Beware the EAB Wave — And the Tree Guys, Not the Bug
Updated for Today’s World
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been around for years now, but with its long-term impact still unfolding, there’s a different kind of wave moving through our communities: crews chasing a quick buck under the cover of EAB panic. I’m not talking about the bug — I’m talking about the people who follow it like a gold rush. Out-of-town tree guys. Pop-up crews. Door-knockers offering “too good to be true” deals. They’re rolling in, looking to cash in.
And here’s the truth: we already have enough of our own “Bubba Hack” crews here. You know the ones — topping trees, using improper cuts, spiking prunes (a tree care no-no unless you’re doing a removal). These aren’t trained arborists. They’re tree butchers. And some of these crews take things a step further.
Let’s be real — some of these outfits include undocumented workers with no professional training, no ties to the community, and no accountability. I’m a proud Marine and have served alongside people from all walks of life, backgrounds, and cultures. In the Marines, we were all one color — green — and I would’ve laid down my life for my brothers. I have many immigrant friends who are hardworking, honest, and proud to become American. But they’ll be the first to tell you: there are others who aren’t here for the right reasons. When I worked in SoCal, my guys, mostly immigrants, would educate me on things, teach me what to look for and who to stay away from.
Some of these traveling crews use manual labor as a front for shady activity. They may be tied to criminal gangs. While one guy’s pruning your tree, another may be checking out your garage. They disappear as fast as they arrive — leaving town with your money, or worse, after damaging your property. They aren’t just a threat to your trees; they can be a threat to your safety.
People often assume that just because someone doesn’t look like them, they must be great at hard labor. But skill doesn’t come from skin color. It comes from training, experience, and accountability. These guys don’t know arboriculture. They’re not following industry standards. And when something goes wrong — like an injury or damage — you could be held responsible. No insurance. No license. No recourse. Just gone.
Now, let me tell you where I stand. I’m a certified arborist. I’ve been in this game for a long time. I’m not currently an active member of the ISA anymore — not because I don’t value standards or education (I do), but because when I needed a little grace after years of membership, they showed none. My wife was in the ICU fighting for her life. I missed my renewal by one day. I explained the situation — and they blew me off. After years of paying dues and promoting their message, that was the thanks I got. So I stepped away. But I never stepped away from doing it right.
I still follow the teachings of Dr. Alex Shigo — the Yoda of tree care. I’ve read all his books. I’ve studied Dirr and Harris. I live and breathe proper tree care. That’s the knowledge I pass on to my son Brock, who’s stepping into the business. He’s working toward his own certification, and he’ll carry that torch the right way — not because of a membership card, but because of commitment to the craft.
Our goal is to serve our clients and our community with skill, integrity, and real experience. We’ve taken care of trees here for decades. We’re local. We’re accountable. And when we say we’ll do something, we do it right — safely, legally, and with your best interest in mind.
So, if a stranger shows up knocking on your door with a chainsaw and a smile, promising a cheap fix for your trees, remember this:
If they knock, tell them to walk. Professionals don’t go door to door.
Want to know what to do instead?
Simple. Call us.
Advocatus Pro Abora — I speak for the trees.