Stories from the Community
These are real words from real people — arborists, homeowners, parents, competitors, and crew members who've come through The Treeist over the years. Some found a career here. Some just had a good Saturday morning. All of them showed up.
Randy Hallner
Owner - Top Line Tree Service
"David gave me my first climbing lesson — I was too afraid to climb higher than his pickup truck. The Treeist is the reason I now own a successful tree service with chip trucks, a log truck, a mini skid, and five employees. They didn't just impact my career. They gave me the education and skills to have a life in the trees. There are only three people on this planet I trust my life with — David and Craig are two of them."
George
Business Owner - Saturday Class
"The training has literally saved my life. I had an incident when a pull rope broke — but because I was properly secured and in a good working position, I was safe and went on a fun ride. My kids come on a regular basis and truly enjoy it."
David
Firefighter & Rope Access Instructor
"As a fellow instructor, what impressed me was their ability to instill knowledge and confidence on the simplest level so everyone was on the same page. The training and confidence instilled by The Treeist has allowed me to rewrite several rescue protocols at work. Almost two dozen rescues have been executed with speed and efficiency as a result of David and his crew."
Elizabeth
Consulting Arborist - Saturday Class
"The Treeist helped me feel like I belonged in the industry. That's hard to quantify, but it mattered immensely. Just go. You do not need to be experienced, confident, or 'good enough' beforehand. Showing up could genuinely change your path more than you expect."
Dude Brassard
Tree Climber - Saturday Class
"My experience with The Treeist totally changed the trajectory of my career. It is powerful to have people see you and believe in you — and moving when it comes without any selfish intention. From seasoned tree climbers to kids curious about climbing, The Treeist is a humble and gentle place to share the awe of the forest."
Blake Ramsey
Heavy Equipment Technician - Saturday Class
"Within 30 minutes of showing up our first Saturday, David had my six-year-old swinging around in the canopy 25 feet off the ground — safe, clear instructions, my son did everything by himself. David has a true God-given talent for showing his love for his craft and inviting even the smallest among us into his love for trees."
Jonathan Hatch
Tree Services - Saturday Class
"Their willingness to teach and share knowledge inspired me to do the same with the younger guys I work with. The skills David and The Treeist crew shared were invaluable in starting my own tree service business."
Dan
Arborist Trainer
"A lot of companies teach technique, but The Treeist takes time to explain the reasoning behind it. Spending time around people who genuinely care about doing things the right way raises your own standards."
Andy Gillespie
Semi-Retired Climber - Saturday Class
"If you're interested in climbing trees, showing up at your first Saturday Treeist session could be the best three-hour investment of your life. I climb for exercise and mental discipline — for me it's a form of mindfulness meditation. Few things focus your mind more than depending on a few thin ropes to keep you suspended 90 feet above the ground."
Julius Neill
Arborist - Crew Member
"Although The Treeist is a business that works on trees, it's really about service to the community. Kindness is at the core of it. Regardless of your race, creed, or station — the folks at The Treeist will accept you and love you for who you are."
Sam Cannon
Arborist - Crew Member
"You may have an idea of what a 'tree guy' is in your head — let yourself be surprised. Having moved away, the Saturday events are something I genuinely miss. Trees are natural points of gathering, and this is a rare offering."
Daryl Stanley
Contract Climber & Instructor - Saturday Class
"The entire Treeist leadership is quick to engage, add value, and make room for the knowledge and perspectives of others. If you're thinking about showing up, you're already thinking about it. Fun, challenge, friendship — beats doom scrolling, yeah?"
Christopher
Conservationist & ISA Certified Arborist - Crew Member
"I first crossed paths with David during a free Saturday climbing day — which ultimately turned into a part-time role with The Treeist. Working here gave me the reps I needed to feel more confident in the work I provide. Nobody does what The Treeist does. They're pretty awesome for providing this to the community."
Henry Risberg
Amateur Climber & Electrician - Saturday Class
"I learned the basics of climbing from the ground up at The Treeist. I've always loved trees and the forest — now I'm able to access them in a completely new way."
Holly
Client & Saturday Class Attendee
"I see my trees as individuals now, and my relationship to them has changed. David is so knowledgeable and entertaining — I was surprised how many trees I couldn't identify before the class. Don't worry if you don't feel like climbing trees. It is so worth it just to spend time in the woods with David."
Wesley Shell
Tree Service - Saturday Class
"I had no clue how to climb or tie knots upon my first visit. David and his team were instrumental in helping launch my career in the tree service industry. I am now doing something I love and running my own business."
Erich Lieth
Musician & Arborist - Saturday Class
"After less than two years of climbing with David, I started my own company and am now a part-time arborist. I could list specific skills — life-support knots, spurs, rope placement — but the list would be too long. These classes need to be experienced to be believed. I still attend most Saturdays, both to learn and to help others."
Ross Strange
Arborist - Saturday Class
"David and I did a mock climber rescue from 25 feet up — I was the unconscious climber, he was the groundie lowering me safely using a rescue system preset at the base of the tree. That demonstration showed me how a little prep time can save a life. The hands-on scenario gave me the confidence to carry it out if it's ever necessary on a job site."
Ben Kinder
Disaster Relief Crew Chief - Private Training
"David's teaching has helped my climbing, rigging, and confidence in the tree. I was always told how to do things — he does it with you. It's made my jobs safer and smoother. You'll be treated like family and every question gets answered in a way you can actually understand."
Ben Heuser
Land Steward, NC Botanical Garden · Private Training
"You can tell these are people who love trees and love what they do. What The Treeist does best is make something that could be scary and complex feel approachable, doable, and even fun. I now strive to take a Treeist-like approach whenever I teach others. It's more than just the technical."
John Sorrell
Arborist & Company Owner · Crew Member
"I'm an arborist and owner of my own company today because of the amazing people I worked with at The Treeist. I wouldn't be where I am today without everything The Treeist taught me and gave me. There's so much more to say than can fit in this space."
Roderick Franklin
Tree Worker · Saturday Class
"I've learned so much from Craig, David and their team — skills I use on a daily basis as a production tree worker. I take what I've learned and share it with the same passion and love for trees that permeates at The Treeist. I've enjoyed the safe, community-focused educational space they've provided and have invited other arborists out in an attempt to elevate the culture of safety in the industry."
Tom W
Engineer · Saturday Class
"Almost everything I use regularly in tree climbing I can trace back to an experience with The Treeist. I consider Craig and David personal friends after getting to know them over several years. In observing the Triangle area being developed so aggressively, it means something that Craig and David genuinely appreciate the beauty and practical benefits trees bring to our lives and are passionate about expanding their community's appreciation of all the green we're fortunate to have here."
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