How to Become a Regenerative Arborist
What is regenerative arboriculture?
The term “Regenerative Arborist” was coined by Kurt Stenberg, Arborist and Founder of Atmos Tree in 2023. This term is often compared to sustainability practices, but there is a key difference. Regenerative means to actively restore and improve our environment(s) through conscious practice, whereas sustainability means to maintain the status quo. This can be interpreted and practiced in many ways. At Atmos Tree we offer you the solution and tools to implement such practices.
In recent years, environmental concerns continue to explode and the demand for green holistic approaches to our urban landscapes has never been higher. Consumers are becoming more eco-conscious and often seek out businesses that promote a green solution. But what exactly does it mean to be a Regenerative Arborist and how does this approach differ from traditional tree care methods?
Regenerative Arboriculture: Being “Proactive” (holistic long term solutions) rather than “Reactive” (short term gain)
At its core, a Regenerative Arborist is someone who considers the root problem behind our typical tree service requests. Rather than being reactive to common complaints such as spraying broad spectrum chemicals or removing trees in many cases, a Regenerative Arborist would understand how to be proactive and provide natural alternatives and long term solutions. How often do you hear things like “Should I remove this tree?”... “It doesn't look healthy”... usually followed up with: “What should I do? YOU’RE THE EXPERT!”. Well… are you?
Instead of simply focusing on pruning and removing trees, regenerative arboriculture emphasizes long-term ecological health, biodiversity, and most importantly the regeneration of urban ecosystems. The regenerative approach is rooted in principles of permaculture and the understanding of how everything is connected from living soils to insects and diseases. A regenerative approach prioritizes enhancing and understanding the entire ecosystem - not just individual trees. This practice seeks to build resilience in the urban canopy, aiming to create a self-sustaining, thriving environment for all plant and animal/microbial life. This approach takes into account a greater perspective of how trees naturally grow in symbiosis with other plants, fungi, microbes, insects, animals, climate, etc. It sounds more confusing than it actually is. Simply put, we #mimicnature.
Key Principles of Regenerative Arboriculture
1. Soil Health: A Regenerative Arborist understands that healthy trees start with healthy soil. Rather than relying on synthetic fertilizers, regenerative practices focus on natural soil amendments: composting, mulching, and the encouragement of beneficial microbes. The goal is to restore soil fertility and promote a thriving underground ecosystem.
2. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Balance: Regenerative arboriculture emphasizes the importance of biodiversity. A healthy forest or urban landscape includes a variety of species, including trees and nitrogen fixing plants, that work together to create a balanced ecosystem. By planting native species and fostering the right habitat conditions, regenerative arborists help create environments where plants and animals can thrive with minimal intervention.
3. Holistic Tree Care: Instead of simply managing a tree’s immediate needs, such as pruning or pest control, a regenerative arborist takes a holistic view of tree health. This includes addressing the root system, soil composition, planting depth, surrounding environment, and other factors. It's about promoting the long-term vitality of the tree and its surrounding ecosystem. A healthy tree is the end result of a mature ecosystem around it.
4. Climate Resilience: As climate change increasingly affects our landscapes, regenerative arboriculture also emphasizes building climate resilience. This can mean selecting tree species that are more resilient to extreme weather events, such as droughts or storms, and creating environments that can withstand these challenges. This includes taking advantage of micro climates in the urban landscape.
5. Minimizing Chemical Inputs: Unlike conventional arboriculture, which often relies on pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, regenerative arborists aim to reduce or eliminate the use of harmful chemicals. Instead, they work with natural pest management solutions, encourage biodiversity, and nurture the health of the ecosystem to naturally combat pests and diseases. Pro Tip: Arborist mulch, used properly, is a free yield many of us already have as a “waste” product from production tree work. Use this to your advantage and sell your mulch locally to new potential clients while improving the health of their yard. Charge a little less than your local landscape company and advertise the benefits of arborist mulch vs one dimensional chips sold locally. Charge for delivery and optional install. And of course, leave advice on anything they may need in their yard and BOOM you're in business with a new client.
What techniques can be applied to my business?
A Regenerative Arborist applies these principles through a variety of techniques and practices while aiming to restore balance, reduce impacts, and move beyond sustainability. Depending on your local demand, current understanding, and existing business model, you may be able to start implementing new ideas and strategies right away. This path can build a more consistent client base with long term profitable business solutions while supporting our ecosystems.
