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Hard work is being done behind the scenes to protect native wildlife. Image: Dean Arthurell

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The home stretch The year is almost over, but there’s still work to do.

t’s coming up to that time of year where cans start to get kicked down the road as we all eye off our holiday break. You might hear the words, ‘can it wait until next year?’, more often. But if there’s anything I’ve learned from the people I’ve spoken with that feature in this edition of Arbor Age, it’s that hard work doesn’t stop for anyone. Our industry is reliant on those willing to go the extra mile to get the job done. That could be in creating habitats for our native wildlife, on the projects that the members of the Arboriculture Association of Western Australia are currently focused on. It goes to show how the roles of arborists are changing, as they fight not only to protect native flora, but fauna too. The Corridors For Carnaby’s program is helping to save the iconic Carnaby’s blackcockatoo from extinction by engaging with the community to create the largest restoration corridor in Western Australian history. With their population more than halving since the 1970s due to land and

tree clearing, it’s a noble cause. AI continues to change the way that all industries work, not just arboriculture. Our expert contributor Jim McArdle offers his take on how artificial intelligence use is already changing the industry landscape, particularly in arborist reporting. I’ve also seen how safety demands are changing business and practice for the better. Some of the ways in which machinery is being used by leading arboriculture and tree care operations are continuing to push higher standards. Our next magazine won’t arrive until 2027, so in the meantime, enjoy your time with family and friends before we all knuckle down for another big 12 months ahead.

WITH ALEX CATALANO, ASSISTANT EDITOR, ARBOR AGE

arborage.com.au

Arbor Age magazine is owned by Prime Creative Media and published by John Murphy. All material in Arbor Age magazine is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical, including information and retrieval systems) without written permission of the publisher. The editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to accept or reject any material. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, Prime Creative Media will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions, or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published. The opinions expressed in Arbor Age magazine are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by, the publisher unless otherwise stated. © Copyright Prime Creative Media, 2026 Articles All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher. The editor reserves the right to adjust any article to conform with the magazine format. Head Office 379 Docklands Dr, Docklands VIC 3008 P: +61 3 9690 8766 info@primecreative.com.au www.primecreative.com.au Sydney Office Suite 11.01, 201 Miller Street North Sydney, NSW. 2060. Australia

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Contents

Feature

On the cover

08 ON THE COVER Queensland Tree Climbing Championships

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NOV/DEC 2026 • $8.95 INC GST

CASE STUDY Next level lifting safety

Regulars 03

Contributor + BONUS

New HEIGHTS Tree climbers go for gold

WELCOME

06 SIGNIFICANT TREES 12

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS

ELEVATING WORK PLATFORMS

A PPE HUSQVARN AT KIT VALUED

1141

Battery power

Stump solutions

AI arborists

STIHL ALLPRO PUT TO THE TEST

RAYCO GRINDER ON SITE

EXPERT ADVICE FOR REPORTS

CASE STUDY Rayco RG80 stump grinder

E TO SUBSCRIB

WIN!

CHIPPERS AND GRINDERS

FORESTRY EQUIPMENT

EYE ON THE INDUSTRY

ASSOCIATION NEWS

ARBOR AGE

Above: The Queensland Tree Climbing Championships were held in September. Image: Steven Pearce

Below: The Cat HM2615 Forestry Mulcher gets to work. Image: Prime Creative Media

Jim McArdle B.Ed. Sc (Sydney), Dip. Arb. (Ryde), VTRA@ QTRA qualifications. Director at McArdle Arboricultural Consultancy and TCAA President, Jim’s career spans across almost 40 years and focuses on consulting and reporting in tree risk protection and management plans, and tree impact assessments.

SPEED WHEN YOU NEED IT. POWER WHEN IT COUNTS HM2615 FORESTRY MULCHER

Cuts trees up to 152mm in diameter with a variable torque hydraulic piston motor that shifts on demand. Speak to your Cat® dealer or scan to find out more. © 2026 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, LET’S DO THE WORK, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Corporate Yellow”, the “Power Edge” and Cat “Modern Hex” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

Significant trees

Tree of Life Bahrain’s desert survivor.

he ‘Tree of Life’, located in the centre of Bahrain’s barren Arabian Desert, is a fascination to the curious mind. It sits on a hill surrounded by sand, yet has been alive for more than 400 years. It is a Prosopis juliflora, standing 9.75 metres high and covered in leaves. The Tree of Life is one of Bahrain’s

premier tourist spots, and the subject of much speculation. Some even believe that it is the original site of the Garden of Eden – scientists say that not too long ago the desert was a thriving oasis. Pulling the curtain back does remove the wonder of the marvellous spot of the green in the desert. Prosopis juliflora roots can

grow as long as 50 metres, and scientists have uncovered water sources as close as 10 metres under the sand. Visitors to the Tree of Life bring extra bottles of water with them to pour around the roots. If you make the trek out to Bahrain to see it for yourself, be sure to take part in the tradition.

There is plenty of intrigue around how the Tree of Life survives its harsh conditions. Image: Dr Ajay Kumar Singh/stock.adobe.com

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On the cover

The Queensland Tree Climbing Championships were held in September. Images: Steven Pearce

Climbing to new heights

This year’s Queensland Tree Climbing Championships was another great success.

lippery conditions weren’t enough to stop some of Australia’s best tree climbers in September. The Queensland Tree Climbing Championships were held at Aroona Park in Caloundra by the Queensland Arboricultural Association (QAA) with the help of members and volunteers. Interested parties from across the arbor world braved the weather to spectate and participate across the six events in both the men’s and women’s categories: aerial rescue, speed climb, ascent, throwline, work climb and masters.

The women’s events were split between the dominant Ella Bonny and Brianna Uivel. Uivel, representing the New Zealand Arboricultural Association, won four events, with Bonny taking out both the aerial rescue and masters categories. Uivel followed up her record-breaking beginning to the year, where she set a headto-head ascent world record with a time of 12.286 seconds at the 2026 Australia Tree Climbing Championships in April. The pair went neck and neck again in the freestyle event, with Uivel finishing on top and Bonny second. Queensland’s own Brianna Uivel claimed four of the six women’s events.

Competitors battled it out across six categories, and the freestyle event.

ARBOR AGE

Jess Hamer rounded out the podium with a bronze finish. It was the trifecta of Barton Allen-Hall, Chris Fahy and Jamie Boston who claimed first place across the men’s events, each topping the podium twice. Fahy of Fahy Tree Services, who also won the freestyle event, claimed the speed climb and ascent with smooth leaps up the tree limbs and quick climbing. Allen-Hall won the aerial rescue and work climb categories, while Boston finished on top in both throwline and masters. “Congratulations to every competitor Sporting national pride.

Competitors battled it out across six categories and the freestyle event.

