses! https://www.facebook.com/groups/treesurgeonbusinessowners – In this episode of The Tree Surgeons Podcast, we sit down with Jack and Luke from Crimson Kings, a thriving tree surgery business near Nottingham. Jack and Luke share their journeys into the industry, how they built Crimson Kings, and why they are passionate about apprenticeships and training the next generation of arborists. We dive into the challenges of running a tree surgery business, from managing a partnership to ensuring strong company culture. They also discuss why they started Crimson Academy, their training division, to help improve industry standards while creating an additional revenue stream. If you’re a tree surgery business owner, thinking about scaling your team, or struggling with recruitment and retention, this episode is packed with insights on building a skilled and motivated workforce. Topics Discussed:  - How Jack & Luke got into tree surgery  - Starting & growing Crimson Kings - Biggest challenges in tree surgery businesses  - The importance of company culture  - Training and apprenticeships - Crimson Academy - Pricing & profitability - The future of tree surgery Chapters:  00:00 – Intro: Meet Jack & Luke from Crimson Kings 01:00 – How They Got Into Tree Surgery 03:00 – Early Work Experience & Building Skills 04:30 – Launching Crimson Kings in 2019 05:00 – Jack’s Journey from Electrical Engineering to Tree Surgery 06:00 – Challenges of Running a Business & Managing a Partnership 10:00 – The Importance of Company Culture & Team Development 12:00 – Why They Started the Crimson Academy 18:00 – Training Apprentices & Growing Future Tree Surgeons 22:00 – Pricing & Profitability – Raising Rates Without Losing Work 27:00 – Industry Challenges: Low Standards & Cowboy Operators 33:00 – Best Books & Resources for Tree Surgeons 35:00 – What’s Next for Crimson Kings? Growth Plans & Goals 36:00 – Final Thoughts & Where to Follow –   About the Guests Luke Johnson and Jack Copley, founders of Crimson Kings, have spent over a decade refining their tree-climbing skills and deepening their expertise as professional arborists. Since launching Crimson Kings in 2019, they’ve built a strong, dedicated team delivering high-quality tree services across the East Midlands and beyond. With international experience spanning Canada, Sweden, and Germany, Luke and Jack bring a diverse range of skills and innovative methodologies to every project—whether in tranquil rural landscapes or fast-paced urban environments. At Crimson Kings, their priority is the health, safety, and sustainability of trees. Their team of expert arborists offers honest, professional advice, ensuring the best possible outcome—whether it’s pruning, removal, or preservation—so that every tree continues to thrive in its environment. – Contact the Guests:  Website: https://crimsonkings.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-johnson-88a27822a/ ; https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-copley-a30286285/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crimsonkingstreeservice/ – Connect with the host: Website: http://tsba.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treesurgeonsbusinessacademy/ ; https://www.instagram.com/henrighijben/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/treesurgeonbusinessowners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben – This episode is sponsored by Greenline Arb (GLA) - a powerful digital platform created by tree surgeons, aimed at taking the stress out of tree work. Focussing on the main pain points in the game, such as; finding tip sites,  connecting workers with employers, responding to emergency situations and locating services that are required to run a tree company. Green Line is allowing professionals to operate with more freedom. Solving multiple problems in one fell swoop. Download the app today or check out the website for more information. App Store: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/greenline-arb/id6448873784 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.greenlinearbapp&hl=en_US&pli=1 Website: https://www.greenlinearb.com/  
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About Tree Surgeon's Podcast with Henri Ghijben

Welcome to The Tree Surgeon's Podcast, your go-to resource for everything related to the tree surgery business! Join us as we delve into the world of arboriculture, sharing expert insights, success stories, and practical advice to help you grow your tree surgery business. Tune in to learn from industry leaders, stay updated on the latest trends, and take your business to new heights!
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