Below are a few examples which can be fairly easy to implement to your existing or new business. These practices, along with many other long-term solutions, are the foundation as to why Atmos Tree was founded. Through an alliance of arborists keen on making a difference with a dedication to expanding their knowledge base, we will make a difference.
1. Soil Restoration: To improve the soil, a regenerative arborist may apply organic compost, mulch, or use techniques like no-till gardening or vertical mulching to preserve soil structure and fungal development. They might also introduce beneficial fungi or inoculate the soil with mycorrhizal organisms. Living mulches (AKA cover crops) or specific hardy annual species known to break up clay could be planted to break up and restore soils with their aggressive tap roots. Never have bare soil. Ditch the landscape fabric!
2. Tree Selection and Planting: When selecting new trees for planting, a regenerative arborist focuses on choosing a diversity of species that are suited to the local climate, soil, and ecosystem. They prioritize native species that will not only thrive but also support local wildlife, creating a more biodiverse environment. Explore your local forests to see what thrives and consider transplanting if allowed. Consider “companion” planting along with understory species that cover the forest floor. Consider planting small less expensive trees that can establish better root systems compared to larger caliper trees. Encourage clients to plant them now, in anticipation of their other trees being removed in the future (if unhealthy or maturing).
3. Water Management: Effective water management is a key part of regenerative practices. A regenerative arborist might implement techniques like rainwater harvesting, proper irrigation systems, or the installation of swales and berms to manage runoff and promote deep water infiltration. Understand water requirements for trees vs turf. Keep water on the property and encourage infiltration through pore space in healthy soils. Plant appropriately in microclimates, example: dry or hot areas vs shady areas that hold water.
4. Pruning and Care: While pruning is still an important part of tree care, a regenerative arborist does so in a way that minimizes stress to the tree. They may focus on removing diseased or dead wood (if hazardous), maintaining the tree’s natural form, and encouraging healthy growth through thoughtful cuts. It should go without saying that an arborist needs to understand C.O.D.I.T. (Look up Alex Shigo) and proper technique near branch collars etc. If you don't know this, please be sure you do before pruning a tree! Know “why” you are making that cut and the long term benefits. Pruning adds immediate stress to a tree by not only taking away photosynthetic material, but causing wounds that require more energy to seal. Less is often more. Deadwood can be beneficial. When trees are unhealthy, look to the soil rather than significant pruning. Consider cabling large trees to preserve them and discuss replacement planting now!
5. Join the Atmos Tree Regenerative Alliance: Our alliance of arborists, is a community of like minded businesses committed to planting more trees than we remove with the 2:1 tREeCYCLE program. A small fee is collected from clients when at least one tree removal is required on their property. These contributions fund the planting of 2 trees offsite with Atmos Tree! Together we have already planted over 1500 trees as of 2024. We understand tree removals are an inevitable part of our profession. Atmos Tree is here to support your business with creative solutions to avoid removals whenever possible, but also provide a simple regenerative solution you can implement now. These solutions are expanded upon in our various forms of marketing, including our email campaigns and blog, as well as a customer service team ready to answer your questions and the ability to book one on one calls with our founder, Kurt Stenberg. The best part of this alliance is it doesn't have any direct cost to you as a business owner!
What are my next steps to becoming a regenerative arborist?
We’ve learned that a Regenerative Arborist is a forward-thinking, holistic tree care professional who is not only concerned with the health of individual trees, but with the restoration and long-term sustainability of entire ecosystems. By working in harmony with nature, regenerative arborists are helping to rebuild our landscapes, enhance biodiversity, and improve our changing climate.
As we move into a future that mandates sustainable and ecologically responsible practices, the role of the Regenerative Arborist and Atmos Tree is becoming more vital than ever. By incorporating modern regenerative principles, arborists in the alliance are helping to ensure that our urban forests, woodlands, and landscapes are healthier, more resilient, and capable of thriving for generations to come.
Please subscribe to our newsletter to learn more about regenerative arboriculture practices and follow our journey as we grow Atmos Tree into your leading source of regenerative solutions that positively directly impact the environment and your business growth!
Kurt Stenberg, Arborist
ISA PR-5709A
Founder, Atmos Tree
Creator, Arborist Blueprint Podcast