Eyes on the prize. across the arboricultural community. “Thank you to the volunteers, officials, sponsors and supporters who helped make QTCC 2026 possible.”

who stepped up and tested their skills across the weekend,” said QAA President Jan Paterson. “Despite the wet weather, the

Queensland Tree Climbing Championships brought together an incredible group of competitors, volunteers, officials, sponsors and supporters from

Women’s event

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

Men’s event

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

Aerial Rescue

Ella Bonny

Jess Hamer

Julia Steele

Aerial Rescue

Barton Allen-Hall

Jamie Boston

Remy Penin

Speed Climb

Brianna Uivel

Ella Bonny

Julia Steele

Speed Climb

Chris Fahy

Jamie Montgomery

Kosuke Kawauchi

Ascent

Brianna Uivel

Ella Bonny

Julia Steele

Ascent

Chris Fahy

Jamie Montgomery

Kosuke Kawauchi

Throwline

Brianna Uivel

Ella Bonny

Julia Steele

Throwline

Jamie Boston

Rory Haydock

Matsumoto Kohei

Work Climb

Brianna Uivel

Jess Hamer

Julia Steele

Work Climb

Barton Allen-Hall

Remy Penin

Jamie Boston

Masters

Ella Bonny

Jess Hamer

Julia Steele

Masters

Jamie Boston

Rory Haydock

Jamie Montgomery

www.arborage.com.au

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Innovative products

ALLPRO power and precision

Electric tools were put through their paces by Australia’s most knowledgeable.

dvancements in battery technology are changing what electric power equipment can offer arborists. Arbor Age got a first-hand look at STIHL’s ALLPRO battery-powered gear, from mowers and hedge trimmers all the way to some of the most powerful chainsaws the brand offers. It wasn’t just us either, with a flock of arbor and landscaping professionals putting the tools to the test as well. ALLPRO packs work in existing AP tools – more than 60 of them – and existing AP chargers still charge them. STIHL Australia Oceania Product Portfolio Manager Silvio Matas was on hand to explain what the range can add to your toolkit. “ALLPRO is just the beginning of what we think battery-powered tools can offer,” Matas said.

ARBOR AGE

“With this range we now have the powerhouses ready to rock and roll. All we need is to tune up the power output on the equipment and you’ll have peak performance all the way through.” ALLPRO comes in two ranges. The Standard series offers a more accessible entry into the system, while the Performance series is designed for crews and professionals who need maximum output, faster charging, and longer battery life. The big advance is inside the Performance packs, where STIHL has used a new cell design that allows the battery to deliver power more efficiently and recharge faster. In practice it means more usable power under load, less waiting between jobs and a battery platform built for years of professional use.

The top ALLPRO pack delivers a lift in peak and continuous power, adds extra energy capacity, and cuts charging time. With the AL 1802 MO high-speed charger, a Performance pack can reach 80 per cent charge in around nine minutes and is rated for up to 3,000 charge cycles before any noticeable drop-off. Noticeably, the battery-powered equipment doesn’t suffer from performance drops as the charge lowers. “The power you get when you press the trigger is the exact same power you’ll get right before you run out of battery altogether,” Matas said. “When you’re using chain tools, if you apply a lot of load, you’ll notice the voltage drops but the amps pick up. This gives constant watt-hour energy, powering all the

Arborists put the MSA 260 chainsaw to the test. Images: Prime Creative Media

ALLPRO’s Performance series has been designed to recharge faster.

The ALLPRO battery is easy to remove for charging.

way through. The peak power will be able to pick up the load. “What this means is, under high load, the revs will pick up and you’ll be able to finish cutting through a log or tree limb.”

Never break the chain

On one of the testing grounds, arbor and landscaping professionals got a look at STIHL’s battery chainsaw range. This included the new MSA 260 and MSA 300 battery-powered chainsaws, which were put to the test on thick logs. After being put through their paces, they found the ALLPRO-powered chainsaws to be just as powerful as petrol options, cutting right through wood and logs without needing much pressure. Business Development Manager Leigh Reddan was on site to guide the testing of the battery chainsaws. “Some of the professionals we had testing the chainsaws and handsaws only use petrol, and it was the first time ever for them using battery,” Reddan said.

“ALLPRO is just the beginning of what batterypowered tools can offer.” “The feedback on the MSA 260 chainsaw was that it gives a good all-round balance. It was overwhelmingly positive. We believe it has the weight and power to get the job done well.” For arborists, the battery chainsaw can offer greater convenience and use cases in several different applications. “We see strong applications for the MSA 260 in the arbor space, in particular when arborists are working at the base of the tree,” Reddan said. “Say for example you’ve got someone who’s tree climbing and they’re delimbing. They’re throwing those tree limbs down

before they go in the back of a hopper. You could use a battery saw as opposed to a traditional petrol chainsaw that’s sitting there idling. They may only be doing three cuts every 10 minutes or so.” During testing, users noted the strong performance of the ALLPRO batteries powering the MSA 260. It does some of its best work cutting down larger branches to size for chipping or mulching, which we got to see in action on the testing site. And while it is powerful, the weight doesn’t suffer from the battery, with no ALLPRO battery weighing more than 1.9kg. This ensures balance during cutting and low stress on the operator. “The ALLPRO batteries provide four kilowatts of power, which can end up even more powerful than petrol,” Reddan said. ‘If you’ve got a power supply, such as the STIHL Multi-Battery Charger, you could have your equipment continuously running all day on a battery platform. “It’s not until now with the ALLPRO release that you could do that.”

www.arborage.com.au

Elevating work platforms

The HR21 H2E at full working height of 20.8m. Images: Niftylift

World debut

Hydrogen and electric powered lifts were on display in the UK.

ertikal Days, one of the world’s largest crane, aerial lift and telehandler exhibitions, was a particularly special one this year for global manufacturer Niftylift. Held in September at the Newark Showground in England, it offered the chance for manufacturers, dealers and industry figures to see the innovations coming through in elevated work platforms. Niftylift took the opportunity to debut its new alternative-powered options alongside a 17-machine lineup that spanned the full Nifty range.

ARBOR AGE

Hydrogen-electric and diesel-electric powered lifts were the main drawcard. The HR21 H2E will add fuel cell power to the 20.8m all-electric platform, extending technology Niftylift said it has been developing in the field for several years. “Innovation is only half of what our customers need from us,” Niftylift Managing Director John Keely said. “The other half is making sure the machines already in their fleets keep pace with what the market demands, and that is what these new power options do. “Our focus is on giving customers

machines that deliver a good return on investment today and are future-proofed against the evolving needs of the market.” While the base machine is unchanged, the fuel cell recharges its batteries on board. A single charge delivers more than two days of work, and hydrogen doubles that. “The machine is aimed at contractors and hire fleets working in environments where zero exhaust emissions are a condition of the job, but where charging infrastructure or shift patterns make a battery-only machine difficult to operate,” Keely said. The HR22SDE, launched in 2024 as

Niftylift’s first straight telescopic boom lift, was shown off fitted with the diesel-electric power option. It offers a 21.7m working height, 18.8m maximum outreach and an unrestricted 280kg platform capacity, all unchanged on the diesel-electric variant. Both hydrogen-electric and diesel-electric options will be offered as retrofits to Niftylift customers looking to make the switch.

