GET TO KNOW YOUR LOCAL ARBORISTS

Who We Are

Why You Can Count On Us

At Seattle Tree Care, all our projects, from pruning to stump grinding and everything in between, are handled with exceptional Arborist care from one of our ISA Certified and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified Arborist project managers.

Our project managers use their years of experience, insight, and perspective from the tree service industry to create custom tree care solutions for each of our clients. Whether it’s helping a homeowner determine if it’s time to remove a tree or explaining what options a business owner has for trimming the trees lining their storefront, our Arborist Project Managers design tree service solutions that encourage Seattle’s urban forest to survive and thrive alongside Western Washington’s human residents.

In order to provide the top-notch service we are known for, we recruit and keep an incredible team. Our company offers livable wages, advancement opportunities, and paid trainings, along with great benefits. For you, this translates to peace of mind as you can rest assured that the Seattle Tree Care team working on your property is more than qualified for the job.

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WHY WE CARE

OUR CORE VALUES

  • 1

    We love trees

    Our love for trees unites us in practicing the art & science of tree care.

  • 2

    Everyone home safely

    When making decisions, we always prioritize safety first. Then we identify problems and implement solutions that maximize efficiency.

  • 3

    Focus on the client & all else will follow

    The foundation of our company is exceptional customer service. Today, we thrive by anticipating client needs.

  • 4

    Stay flexible

    At our core we are optimists. We see the challenges around us and know we will find solid solutions by working together and continuously improving.

  • 5

    Be honest

    We are fair, transparent, and we do the right thing. 

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Registered Tree Service Provider: LIC-TSP-18512

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Registered Tree Service Provider: 104

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Meet Our Team

Peter-Gruenwoldt

PETER GRUENWOLDT

Owner and Founder
ISA Certified Arborist PN-6127A
Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
Favorite Tree: Alpine Larch (Larix lyallii)

About Peter

Peter’s love for trees runs deep and started young. Growing up in a small Western Washington rural community, Peter started learning about trees at an early age alongside his father, a U.S Forest Service Forester and ISA Certified Arborist. Peter’s initial exposure to Forestry was on long hikes with his father cruising old growth timber stands and collecting data about spotted owl habitat. Climbing to the highest vantage point has always been second nature to Peter, and he spent many days of his youth rock climbing in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska and California. Peter studied Environmental Science at the University of Redlands, and then combined his love of climbing with his love of trees, and became a proficient and skilled tree climber working for several different companies in the Seattle area.

Knowing that there was an extra level of depth, sustainable practices and customer service he could provide, Peter founded Seattle Tree Care in 2006. A husband and father of three, Peter will always put your safety and the enjoyment of your property first. Peter is committed to creating the maximum benefit that trees and people share and is grateful to work with your amazing Seattle trees while practicing the art and science of responsible tree care.

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Kelsey-Gruenwoldt

KELSEY GRUENWOLDT

Seattle Tree Care Owner and CEO
ISA Certified Arborist PN-9267A
Favorite Tree: Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii)

About Kelsey

Kelsey is a fourth generation Seattle native with a great appreciation for this beautiful region. She earned her BA from the University of Washington in the Program on the Environment (2003), an interdisciplinary degree that included Forestry classes. In her studies of old growth forests she learned Tree Identification, Stand Management and Tree Assessment. Post University Kelsey worked as the Director of a local environmental company with a mission to help sustainable businesses grow. When her first child was on the way in 2007, Kelsey decided it was time to help build her own family business. She took her HR, bookkeeping and managerial skills, and put her energy into shaping and growing Seattle Tree Care.

To this day Kelsey loves making sure that the Seattle Tree Care team is at the ready to provide an outstanding experience for your tree care, because a lifetime spent in Seattle means Kelsey knows that when the sun shines we all want to enjoy the great outdoors!

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Flavia Onufrei

FLAVIA ONUFREI

Director of Operations
Favorite trees: Alpine larch (Larix lyallii) & flowering plum (Prunus triloba)

About Flavia

Originally from California, Flavia moved to Seattle in 2017 and joined Seattle Tree Care in spring of 2022. She’s worked in Operations in the tourism, hospitality, and food & beverage industries, but her roots are in tree care. Flavia’s PNW-based family are tree care professionals, and she grew up visiting them on jobsites. She’s an avid backpacker with a passion for our region’s unparalleled beauty, and loves planning long-distance hikes. She also loves baking, cooking, and reading dystopian sci-fi novels.

