The Arbor AWARDS™ recognize individuals, institutions, and companies that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to excellence, safety, and environmental stewardship.
In an industry where hazards are ever-present, it is vital to highlight and reward those who not only meet, but exceed industry standards, ensuring the safety of their employees and customers. By showcasing these accomplishments, we not only acknowledge their efforts, but also inspire others to adopt best practices and strive for excellence.
The awards ceremony occurred during the Welcome Reception at ArborEXPO ’26 on Thursday, March 26th.
The 2026 Arbor AWARDS™ Winners Are:
2026 Robert Bartlett Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award
Robert Bartlett Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry over their careers.
This year, we have three recipients.
Greg Daniels – Bartlett Tree Experts
From left to right, Scott Hughes, Eastern Division Sales Manager with ALTEC Industries, Greg Daniels, Vice Chairman and Chief Business Development Officer at Bartlett Tree Experts, and Jim Ingram, President and COO of Bartlett Tree Experts.
Mr. Daniels’ leadership helped guide more than 20 acquisitions, 31 new office openings, and the establishment of Bartlett operations across the U.S. and internationally. Throughout his career, he championed scientific tree care and strengthened Bartlett’s longstanding commitment to research and continuous learning.
A passionate mentor, Greg has served for decades as a trustee of the Bartlett Tree Foundation, providing support and guidance to students pursuing careers in arboriculture. Colleagues frequently describe him as a “champion of tree care,” known for generously sharing knowledge and opening Bartlett’s research resources to benefit the broader industry.
Congratulations to Greg Daniels
Dr. Ed Gilman – University of Florida
From left to right, Jim Ingram, President and COO of Bartlett Tree Experts, Dr. Ed Gilman, University of Florida, and Scott Hughes, Eastern Division Sales Manager with ALTEC Industries.
Dr. Gilman is a distinguished professor at the University of Florida and is regarded as a leading expert in arboriculture and urban forestry. He has authored numerous essential publications and developed comprehensive academic programs that blend theory with practical training for future professionals. Through workshops, community programs, and advising local governments, he has advanced both professional practice and public understanding of urban forestry.
Congratulations to Dr. Ed Gilman
Don Blair
From left to right, Jim Ingram, President and COO of Bartlett Tree Experts, Don Blair, and Scott Hughes, Eastern Division Sales Manager with ALTEC Industries.
Mr. Blair invented and introduced many industry-defining tools, founded Sierra Moreno Mercantile Company (later Blair’s Arborist Equipment), and co-authored the influential book Arborist Equipment with the ISA. Blair also helped pioneer modern rigging through innovations alongside his colleagues, such as the Hobbs Lowering Device and Hobbs Blocks. In addition, he served three decades on the committee responsible for the ANSI Z133, including 15 years as co-chair.
Congratulations to Don Blair
Complex or Challenging Project Award
Participants can submit entries documenting interesting jobs, which will be showcased during the awards presentation events and ceremony.
This year, we have two recipients.
Wonderland Tree Care + Landscapes
From left to right, David Golon from Wonderland Tree Care and Dane Buell, advisor of ArborTIMES™.
On January 2, 2026, their team stabilized a split beech using temporary supports until a crane arrived, then rigged and removed multiple 6,000 – 8,000-lb sections with precision. Their work showcased strong emergency response and expert rigging under pressure.
Congratulations to Wonderland Tree Care + Landscapes
Aspen Tree Expert Co., Inc.
From left to right, Mr. Steven Chisholm, Jr., President of Aspen Tree Expert Company, and Dane Buell, advisor of ArborTIMES™.
This project required crane-assisted removal of two early-19th-century tulip poplars over the historic 18th-century St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, with tight space, pedestrian traffic, and road closures adding complexity. Internal decay confirmed the trees’ risk to the landmark, highlighting the balance of preservation and public safety.
Congratulations to Aspen Tree Expert Company
Service Tree Award
This award honors organizations for their outstanding community involvement, measured by the number of hours and financial commitment dedicated to community causes.
This year, we have three recipients.
Saluting Branches
From left to right, Matt Bartelme, CEO of Bart’s Tree Service, David Golon from Wonderland Tree Care, and Erin Perry, Saluting Branches logistics coordinator.
Saluting Branches is a nationwide volunteer initiative that unites tree care professionals to provide expert arboricultural services at veterans’ cemeteries across the country. Through this annual day of service, thousands of volunteers enhance the safety, beauty, and health of these sacred sites, honoring fallen heroes and supporting the families who visit them.