Bring the boom

The big reveal of Vertikal Days was Niftylift’s return to the 10m class with the introduction of the HR10 electric compact boom lift. There are two versions: the HR10NE, optimised for narrow access, and the HR10LE, optimised for low weight. Both versions share the same specs: a 10m working height, 8m platform height and 4.3m of outreach from a 1.2m by 0.85m platform. Both stow at 1.98m, and both are fitted with Niftylift’s safety technology, including the Sustained involuntary Operation Prevention System (SiOPS), ToughCage and Niftylink as standard. “The 10m class matters again in a way it didn’t a decade ago,” Keely explained.

The new HR10 in its two versions: the narrow HR10NE, left, and the low-weight HR10LE, right. Both machines are prototypes. “More jobs are happening inside occupied buildings, on finished floors and in spaces that were never designed to accommodate machinery. Some of those jobs are limited by how narrow a machine can be, and some by how little weight the floor will take. “We have built for both rather than

compromising on either. Neither of these is a scaled-down version of something bigger.” The NE is designed with access in mind, featuring a narrower chassis, while the LE’s lower weight is designed to bring raised access floors and other weight-sensitive environments within reach.

www.arborage.com.au

Case study

Bob and Ben use a Rayco RG80 stump grinder. Images: Monitor Industries

Stumped no more

Machinery may change, but the need for reliability stays the same.

ob Watt and Ben Zacka share more than the name of their arbor and tree care business, Bob & Ben the Tree Men – they’re bound by oath. The pair first met in the Scouts, where members pledge on their honour to do their best. It’s a principle that has stuck with them throughout 30 years of working together as arborists and business owners in Sydney’s leafy Sutherland Shire. “Bob was working for another company

and asked me if I wanted a couple of weeks of casual work, which turned into two years,” Zacka said. “When that business closed down, we started Bob & Ben the Tree Men with just one tipper and nothing else.” The business has come a long way; now providing services including tree removal, trimming and pruning, stump grinding, mulching and specialist arbor services for a mix of residential and commercial clients.

The remote control function has been a standout feature.

ARBOR AGE

On the grind

Finding the right machinery and equipment has been one of Zacka’s main challenges throughout his career, as it is for many arborists. Speciality machinery, such as stump grinders, needs not only to be the right fit for the work, but also to have the longevity to match. For Zacka, Rayco stump grinders have provided that reliability, with the team using the brand for more than two decades. The business previously operated an RG50 Super and an RG100 before purchasing its current grinder. Two years ago, he made the decision to stick with Rayco and pick up a new RG80. “We don’t tend to replace machines just because we want a new one,” Zacka said. “When we do, we’re looking for that little bit of innovation or some improved features over the previous model. We’ve been operating Rayco stump grinders for more than 20 years – they’ve been reliable and we know what we’re getting with them. “We want to first identify the strengths of the machine that we’re replacing, and we want a new machine to absolutely meet those same expectations, if not exceed them.” The 85hp Ford engine gives the RG80 the power that Zacka and his team look for in a

The RG80 handles rough terrain and the holes it digs.

stump grinder. The propel system features multiple travel speeds as well as an integrated ‘creep mode’ for precise handling during the process of cutting. Zacka has also been impressed by the wireless remote control, which is sealed against dust, water, and other elements, allowing operation at a safe distance. “You can operate the RG80 fully from anywhere within the width of the machine,” he said. “When we’re doing residential work and navigating into tight spots behind garden sheds and in between fences, it’s a massive bonus. “The RG80 has bigger wheels than our previous stump grinder, but it weighs slightly less. It can drive in and out of the holes that it digs much better, it doesn’t feel like it might get bogged and it still has heaps of power. I haven’t seen any drawbacks yet.” Bob & Ben the Tree Men’s Rayco stump grinders are serviced through Monitor in Sydney’s west. While the RG80 has barely given the business any trouble, having the aftersales support when it’s needed is reassuring regardless. “Over the two years we’ve had it, aside from general servicing, we haven’t had any faults with it at all,” Zacka said. “We’re only a drive away from Monitor in Sydney, so for something like a stump grinder we’re happy to take it out to them and let them do their work when needed.”

We can’t tune them like we could in previous generations. Part of that is also because the environment that they have to operate in is harsh. Australia has some of the hardest wood in the world. “Ease of servicing is important too. We want to look at companies that are going to provide reliable aftermarket support for us, like Monitor has and will continue to do.”

Unacceptable

Using a traffic light system of colourcoded risks values, supported by skill, measurement and judgment, QTRA users can enable trees owners to make balanced and informed risk decisions

Unacceptable if imposed on others Tolerable

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Future challenges

Zacka said that he is always seeking out innovations that could make his operations safer or more efficient. The RG80 features a petrol motor, which he said was one of the reasons he chose it. The fuel efficiency has been a standout, regardless of how many hours a week the stump grinder is being put to work on the job site. As emissions standards continue to evolve and equipment incorporates more technology and features, Zacka believes manufacturers will have more to consider when developing machines to suit Australian conditions. “I think one of the current challenges for manufacturers is to produce machines that meet emissions rules and design standards, but to do so in a way that’s not over-complicated,” he said. “For emissions now, everything must fit Euro 5 or Euro 6 standards. What we are increasingly looking for is simplicity of use, as those rules and standards become more complex. “Our chainsaws, for example, have computer modules in them.

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Case study

The Merlo Roto70.24 offers 24 metres of reach and integrated safety features. Images: Allclass

Taking safety to new heights

When Chip off the Old Block needed a new telehandler, it knew exactly where to look.

s the arboriculture industry continues to grow, so too does the need for safer machinery and equipment. That’s exactly what owneroperator Eric Devjak said prompted his latest purchase. Getting a taste for working for himself eventually turned into what is now Chip off the Old Block – a tree services business based in Brisbane. The company covers everything from tree lopping, trimming and shaping to land clearing and specialist arborist services. In his nearly 20 years working in the industry, Devjak has seen how improvements in tree care technology have made work safer for everyone. His priority has now become to “remove the man at height”, keeping his seven staff as safe as possible on every job. “The type of work that we’re doing these days is driven by the quality we can deliver and the safety systems in place,” he said. “On the best day of a man’s career, on the safest job, under the best conditions, being up in a tree can still be a dangerous job.” That’s where his latest piece of gear comes into the picture. Devjak and his team recently took delivery of a Merlo Roto70.24 telehandler, which has been put to work straight away.

ARBOR AGE

The specs are in the name – it has a maximum load capacity of 7,000kg and a maximum lift height and reach of 24 metres. The FPT NEF45 engine is rated at 170hp (127kW), giving it plenty of grunt. To Devjak and his team, the safety features the Roto70.24 offers were particularly attractive. It comes standard with several active and passive safety features including compliant frontal tipping prevention and a tilting cab with a protective metal structure above the glass roof. Being able to remove branches and foliage

without having to set foot in a tree has been immediately beneficial. “I think the most exciting thing about the Merlo is that we can remove the man at height with the chainsaw in his hands,” Devjak said. “Mechanising that part of the job takes the vast majority of the risk away for my team.” He says the investment has paid off in other ways too. “It’s great for crew morale,” he said. “The guys are excited to come to work, and they’re excited to put the machine to work.

