Profitable Practices for Arborists to Build Biodiverse Ecosystems
As regenerative arborists, we have the power to shape resilient landscapes while contributing to environmental health and our bottom line. By adopting principles rooted in permaculture and natural systems, we can cultivate thriving ecosystems that require minimal inputs and provide long-term value. Here’s how to get started.
1. Embrace Diversity and Natural Systems
Healthy ecosystems thrive on diversity. By planting a mix of canopy trees, understory shrubs, and ground-level vegetation, you mimic nature’s balance. Including native species strengthens this approach—they’re naturally adapted to local conditions and provide essential habitat for wildlife, such as pollinators and birds. This layered diversity creates self-sustaining systems that reduce the need for fertilizers and irrigation.
Why It Matters:
Diverse, multi-layered plantings improve soil health, stabilize ecosystems, and make landscapes more resilient to pests and diseases—all without relying on chemical inputs.
How to Implement and Monetize:
Ecosystem Packages: Offer clients a complete planting plan that includes trees, shrubs, and groundcovers tailored to their site.
Upsell Soil Support Services: Use organic mulches and compost to encourage natural soil regeneration.
Leverage Education: Position yourself as an expert by teaching clients (and charging a fee for consultations) how biodiverse systems save time and resources.
2. Start Small for Big Gains
Smaller saplings establish stronger, deeper root systems than larger caliper trees, which often experience transplant shock. Starting small is not only better for the tree but also more cost-effective and less resource-intensive for clients.
Why It Matters:
Small trees integrate more effectively into regenerative systems, adapt better to the environment, and grow healthier over time—all while reducing water and maintenance needs.
How to Implement and Monetize:
Small Tree Planting Plans: Offer lower-cost packages focused on small trees paired with soil health improvements like biochar or organic compost.
Stewardship Services: Provide follow-up care, such as mulching, monitoring, and pruning, as part of an ongoing client relationship.
Educate for Upsell: Explain how starting small provides better long-term outcomes and opens up space for understory diversity.
Fun Fact: Trees that start smaller often grow faster because they spend less time overcoming transplant shock!
3. Seed Collection: Build Ecosystems and Revenue
While working in the field, arborists have a unique opportunity to collect seeds and cuttings from thriving trees and shrubs. This regenerative practice not only supports biodiversity but also creates a valuable side income. You can easily start a nursery in your backyard! (Check out the Arborist Blueprint Podcast with guest Kevin Barkhouse to learn more about starting a backyard nursery.)
How to Start:
Identify Strong Candidates: Observe healthy native plants producing seeds or cuttings during fieldwork.
Ethical Harvesting: Collect sparingly, ensuring there’s plenty left for natural propagation and wildlife.
Propagation: Use low-impact methods like cold stratification for seeds or organic rooting solutions (e.g., willow water) for cuttings.
Grow and Sell: Offer these native plants to clients or include them in larger ecosystem packages.
Revenue Tip: Host “Native Tree Planting Days” where clients can purchase your propagated plants and learn regenerative planting techniques.
Why Regenerative Practices Work for Arborists
By focusing on natural systems, diverse plantings, and sustainable propagation, arborists can create landscapes that are healthier for the planet and more attractive to clients. These practices not only reduce costs and environmental impact, but also open up new revenue streams for forward-thinking professionals.
Take Action Now and Join the Atmos Tree Alliance
We invite you to join the growing alliance of arborists making an impact right now. The Atmos Tree alliance is a community of like minded businesses committed to planting more trees than we remove with the 2:1 tREeCYCLE program. We accept small mandatory contributions from our 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 1500 trees (as of 2024). Together, we promote your green affiliation to attract new enviro conscious clients. 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! Best part is it doesn't cost you a dime! Please visit atmostree.org to request an invitation.
Kurt Stenberg, Regenerative Arborist
ISA PR-5709A
Founder, Atmos Tree
Creator, Arborist Blueprint Podcast
