Serena Kirby, Denmark Bulletin

Arborist Ben McGovern is keen to dispel misconceptions about his profession and wants more young people to take up arboriculture as a career.

Ben moved to Denmark with his family seven years ago and has been working with Ecologic Tree Service for the past four years.

“We are all about caring for, and managing, trees,” Ben said.

“Our aim is to keep people and property safe while still caring for the trees.”

There are many reasons why large trees needed to be cut down or pruned.

In the region there was an abundance of big trees and karri trees in particular were well known for shedding limbs.

“If a tree is affected by a disease or a branch has snapped in the wind but is still hanging from the tree, it’s best to remove the branch properly with what’s called a collar cut,” Ben said.

This helped the tree to heal and with proper management and correct pruning techniques a sick or damaged tree could live many more years rather than be left to a slow decline.

“We absolutely don’t want to see people doing this type of work themselves,” Ben said.

“Branches often swing down or pop off at strange angles so people are putting themselves at risk of being injured or killed.”

The work of an arborist is not just done on residential properties as many of Ben’s clients are government organisations such as Shires and national parks.

Removal of tree hazards over forest walk trails is an ongoing job and some trees can be as high as 50m.

Ben said the variety of challenges and the ability to work amongst nature is one of the best parts of an arborist’s jobs.

He also wants people to understand that arboriculture is a genuine trade and requires a three-year apprenticeship.

With no shortage of regular work and with an increasing number of young people leaving town to secure jobs elsewhere, Ben is keen for more of them to take up arboriculture.

Albert Adams had worked hard to set up the arborist course at Albany TAFE and before it was established people had to do training in Perth.

Students learned the biology of trees and to identify different trees as well as all the hands-on and safety aspects.

“Arborists are always highly sought and we desperately need more arborists in Denmark and Albany,” Ben said.

Ben hopes to take over the Ecologic Tree Service business from long-standing owner Albert Adams in the coming weeks.

He’s keen to hear from anyone interested in working as an arborist and can be contacted on 0457 770 339.

This article appeared in the Denmark Bulletin, 17 August 2023.