Owner-operator Eric Devjak (second from left).

The Roto70.24 has helped improve safety across Chip off the Old Block’s operations. We’ve well and truly got the Merlo brushing its teeth. “It’s so productive, and you can do so much more in a day. I can essentially double or triple the productivity of my business in a day when I’ve got a Merlo on site. It’s a quality piece of kit.”

Sealing the deal

When Devjak needed to expand his fleet of machinery, he turned to Merlo dealer Allclass. Based out of Wacol with dealerships all over the eastern seaboard, it has a strong footprint in Queensland. Hayden Schneider, Merlo and Export Sales Representative at Allclass, was more than happy to help and find the best machine for the job for Devjak and his team. “We usually deal directly with arborist companies like Chip off the Old Block,” Schneider said. “Rotating telehandlers seem to be the way the industry is going. Health and safety is where the Merlo rotos come into their own. It’s something that Allclass and Merlo have identified in our current product offerings. “Once Eric decided what he was after, we had the machine on site in under a month.” With Devjak making it clear that a new machine had to improve safety in his tree care operations, the Roto70.24 was the right fit for the task. “We hear it a lot from many different companies about the way the market is going with getting labour and climbers,” Schneider said. “Arborists are going to keep pushing towards a rotating telehandler for greater safety on the job.” With delivery being organised quickly, Devjak could put the machine right to work. Schneider and Allclass left a strong impression on both him and his team. “I do believe that, of all the telehandlers in the market, Merlo has the best after-sales service and support, especially through Allclass, which is a big dealer,” Devjak said. “Hayden’s been great and so has Allclass. They’ve got some great brands under their umbrella. These machines are full of tricks that are really helping us. We’ve got excellent gear at our disposal, and I think machinery like this is really good for the industry.”

www.arborage.com.au

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Piranha Chippers has built a BT300 for the Ipswich City Council. Images: Piranha Chippers

Piranha Chippers has delivered its latest machine.

he Ipswich City Council (ICC) in Brisbane’s southwest has turned to woodchipper manufacturer Piranha Chippers for a new machine. Piranha was commissioned to build a BT300 Drum Chipper, which will be used in the Council’s tree care and clearing operations. The BT300 features a 450mm (H) x 500mm (W) (18” X 20”) infeed, 197hp (147kW) Isuzu 4HK1 motor, hydraulically activated WPT clutch, as well as full hydraulic tailgate, discharge chute and infeed operations. The dual horizontal infeed wheels give plenty of pulling power, with the advantage of a hydraulic winch. The winch is able to quickly fold out of the way when it’s not needed, meaning trees and branches are dealt with using minimal physical effort from the operators. But with several extras requested by the Council, the build was a specialised one.

“This BT300 is loaded with a few exciting extras to suit the council’s requirements,” Piranha Chippers Managing Director Nathan Sangster said. Some of these specialised extras include: • 4-PIN code access to enter the computer home screen – this will mean only trained operators are able to start and operate the chipper; • RVS 8000 reverse camera – this will connect to the in-cabin screen system that the ICC has on its trucks towing the chipper. This will allow for greater visibility for the driver when reversing the chipper into position; • Additional work lights – one is mounted on the winch arm for full illumination of the infeed table, and the other is mounted up high with full adjustability to give light to where the crew is working; and • A 600mm x 300mm toolbox with lockable lid included.

These are in addition to the list of standard features that the BT300 comes with. “One feature the team at the ICC was impressed with is the remote log-in function for diagnostic repairs in the case of any issues,” Sangster said. The BT300 comes standard with a Lodar remote control, best utilised when the chipper is being used in a machine-fed situation. To facilitate machine-feeding, the winch arm can be folded up and out of the way, greatly improving efficiency and saving time on site. Want to learn more about Piranha Chippers? Scan this code to visit the Piranha website, and follow the social media pages for regular updates and videos of chippers in action.

The hydraulic winch folds out of the way.

The build featured a toolbox with lockable lid.

www.arborage.com.au

Chippers and grinders

A real ripper chipper

Getting continued use out of your equipment can be a game-changer.

chipper gets a pretty good workout in a tree business. It needs to handle timber, be easy to work around and, just as importantly, be easy to maintain. Sam Small, founder of Harmony Tree Care, has been running his Hansa C27 chipper for more than two and a half years, putting it to work about four to five times a week. Based in the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, he and his team specialise in tree pruning, tree removal, health assessments and habitat creation. Small said being able to use the C27 across many different jobs has increased its value to his business. “I really like the versatility the C27 offers,” he said. The 360-degree turntable has proved the importance of its inclusion, allowing the chipper to be positioned to suit the job without having to keep moving the whole machine. For tree crews working in tight areas or on different types of jobs, that can make all the difference. The C27 has a seven-inch infeed for tree limbs and logs, and Small said it has more than enough power for the work they have been putting it through. “For a seven-inch chipper, it is just so powerful,” he said. “It punches well above its weight class. That’s useful when you’ve got a decent pile of timber sitting on the ground and the crew needs to keep feeding.” This allows Small’s C27 to offer a balance

Harmony Tree Care has had its Hansa C27 chipper for two and a half years. Images: EEA Group

“Our Hansa C27 chipper punches well above its weight class.” of size and capacity. It’s not a huge machine taking up half the job site, but it still has the grunt to get through the sort of material Small frequently handles.

Founder Sam Small says the chipper’s power punches above its class.

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Working and maintaining

Anyone who runs a chipper knows that maintenance is part of the job. The easier it is to get to everything within the machine, the better. Small said maintenance on the C27 is straightforward, with good access to the important parts of the chipper. While blockages can be a problem when working with chippers, when Small and his team have to deal with the rare one, it doesn’t take long to sort out. “It doesn’t jam that much at all,” he said. “But when it does, it’s been really quick and easy to fix.” Changing knives and making adjustments have also proven to be simple, which means less time spent pulling the machine apart and more time chipping. After two and a half years of regular work, the C27 has become a machine that Harmony Tree Care relies on several times a week. The combination of the seveninch capacity, turntable, power and straightforward maintenance makes it a practical option for tree crews looking for a compact chipper that can handle the rigours of the daily workload. Tree Care Machinery supplies the full range of Hansa chippers across Australia and can also help with servicing and keeping your machine in good working order. If your chipper needs a service, or you’re looking at buying a new Hansa chipper, get in touch with the team at treecaremach.com.au or 1800 681 733.

Forestry equipment The Cat 315 excavator is equipped with a Cat HM2615 Forestry Mulcher. Images: Prime Creative Media

Mulch more than machinery Choosing the right equipment for the big jobs takes more than just reading a spec sheet.