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Joe Garrity

Joe Garrity

Arborist Crew Production Manager
Favorite tree: Dawn redwood (Metasequoia)

About Joe

After working in financial planning & analysis for three years, Joe decided a career in finance wasn’t for him. Instead he chose to pursue tree climbing professionally, an beloved pastime of his since he was six years old. He spent a year and a half learning the ropes – literally – before joining the Seattle Tree Care team in 2018. Joe has worked his way up from Crew Member to Crew Lead and finally, after taking a paternity break to have his first child, to Production Manager. As Production Manager, Joe helps us efficiently match each project to the right crew and equipment. He puts to use his years of experience working with our specific strengths and abilities all while keeping a watchful eye on the safety of every member of our Arborist team. In his free time, Joe enjoys reading, hiking, and adventuring with his wife and daughter.

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Ethan Childs

ETHAN CHILDS

Project Manager & Plant Health Care Manager
ISA Certified Arborist PN-8693A
Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
WSDA Commercial Applicator #102553
Favorite Tree: Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)

About Ethan

Ethan moved to Seattle from New York State where he earned a B.S in Biology from SUNY Cortland in 2012. Upon completion of his bachelor’s degree he earned a M.S degree in Forestry and Natural Resource Science from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Ethan has a wide range of experience leading and working on projects centered on mycology, climate change, invasive insects, fire and forest ecology. He developed a love of trees by exploring the forests of the beautiful Adirondack mountains. In his free time Ethan enjoys a range of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and traveling. 

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Patrick Boyle

Patrick Boyle

Project Manager
ISA Certified Arborist PN-8918A
Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
American Society of Consulting Arborists Member
Favorite tree: Paperbark maple (Acer griseum)

About Patrick

Patrick Boyle is a native Oregonian who graduated from Oregon State University with dual Bachelor’s Degrees in horticulture and soil science in 2014. After earning his degrees Patrick quickly migrated to Washington State to manage ornamental greenhouses as a grower. After several years of working in the landscape space as both a field technician (residential) and in the office as a landscape analyst/estimator (commercial), Patrick was offered a new path as an Arborist. He is so grateful to have joined Seattle Tree Care in 2020, where he gets to work every day to help Puget Sound residents with their tree care needs. Patrick specializes in drone canopy inspection as an FAA Certified Remote Pilot. Patrick and his wife live in Everett with their two big dogs and cats. He enjoys family time activities such as longboarding with the pooches, hiking, and camping.

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Jason-Harmon

Jason Harmon

Project Manager
ISA Certified Arborist PN-8359A
Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
Favorite tree: Pacific dogwood (Cornus nutallii)

About Jason

Jason has perfected the art of wandering through his own backyard. Born just on the northern tip of Lake Washington, in Kenmore, Jason fell in love with trees while hiking a small section of the Pacific Crest Trail, a path he trekked with his father every year for 15 years. This love of trees was shared equally between father and son, who both became ISA Certified Arborists, proving, once and for all, that the apple does not fall far from the tree. The two ran their own tree service company until Jason’s father retired in 2021, and Jason found his way to the STC team. A place to work that feels like family was just what he was looking for. It didn’t hurt that STC has a fleet of the highest quality equipment in the industry. Jason, his wife Elizabeth, and their chihuahua, Quinn, can often be found road tripping, backpacking, and hiking together.

 

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Michael Moore

MICHAEL MOORE

Project Manager
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist #NJ-1162BT
Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
Favorite trees: Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) 

About Michael

Michael started his tree care career in his junior year of high school. Since then, he’s been climbing trees, running safety protocols, and managing crews in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and California. He earned his ISA Certification in 2013 and became an ISA Board Certified Arborist in 2020, which is the highest level certification in the industry. Arborists who are Board Certified undergo additional training and testing in tree appraisal, tree management plans, municipal code and policies, and industry ethics. He competed in professional tree-climbing competitions for three years and still enjoys climbing trees recreationally. When not climbing or working on his tree identification, you can find Michael outside mountaineering or inside tending to his bonsai collection and reading sci-fi and Norse mythology.

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Christina-Cameron

Christina Cameron

Associate Arborist
ISA Certified Arborist PN-9408A
WSDA Commercial Applicator #106489
Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
Favorite Tree: Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides)

About Christina

Christina’s hometown roots in Snohomish, WA grew into a passion for caring for Seattle’s trees. She joined our team after earning a degree in Environmental Science & Terrestrial Resource Management from the University of Washington in March 2021. She helped Seattle homeowners learn more about their trees by assessing the health of and providing feedback for street trees while working for Seattle’s Trees for Neighborhoods program, a city-run initiative that gives free trees to Seattle property owners. As Seattle Tree Care’s Operations Assistant, Christina helps organize the crews and equipment sent to each one of our job sites and pays extra attention to all the little details to ensure our clients are well taken care of. In her free time, Christina enjoys hiking, camping, and hanging out with her two cats, Millie and Remy.