Congratulations to Saluting Branches
SavATree
From left to right, Joe Pomeisl, SavATree district GTC trainer, and David Golon from Wonderland Tree Care.
SavATree embeds safety into every aspect of its operations by combining structured training, daily briefings, and thorough pre-work risk assessments. By using both leading and lagging indicators and fostering a culture where people are viewed as the solution, SavATree demonstrates a strong, proactive safety program worthy of recognition.
Congratulations to SavATree
Stanley Tree Service, Inc.
From left to right, David Golon from Wonderland Tree Care, and Emma Senerchia, social media and marketing specialist of Stanley Tree Service.
Stanley Tree Service donated equipment, time, and labor to support the Kinney Azalea Garden after the nonprofit struggled with multiple dead ash trees caused by Emerald Ash Borer. Their crews provided professional, low-impact removals to restore safety and preserve the surrounding landscape, recognizing the garden’s importance as a community space.
Congratulations to Stanley Tree Service!
Safety Tree Award
This award honors organizations for their contributions to employee safety.
Jameson Tools
From left to right, Emma Senerchia, social media and marketing specialist of Stanley Tree Service, and Adam Smith, director of sales, arborist, and vegetation Management at Jameson LLC.
Jameson Tools’ folding pole saw heads design encloses the blade when not in use, eliminating the need for separate sheaths. This device also allows operators in aerial devices or climbing systems to maintain required protection while reducing the chance of lacerations, equipment damage, or secondary accidents.
Congratulations to Jameson Tools!
Equipment Innovation Award
This award recognizes individuals who have developed tools that improve safety, quality, and productivity in the industry.
This year, we have five recipients.
DICA
From left to right, Janel Kapsy, Harrison Hipple, and Jennifer Burger, of DICA, and Julian Emerich, director of marketing and purchasing for Stanley Tree Service Inc.
DICA’s patent-pending adjustable pads allow operators to quickly achieve proper level setups for aerial devices, cranes, and other outrigger-equipped machinery. The pads rotate to correct multiple planes and support heavy equipment with capacities up to 450,000 pounds, eliminating the need for risky or time-consuming leveling methods.
Congratulations to DICA
Buckingham Manufacturing
From left to right, Ryan Lamond, Tyler Lusht of Buckingham Manufacturing, Jamie Chambrelli, and Dane Buell, advisor of ArborTIMES™.
Buckingham’s patent-pending emergency jack is a specialized tool designed to support and lift trees that have fallen onto homes or other structures. Used alongside cranes and grapple saws, it stabilizes and elevates the trunk to relieve pressure on the building, allowing operators to manage pick size and choose safe, precise cut locations.
Congratulations to Buckingham Manufacturing
Tree Tech Tool
From left to right, Dane Buell, advisor of ArborTIMES™, and Sims Acuff, owner of Tree Tech Tool.
The Emergency Tree Jack is a specialty tool for supporting and lifting trees fallen on homes and other structures. Designed to work in tandem with cranes and grapple saws, holding and elevating the trunk, releasing tension on the structure, and giving operators control of pick size and cut location when removing trunk sections.
Congratulations to Tree Tech Tool.
Dave Leonard – Supersonic AirKnife
From left to right, accepting the award on behalf of Dave Leonard is Dane Buell, advisor of ArborTIMES™, and Emma Senerchia, social media and marketing specialist of Stanley Tree Service.
The AirKnife is a high-velocity air tool that enhances precision in root management and soil aeration. As a pioneer in air excavation, he has transformed how arborists safely expose and manage tree roots, allowing for non-invasive care that strengthens tree health and longevity in urban environments.
Congratulations to Dave Leonard
TreeWorks – “Modified Wood Screw” (MWS)
From left to right, Russell Holman, president of MAA, and William (Bill) De Vos, founder of TreeWorks.
By internally threading schedule 40 and 80 pipe to accept wood screw rod, Mr. Devos developed a method to create strong, custom-length supports for structurally compromised leaders that traditional cabling could not protect. This innovation produced a clean, highly durable bracing solution.
Congratulations to TreeWorks
Safety Innovation Award
This award recognizes individuals who innovate techniques that improve arborist safety.
Keith Blakeslee
From left to right, accepting the award on behalf of Keith Blakesee is
Erick Palacios, and Russell Holman, president of MAA.
Keith Blakeslee has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to advancing arborist and line-clearance safety through patented tool innovations, modernized training, and industry leadership. His work includes co-developing cut-resistant lanyard systems, improving PPE and equipment design in collaboration with manufacturers, and six published books.
Congratulations to Keith Blakeslee