&R Grego Group’s history in Far North Queensland is a long and storied one. Across its 35 years in operation, it has demonstrated professionalism and efficiency across sectors including transport, earthmoving and forestry. What began with one skid steer and a dream has grown into a diverse fleet of 80 machines available for hire. Director and operator Ronny Grego is part of the second generation of the family business, which was founded by his father and brother. He still recalls the day the family brought home its first Cat skid steer to use in stonemasonry and landscaping work. “At the time I was only eight years old,” Grego said. “I couldn’t wait for my brother John to come home from school, so I could jump on his lap and drive the machine up and Grego brothers John (left) and Ronny with Paulie Courtenay on site.

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down the street because I couldn’t reach the pedals. By the age of 12, I mastered the machine by doing odd jobs on the farm.” Working together, the brothers have brought their dream to life and are continuing to expand their hire fleet of machinery. Caterpillar’s offerings have been the backbone of J&R Grego Group’s operation, giving it the ability to bring new services to its customers. “We slowly upgraded from one machine to a variety of machinery – today we have a modern fleet of trucks, excavators, the latest skid steers and an assortment of attachments to ensure we can tackle an array of jobs,” Grego said. “We own three Cat® skid steers, including the latest 285 with rippers, as well as two Cat rollers, two Cat excavators, and one Cat backhoe.”

Getting to work

The benefit of having such a large fleet lies in the breadth of jobs that J&R Grego Group’s equipment can be used for. A recent project saw the team take on a rural residential development near Kuranda, northwest of Cairns. Uncleared bushland needed to be made into a build-ready site, with scrub and tree stumps cleared across 2000 square metres. Grego looked to his Cat 315 excavator, equipped with a Cat HM2615 Forestry Mulcher. The combination was purchased following Cyclone Jasper in response to growing demand from customers for vegetation clearing. Matching the right attachment to an excavator can be challenging, but the combination has proven well suited to the task. The hydraulic pairing between the two units sees the 315 deliver the high flow and pressure required to drive the mulcher at optimum motor speed. By maintaining consistent oil flow, the mulcher continues operating smoothly even under the strain of heavier material. “Oil flow comes straight back to the teeth pretty fast,” Grego said. “I’ve had previous mulchers and skid steers that would overheat quickly up here. We’d have to bog down, wait a few minutes, cool the machine down, and get going again. With the 315, I don’t have to do that. “Smooth modulation of hydraulic flow enables the operator to feather the mulcher into material, reducing shock loads on both the excavator and attachment while improving cutting efficiency. The speed of mulching is important for business. The Cat 315 lets us get more done in a day.” The 315’s compact design allows operators to work alongside roads,

The Cat HM2615 Forestry Mulcher is compact yet powerful. buildings, fences and existing infrastructure. Grego said the long reach and digging force have been useful on jobs involving tall trees and vegetation. “The 315 excavator’s reduced swing enables us to get into tighter areas and properties, without having to worry about scraping the counterweight,” he said. “It can get higher into the trees and knock the tops off, while giving us a bit of extra power and support. “Previously, with other machines, it would have taken me four or five days for this housing task. Using the Cat equipment, I’d probably knock this over in about two.”

Dealer expertise

Grego and the team looked to Hastings Deering Sales Representative for North Queensland Paulie Courtenay for advice on picking the right machine for the job. “We purchased the mulcher and the excavator at the same time from Hastings Deering Cairns,” Grego said. “Rather than simply selling equipment, Hastings Deering and Paulie worked with us to understand the intended application

before recommending the most suitable combination. The upfront service from Paulie was great, with him advising on what machinery and attachments worked well.” Grego explained that having the support of the dealer not just during the sale but afterwards, with technical support and parts availability, made all the difference. Any technical hiccups would be sorted within hours, allowing for minimal downtime and instead letting the team get on with the job.

“Having confidence that support is available when required allows businesses like J&R Grego Group to keep projects moving and maintain commitments to customers,” Courtenay said. “With J&R Grego Group, we try to get them the right machine for the right job, which is sometimes not easy because the jobs change and the requirements change. Some of the machines are used for 200 hours a year, while others can be up to 2000 hours a year.”

www.arborage.com.au

Eye on the industry

The Merlo P40.17 telescopic handler is just one of Supergroups’ many offerings. Images: Supergroups

Super surge

A new player has entered the telehandler market.

fter decades of service across several Australian industries, Supergroups is closing out 2026 by entering its newest frontier. It has been operating as one of Victoria’s largest Kubota dealers since 2003, after beginning life in the ‘90s as a mini excavator dealer. Supergroups was the only Kubota construction equipment and excavator dealer in the state for a while, and it has the customer base to show for it. Enter General Manager James Tibos. Following 25 years at Kubota Australia, he joined Supergroups at the start of 2024, bringing expertise and ambition

ARBOR AGE

for the future of the dealer network. He had his eye on opening the customer base to a new market and expanding the Supergroups stable. That’s when a timely opportunity arrived with telehandler manufacturer Merlo. “The thing that I was wary of, especially in the current market, is that we are entirely focused on excavators,” Tibos said. “While our technicians, services and sales teams are experts in that field, it opens us up to risk if the market gets flatter. In dealing with Chris Wilson, National Sales Manager at Merlo, they identified an opening for us in the Gippsland area. That worked out as that’s

already our designated excavator area, and we have plenty of customers there. “It had its appeal for us and Merlo. It allowed us to expand what we can offer, and gave Merlo access to our higher-end rental customer base.” Hands were shaken and contracts were signed, and it became official earlier this year. Supergroups is now the newest member of the Merlo dealer network. In addition to the range of Kubota excavators and loaders, the dealer now offers a range of Merlo telehandlers. This starts at the compact P27.6, all the way up to the heavy duty P120.10. It also includes an array of roto options, offering both reach and versatility to customers. The Supergroups team came in with a plan for expansion, which has blossomed into a now-under construction new site for the Gippsland market. With the Epping branch opening in November 2024, Supergroups now has strong coverage of outer Melbourne and rural Victoria. “Our plan was to put a designated Merlo salesperson in the east, which is what we’ve now done,” Tibos explained. “We’ll be opening our branch in Traralgon in late January. We’ve found a spot already along the highway, and our salesperson Jamie Hallpike started in September. He comes from the industry and stood out as a great candidate.” While Supergroups is only a few months into the Merlo journey, stock is coming in and has been put to the test. Having an existing customer base in the arbor space and similar industries has proven to be an advantage. Leveraging those relationships has led to Merlo orders arriving thick and fast from some particularly impressed customers. “The feedback we’ve received on Merlo’s gear is that it is super reliable,” Tibos said. “What we want to offer our customers is our backup support and that has really helped with the early influx of orders. We’ve had a few customers ordering as many as three telehandlers already. “There’s currently a big shift in the access market. That’s come not just from telehandlers, but elevated work platforms and cherry pickers too. Customers would rather have the equipment than hire more guys to have to climb trees.”

Arbor insight

While the telehandlers may be new to Supergroups, the team wants to offer as much expertise and care to customers as with any other equipment. It gives more options to existing arbor customers, while also allowing Supergroups to branch out into new industries.