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Jess Chaney

Jess Chaney

Office Administrator
Favorite Tree: Nothern Catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides)

About Jess

Jess was born and raised in a Kentucky house surrounded by giant oak trees that you could spot from miles away. Jess has lived all over the United States including New York and California. She has worked in customer service for more than a decade and has experience working with and for municipalities on the Permit and Engineer Support Team for the City of Pasadena. In her free time Jess enjoys tending to her crow friends, reading, and studying art and music.

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Mary-Gallant

Mary Gallant

Project Coordinator
Favorite Tree: Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica)

About Mary

Bio coming soon!

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Danielle-Palmer-Friedman

Danielle Palmer-Friedman

Marketing Coordinator
Favorite Tree: Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle)

About Danielle

Danielle was raised in southwest Florida (you may notice her roots showing in her favorite tree pick!) and moved to the greater Seattle area as a teenager. Ever since, she’s felt at home among the snow capped mountains and miles of lush green trees that surround the city. She graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in English Literature, and while she may be new to the world of tree care, she has almost a decade of customer service experience and looks forward to working with the Seattle Tree Care family. In her free time, Danielle enjoys writing, cooking, eating, reading, and hosting gatherings of friends and family.

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George Bruno

Yard Manager
Favorite Tree: New Jersey White Oak (Quercus alba)

About George

George has been working with trees since he was 14 years old. Experienced in all aspects of tree care, he is Seattle Tree Care’s #1 jack of all trades.  The right tool for the job is what George is all about and he makes sure every tool that is used on your property is working properly and is sharp! A great mentor, George helps new crew members realize the Seattle Tree Care mission: Respect for property, trees, and a job well done.

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James-Morlidge

James Morlidge

Fleet Coordinator & Mechanic
Favorite Tree: Weeping willow (Salix babylonica)

About James

A transplant from Crowthorne, England, James Merlidge moved to Sammamish in 2015. He spent his childhood in the garden with his mother and grandfather. Somewhere between all the weeding and hole digging, James pruned his first tree. Fast forward to today: James felt compelled to channel his love and skill for mechanics into work with Seattle Tree Care. In his free time, you can find James working on his 1977 F150, driving around in his Subaru, camping, and playing with his dog, Reggie.

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Marcus-Leitch

Marcus Leitch

Production Coordinator
ISA Certified Arborist PN-8856A
Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
Favorite tree: Deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara)

About Marcus

The Seattle area has been Marcus’ home for the past 22 years. Before joining Seattle Tree Care in 2022, Marcus spent almost a decade working for a local tree care service company as a crew member and leader. He has strong experience with tree climbing, tree service equipment and repairs, and industry safety regulations. In his free time, Marcus enjoys snowboarding, surfing, camping, and fly fishing. 

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Chase-Burum

Chase Burum

Arborist Crew Lead
Incidental Line Clearance Arborist
Favorite Tree: Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

About Chase

Chase has been with Seattle Tree Care since 2016, prior to which he worked for the City of Everett Parks and Rec on a tree crew. He loves the opportunity for learning new skills that comes from working for a private company. Chase has a passion for working outdoors and always has a smile on his face. In his free time he enjoys hiking, juggling and shooting.

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Adam Shahan

Arborist Crew Lead
ISA Certified Arborist PN-8796A
Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
Favorite Tree: Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)

About Adam

Adam loves being able to work outside every day. He enjoys spending his free time drawing comics, surfing, skateboarding, bike touring, and playing chess.

 

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Moises Lorenzo.

Moises Lorenzo

Arborist Crew Lead
ISA Certified Arborist PN-9604A
Incidental Line Clearance Arborist
Favorite Tree: European oak (Quercus robur)

About Moises

From a small town in northwest Spain, Moises joins Seattle Tree Care with a wealth of experience about trees and tree maintenance garnered from his father, who was a lifetime sawyer. Moises is passionate about trees and everything outdoors as he spends his time playing soccer, swimming, hiking, and bonding with friends and family.  

