president

President’s Message
By Sal Pezzino

Dear Membership:

I have been in the Arboriculture Industry for twenty years. In these twenty years there has not been one day that I did not want to go to work (although there has been some sleepless nights). This industry has given me great joy.

Arboriculture is an incredibly broad field. You have to know a lot about a lot of different things. In arboriculture you need to have some knowledge of plant I.D., botany, insects, diseases, other micro~organisms, weather, soils, fertilizers, pesticides, I.P.M., P.ll.C., TGR’s, VTA’s, D.E.C., risk tree evaluation, risk tree abatement, cabling & bracing, new/old climbing, rigging, ropeology, plant evaluation, plant valuation and drainage. Oh, I forgot a few, pruning, trimming, power lines, root systems, consulting, construction damage, detective, truck mechanic, small engine mechanic, plumber, electrician, psychiatrist, psychologist, engineer, surveyor and a neighbor arbitrator. I know I missed a few, but now you know why I love ARBORICULTURE. You can never be bored, never.

I did forget something that a few unselfish people would include on their list, volunteer. An arboricultural volunteer gives something back to industry, they give back a piece of themselves. They are committed to working for an industry they love. With this commitment comes a responsibility to do the best job they can.

The New York State Arborists has these volunteers working for you. The Board of Directors and committee persons care enough about you to work on the Annual Tree Conference, Jamboree, Arbor Day, New York State Fair, ISA certification program, workshops, state issues and they are your voice in the International Society of Arboriculture.

I personally thank them for all their commitment and hard work that they do for us and for our arboricultural industry.