“The arbor space is one of our main focuses,” Tibos said. “With this move into the Gippsland area, we’re going to really concentrate on the agricultural space too. The poultry market is a big telehandler user because they’re compact and they’ve got a fair bit of reach for cleaning out chook sheds. “The other market we want to have a crack at is the brick truck market. They’re using telehandlers now – 10 or 15 years ago they all had Kubota R430 wheel loaders on them. We think the versatility Merlo telehandlers offer can work well. “The safety of the telehandler is being able to load and unload on one side of the truck, on the street side, which makes traffic management a non-issue.” With decades of experience in the construction industry, Tibos has seen how customer demands have changed across that time. While a lot stays the same, the push towards machines that can do it all has continued to grow. “Everybody is always looking for reliability,” Tibos said. “There’s also the push for compactness.

James Tibos, General Manager at Supergroups. With excavators and telehandlers, there’s always a challenge in transporting them. Customers want to do more with machines they can transport themselves.

“With the number of different attachments available, you can just have one excavator and swap them out instead of using three different machines.”

PAY NOTHING ON ALL MERLO TELEHANDLERS E NDS DEC 31

supergroups.com.au

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www.arborage.com.au

Eye on the industry

Why knives matter

Keeping properly maintained knives for your chipper can prove that they are more than just wear parts.

or many arborists, a wood chipper’s knives are often treated as a consumable component, replaced when worn and forgotten until the next service interval. In reality, the knives sit at the heart of the machine’s performance, influencing everything from productivity and fuel efficiency through to machine longevity and operator comfort. A sharp, properly maintained knife allows material to be processed efficiently, producing a cleaner cut and maintaining consistent throughput. As knives wear, productivity can begin to decline, placing additional strain on the machine and increasing vibration levels. While this gradual loss of performance can often go unnoticed, its impact is felt across the entire operation. The role of knife balance is particularly important. Genuine Vermeer knives are manufactured to precise standards to help maintain correct balance within the cutting system. This contributes to smoother operation and reduced vibration, helping protect critical machine components while creating a more comfortable experience for operators who are spending long days behind the controls.

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Of course, even the highest-quality knife requires proper maintenance. Daily inspections remain one of the simplest and most effective ways to maximise uptime. Checking knives for wear, damage or excessive deterioration before work begins allows issues to be identified earlier and addressed before they have the chance to develop into costly downtime. Correct installation is equally important. Knife bolts should always meet the manufacturer’s specified grade and be tightened to the recommended torque settings. Combined with the use of genuine

Looking to maximise the performance of your chipper?

Now is the perfect time to stock up. Vermeer has recently reduced prices across our chipper knife range, making it even more affordable to keep your machine operating at its best. Contact or visit your nearest Vermeer branch to learn more and find the right knives for your equipment.

Correctly maintained knives are key to chipper operation. Image: Vermeer Australia knives manufactured from the correct steel, these practices can help to ensure you maintain consistent performance, reliability and safety. With storm season approaching, now is the ideal time for arborists to assess the condition of their chipper knives. Storm clean-up operations often place enormous demands on equipment, requiring machines to process large volumes of branches, timber and green waste under tight timeframes. Entering this busy period with worn knives can reduce productivity when it matters most. Investing in genuine Vermeer knives before the season begins can help ensure crews are ready to respond when demand increases. By combining quality components with routine inspections and preventative maintenance, arborists can maintain productivity, minimise vibration and keep their wood chippers performing at their best when the workload is at its peak. Vermeer knives are a critical component engineered to help maximise chipper performance, protect the machine and keep arborists productive throughout the year. For more information, visit vermeeraustralia.com.au.

Eye on the industry

The AI arborist

There are many tasks that AI isn’t currently capable of doing in your arbor business. Image: ihorvsn/stock.adobe.com

Is AI a tool of the future or just a fancy leaf blower?

The good

Let’s give credit where it’s due. The biggest win with artificial intelligence right now is pure speed. It is an exceptional tool for destroying ‘blank page syndrome’ and streamlining data heavy lifting. Research tasks, valuations and data structuring that used to take four to six hours can now be compiled in minutes. Specialised tools like Dylogos software or the 3D visual processing of eLidar (which turned heads at recent conferences with its crisp canopy mapping) allow us to view complex urban forests in a succinct, quick format. Some cutting-edge operators are even

Jim McAdrle

e have all been there. You spend an entire day climbing, rigging and executing flawless cuts in the brutal Australian sun, only to face the real monster at the end of the shift: office administration and report writing. Lately, there has been a massive buzz across the industry regarding AI-assisted arborist reporting. The promise sounds like a dream: specialised software and custom language models that draft and format tree risk assessments, slashing your desk time in half. But as any seasoned consulting arborist reading Arbor Age knows, what looks good on a screen does not always hold up in the field in the end. Let’s look at how AI is actually shifting our industry landscape, where it falls dangerously short, and how you can use it without losing your professional mind (or your liability insurance).

WITH JIM MCARDLE, MCARDLE ARBORICULTURAL CONSULTANCY DIRECTOR AND TCAA PRESIDENT

building custom cyberdecks with hands-free workshop assistants.

The bad

Here is the catch: AI models are engineered to be helpful and fluent, not necessarily factually accurate. If you ask a standard chatbot to write an impact study on how tree roots are affecting a dam wall at a specific locality, it will generate a highly authoritative-sounding document. The problem? It frequently crosses the line between realistic data and pure fiction, inventing academic references that do not exist. In Australia, our industry is strictly anchored by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), and this is where AI hits a hard ceiling. AI can describe a problem, but it cannot legally or ethically ‘synthesise’ a definitive solution for an AQF 5 or 8 report. Problem-solving is the core goal of a great AQF 3, 5, or 8 arborist. For example, on a new site completing an Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) an issue arose with hard surface impacts. When designing the carpark a regenerative

moisture bank to reduce impact in a deepsoil carpark, the AI can only regurgitate past descriptions. It cannot stand onsite, look at the soil compaction, feel the vitality of the canopy, and make an expert executive decision.

The ugly

Here is the hardest truth of the digital age: the final professional liability stays entirely with the arborist and then the owner. You cannot blame a bad tree prescription or an overlooked structural fault on Claude or ChatGPT. If a tree fails and takes out a building or a person, the court will not care that your software gave the specimen a clean bill of health. If you want to get the highest return on investment from these tools without risking your Professional Indemnity insurance, treat AI like a first-year apprentice. It needs constant supervision. Order the AI to use specific, verified datasets. Tell it to build charts using exact data from the Bureau of Meteorology weather stations or make it directly summarise trusted sources like CSIRO’s forest trees literature. Use AI defensively. Paste your completed report draft into Claude and ask it to play the role of an aggressive opposing lawyer or a strict council tree officer. Let it poke holes in your argument before you submit it. While high-end software looks fantastic at national conferences, the buck always stops at what produces the safest, most accurate return for your business.

www.arborage.com.au

Eye on the industry

European growth

Expansion marks new business opportunities.

he 2026 calendar year has been one of major growth at Italian manufacturer of self-propelled tracked aerial platforms CMC. It recently finalised the acquisition of a majority stake in CMC Arbeitsbühnen GmbH & Co. KG – its long-standing official dealer for the German market – and in Equipment Service, a company specialising in technical service in Germany. The move is part of the group’s strategic plan, driven by the Metrika fund together with the Moretti and Mastrogiacomo families, the founders of the CMC Group. It is aimed at strengthening the company’s positioning in key geographic areas for expansion by bringing sales and aftersales activities together under a single operational structure. Continuity is ensured by the existing management team: Dieter Roters has been appointed as Managing Director, with the hope of guaranteeing operational stability and a strong, direct presence in the local market in Europe. “This transaction allows us to structurally strengthen CMC’s presence in Germany and across the DACH region,” Roters said.

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“With CMC Deutschland, we finally have an integrated logistics hub capable of responding with even greater efficiency and quality than our customers have known for years. I am proud to lead this new phase together with the team that has built the success of the CMC brand in such an important market area. “The acquisition of CMC Arbeitsbühnen and Equipment Service represents a decisive step in CMC’s internationalization strategy. The DACH area is a key market for us, and the creation of CMC Deutschland enables us to serve it with a solid, integrated structure focused on long-term growth.”

Sweden signing

Further to the signing in the German market, CMC has looked elsewhere in Europe with the signing of a distribution agreement with Swedish company Maskin Experten. The agreement has established Maskin Experten as the exclusive CMC dealer for Sweden and Finland. In a subsequent phase, this exclusivity will be extended to other countries within the Scandinavian region. Maskin is a Swedish provider of machinery, services, and aftermarket solutions tailored

Alessandro Mastrogiacomo (Sales and Marketing Manager at CMC), Federico Tomba (Export Area Manager at CMC), and Marcus Berg (representing Maskin Experten). Image: CMC Group

for businesses within the industrial, logistics, and construction sectors. Its offerings range from consultancy and vehicle sales to the provision of services, spare parts, and deliveries. The agreement appoints Maskin Experten to exclusively manage the distribution of CMC platforms in Sweden and Finland, with the objective of eventually extending the partnership to other Scandinavian nations, including Norway. By virtue of this understanding, clients within these markets will gain direct access to a comprehensive range of CMC platforms, while benefitting from prompt, localised customer support. “With this agreement, we are strengthening our presence in the Baltic region, a strategic area for our brand consolidation policies across the Old Continent,” said CMC Sales and Marketing Manager Alessandro Mastrogiacomo. “In Marcus Berg and Maskin Experten, we have found shared values, aligned goals, and a shared long-term vision.” The partnership between CMC and Maskin Experten represents a turning point for the lifting market in the Nordic countries.

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Association news

Ethical medicals

Are medical examinations permissible as a part of pre-employment checks? Find out which laws apply to you.

Discrimination law considerations

There are exceptions where it is not unlawful for the employer to discriminate against a person. The main exceptions that could apply in this case are: • Where the person’s medical condition prevents them from performing the inherent requirements of the job; • where a person with a disability requires special services or facilities to do their work and the provision of those special services or facilities would cause unjustifiable hardship to the employer; or • where otherwise discriminatory acts are reasonably necessary to promote health and safety. The Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) also prohibits adverse action against prospective

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Medical checks are privy to several Fair Work laws. Image: Cynthia/stock.adobe.com employees based on protected attributes, including disability. Employers may withdraw a conditional offer of employment if the candidate is unable to perform the inherent requirements, and this is supported by objective medical evidence. In Duncan v Kembla WaterTech Pty Ltd, the tribunal found there was no unlawful discrimination where: • The role had significant physical demands; • the medical evidence showed a high risk of injury; and • accommodating the employee would cause unjustifiable hardship. However, decisions must be evidencebased, not assumptions, and must be individually assessed, not based on generalised risk.

Privacy obligations

The Privacy Act 1998 (Cth) regulates the collection, use and disclosure of personal information and sensitive information, including the workplace. When collecting personal information, the employer must take reasonable steps to ensure the individual is aware of why the

Tree contractors are reminded that TTIA has a fully functioning in-house IR department, backed up by the industry’s key and most experienced Legal Officer. Should you need assistance with any legal matter, contact the TTIA by email ttia@ttia.asn. au or phone the TTIA Industrial Hotline on (02) 9264 0011.

Image: TTIA

n relation to pre-employment medical examinations, it is crucial employers balance safety, privacy and discrimination risks while being able to justify hiring decisions if required. Whether a pre-employment medical examination complies with the relevant equal opportunity or privacy law will depend on a number of factors, including the nature of the job, whether a medical condition is relevant to the performance of the job, and what the employer does with any information obtained from a medical examination. The applicant’s consent would be required before any examination or test is conducted. The results of any pre-employment medical examination are protected by privacy law and, in some jurisdictions, specific health information law. An employer may request medical information or require an examination only if the information sought relates to the inherent requirements of the job. The High Court found that it is permissible to have regard to the health and safety of others when considering the requirements of the employment. Issues that would be addressed in any pre-employment medical assessment include: • The degree of risk to others; • the consequences of the risk being realised; • the employer’s legal obligations to co-employees and others; and • the function which the employee performs and the organisation of the work.

WITH BRIAN BEECROFT, TTIA CEO

information is being collected from them and that the individual can also gain access to the information. The individual must be aware of the types of third parties to whom the information may be disclosed, any law requiring the collection of the information, the main consequences (if any) to the individual if the information is not provided, and information about complaints and individuals’ rights regarding accessing and correcting their personal information. It should be noted that health records legislation also exists in some jurisdictions which do not exempt employee records. Legislation in Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory requires an employer to comply with rules relating to notification, collection, storage, use and access, even if the health information being collected is an employee record. As with any company policy, it should be clear and unambiguous and understood by the job applicants and also the designated company representative with the responsibility for recruitment, or any employee within the organisation who deals with personal information. The employer should ensure the policy complies with equal opportunity laws and the relevant privacy law, or health information law.

Association news

Planting the seed

Taking arboriculture to the next generation has never been more important. WITH ALEX WILSON, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER AT ARBORICULTURE AUSTRALIA

sk a room full of arborists how they found their way into the industry and you’ll often hear that they just fell into it or they knew someone who was an arborist. What you probably won’t hear is: “My school careers adviser told me about professional tree care”. That’s something Arboriculture Australia (Arb Aus) is working to change. If we want a strong, skilled arboriculture industry into the future, we can’t wait for people to discover us. We need to explain what arboriculture is and give young people a reason to see tree care as a career option. In 2026, Arb Aus exhibited at two major career expos: Adelaide from 7–9 May and Sydney West on 28–29 August. Adelaide is the largest careers expo of its kind in Australia, bringing together more than 200 exhibitors. This year it attracted a record attendance of more than 20,000 people, including students travelling from across South Australia. Sydney West attracted more than 5,000 attendees over two days. Those numbers are impressive, but the value of these events goes beyond the number of students who visit our stand. Career expos also attract teachers, careers advisers, parents, adult jobseekers, training organisations and other people working to connect education with employment.

At Sydney West, for example, I met Ben Holmes from the NSW Industry Training Advisory Body and Felicity Zahra from the Regional Industry and Education Partnerships Program. Those conversations have since led to a Green Industries taster event, planned for June 2027.

Manic weekdays, thoughtful weekends

Having spent plenty of hours behind an expo stand, one of the things I find most interesting is the difference between school days and weekends. During school hours it’s manic and fun. Hundreds of students move through at a time, there’s plenty of energy and you have a very short window of attention. Sometimes it’s the merchandise, not the message, that draws them to the stand. The wristbands, stickers, pens or other giveaways might also be the thing they take home or talk about with their families and friends, spreading awareness of tree care even further. That makes merchandise an important part of the continued promotion of our industry. The message doesn’t need to be complicated, it can be as simple as asking ‘Love trees? Become a tree carer’ paired with a QR code or website where they can always find more information. Fewer people approach the stands on weekends, but those who do tend to stay longer. The conversations are more detailed. One comment we hear surprisingly often is: “I didn’t know this was a career.” For me, those conversations are some of the most rewarding. Suddenly, we can introduce young people to an industry combining practical skills, science, technology, environmental management, problem-solving and wonderful trees. Every person who leaves understanding the skilled nature of arboriculture is a win.

We don’t do it alone

Merchandise can be more important than you may think.

ARBOR AGE

Our presence at these events is only possible because of the support of industry partners. Active Tree Services has consistently supported Arb Aus at career expos by providing staff and merchandise, putting people from the industry in front of students. A big thank you to Saskia, Sienna, Brodie and Lachy for their time and enthusiasm. In Adelaide, Mike from Tree Systems took our display to another level. Harnesses, ropes, and knot-tying challenges gave students something practical to try and

Saskia and Sienna from Active Tree Services. Images: Arboriculture Australia created an easy way to start conversations about climbing, training and careers as well as training pathways and qualifications. Having industry people alongside Arb Aus makes an enormous difference. Students aren’t just hearing about arboriculture from a dry, career information perspective – they are meeting real people with real stories.

Next generation

Career promotion is long-term work. We won’t know how many of the thousands of students we met in Adelaide or Sydney will eventually enter arboriculture. For some, our stand may have simply been somewhere to grab a giveaway. For others, it might have been the first time someone suggested that their interest in trees, the outdoors, climbing, machinery, science or practical work could become a career. That’s why being there matters. We need to make sure young people know the industry exists in the first place. And if we can also help teachers, careers advisers, parents and the wider community better understand what professional arboriculture looks like, we are building towards something broader than a recruitment pipeline – we are building recognition of our profession. With new collaborations already underway and the Green Industries taster event on the calendar for June, 2027 is shaping up to be another exciting year for showing what arboriculture careers can offer to the next generation.

Association news

The changing role of arborists

Caring for trees and the creatures that rely on them is becoming one and the same. WITH PIA FINNIGAN, MARKETING MANAGER AT ARBWEST

rborists have always been custodians of trees, but the role is changing. Our roles are about more than pruning, managing risk or removing trees; they are also about creating habitat for wildlife. For arborists, habitat creation is also an opportunity to expand the services they offer, from retaining habitat trees and creating artificial hollows to repurposing logs and installing nesting boxes. Arborists can provide clients with alternatives that deliver environmental value while creating an additional income stream. Owner of Hayes Tree Care and ArbWest committee member Nick Hayes is one of many arborists who now offer habitat creation as a service. “For me, flora and fauna are connected. You can’t really talk about protecting wildlife without talking about protecting and managing the trees and vegetation they rely on,” he said. “As arborists, we’re in a unique position. We see the hollows, nests, bees, birds, and other wildlife that are using them, and we’re also involved in making decisions about what stays and what goes. “Artificial hollows aren’t a replacement for naturally occurring habitat. Retaining existing habitat should always come first. But where that’s not possible, we now have techniques available that allow us to put some of that habitat value back.” Hayes sees habitat creation as a natural extension of the work the business already does. Before pruning or removing trees, the team looks at what can be retained or recreated as habitats.

Carnaby’s blackcockatoos are endangered. Image: Dean Arthurell

Hayes Tree Care uses chainsaws and a specialist tool called a Hollowhog to create hollows for birds and other tree-dwellers. “I would say demand for habitat creation is definitely increasing. We’re seeing a much greater understanding from local government, businesses and the community around biodiversity and the importance of retaining mature trees,” Hayes said. “If we remove a mature hollow-bearing tree today, we could potentially be removing habitat that takes another 100 years to naturally replace. We’ve also deliberately built relationships with the people dealing with the wildlife side of that equation. Hayes Tree Care is a Gold Sponsor of Mandurah Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, and we provide support to River Wren Rescue, including providing hollow logs for habitat. “Those relationships are important to us because arborists and wildlife carers are essentially working at different ends of the same problem.”

Corridors For Carnaby’s

One project demonstrating the important connection between trees and wildlife is Corridors For Carnaby’s. The population of Carnaby’s blackcockatoos has more than halved since the 1970s due to farming and development reducing habitat and food sources. The program is designed to help save these iconic birds from extinction by engaging with the community to create the largest restoration corridor in Western Australia. The planting of 200,000 native Banksia trees will form a “corridor” across a 10-kilometre stretch of land near Mandurah, providing critical habitat. Artificial hollows for breeding are being installed on mature trees on private properties within about one kilometre of the food corridor. Carnaby’s Crusaders is one of the partners in the Corridors For Carnaby’s program, with Founder and Director Dean Arthurell contributing to the project. “This project is exactly what I’m about. It’s an all-encompassing project, looking at both the lack of habitat and providing the birds with a long-term, sustainable food source,” he said. “The Banksia corridor will support the current breeding population, support them to use the habitat that’s already there, and support them long into the future.” Arthurell’s role is to identify locations that are suitable for installing artificial habitats and nesting hollows. The Corridors For

Tim Stuart of Coastline Mowers. Image: ArbWest Carnaby’s team has already installed five hollows and is now monitoring them with cameras. Eventually, 50 hollows will be installed across the restoration corridor. “We installed them on a Friday and by Saturday we had birds at all five of the hollows,” Arthurell said. “That tells you something. It means they really need them.” The team is now doing school visits to help children learn more about conservation and to help them understand why projects like this are so important. Arthurell said there is plenty that arborists can do right now to help in projects like Corridors For Carnaby’s. “I’d like to see more arborists looking at how some of the natural resources that come out of tree work could be recycled and used for projects like this,” he said. “For the hollows, we need natural hardwood chip, and it’s actually very difficult to get hold of. I’m always trying to find an arborist who has hardwood chip that could be donated.” As interest in habitat creation grows, so too are the tools available to arborists wanting to add it to their services. Tim Stuart from ArbWest partner Coastline Mowers is now offering the ArboGrub, after discovering the tool while investigating habitat creation and its potential within arboriculture. “When I was at the last ArbWest Conference I spoke with one of the other arborist businesses there, and they mentioned getting into providing habitat creations as part of their offerings,” he said. “After researching what is involved, I started asking around before I discovered the ArboGrub.” Scan to visit the Corridors for Carnaby’s website corridorsforcarnabys.com