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Sarah-George

Sarah George

Arborist Crew Lead
ISA Certified Arborist PN-9308A
Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
Line Clearance Certified
Favorite tree: Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa)

About Sarah

Born in South Padre Island, Texas, Sarah George got her start in tree care in Montana. She spent two years working line clearance for a power company before returning to Seattle. Inspired to learn more about the art and science of tree care, Sarah joined the STC team in 2021 as our first female climber. When Sarah isn’t at the top of a tree, she enjoys running, backcountry skiing, and biking around Seattle with multiple stops for coffee, ice cream, and tacos. Or, you can find her at home with her tree-climbing husband and their two cats, Tulip and Búho.

 

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Russell-Durfee

Russell Durfee

Arborist Crew Lead
Electrical Hazards Awareness Program (EHAP)
Favorite Tree: Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)

About Russell

Russell hails from our sister state, Colorado, where he lived until 2021. With family in the Seattle area, Russell used to visit often and always enjoyed the weather and the views. Now, he gets to experience them daily as a Seattle Tree Care Crew Leader and Climber. Even though Russell is new to the Pacific Northwest, he’s no stranger to tree care. He’s been in the industry since 2009 and sees the value in tree work for having both flowers and thorns, just like his favorite tree. In his free time you can find Russell skiing, hiking, swimming, or searching for a relaxing place to grab some good food and live music. 

 

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Jeremy-M-Jones

Jeremy M Jones

Arborist Crew Lead
Electrical Hazards Awareness Program (EHAP)
Favorite tree: Monkey puzzle (Araucaria araucana)

About Jeremy

Jeremy M Jones was born in Oneonta, New York, and joined the Seattle Tree Care team shortly after his brother, Donta’, in 2020. Jeremy is excited to continue his work in tree care after moving to Seattle. While not working, Jeremy enjoys playing basketball, fishing, and relaxing.

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Sean-Gaddis

Sean Gaddis

Horticultural Crew Lead
Favorite tree: Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa)

About Sean

Sean Gaddis, who signed onto the Seattle Tree Care team in 2020, is a plant lover hailing from Columbus, Ohio. He runs a small gardening business on the side, and also works as a King County Master Gardener, the Washington State University’s volunteer force of research-based and environmentally-friendly horticulture experts. Through that program and his own company, Sean educates his community about science-based gardening practices that often include tree management. When asked what his favorite tree was, he couldn’t pick just one! When Sean isn’t working or contributing to his community, he enjoys gardening (of course!) and knitting.

 

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Nick-Banks

Nick Banks

Arborist Grounds Crew
Favorite Tree: Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica)

About Nick

Nick loves working in the beautiful Pacific Northwest as a Ground Crew Member for Seattle Tree Care. Nick was born and raised in Seattle. He enjoys the fishing, hiking and sailing that this area has to offer.

 

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Ryleigh-Hartung

Ryleigh Hartung

Arborist Apprentice Climber
Favorite tree: Madrona (Arbutus menziesii)

About Ryleigh

Ryleigh has been working in tree care since 2014. He chipped a branch and immediately knew: This was the industry for him. Ryleigh enjoys the comradery of his STC teammates and the variety of projects he gets to see in the field. A Seattleite through and through, Ryleigh makes music in his spare time, explores the hidden hideaways in our fair city, and tries to support his community however he can.

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Donta Jones

Arborist Climber
Favorite tree: October Glory Maple (Acer rubrum)

About Donta

Donta’ Jones was born in New York, New York, but traded in the city that never sleeps to be sleepless with us here in Seattle. Donta’ finds great joy in seeing each tree project completed. A lover of fishing, hiking, and football, he is also an illustrator who draws cartoons and portraits.

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Peter-Olthoff

Peter Olthoff

Arborist Grounds Crew
Applicator's License
WSDA Commercial Applicator #105751
Favorite Tree: Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla)

About Peter

Devan Nelson, hailing from Chesapeake, Virginia, joined the Seattle Tree Care crew in 2020. Devan loves getting to work outdoors, the chance to learn new skills, and the encouraging environment his team members create. Devan is a proud gardener who enjoys spending the day in the yard caring for his zucchini, peas, peppers, kale, and tomatoes. He is also a fan of almost every outdoor sport, from snowboarding in the winter to wakeboarding in the summer. If it gets him moving, Devan is on it.

 

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Richard-Rogers

Richard Rogers

Arborist Apprentice Climber
Favorite tree: Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica)

About Richard

As a rock climber, Richard was already familiar with rigging and rope work, so it seemed like a natural choice to pursue a career in tree care. He joined the STC team in 2021 after a little encouragement from his friend, Mark, one of STC’s Climbers. Besides getting to work outdoors and revel in the PNW’s beauty, Richard enjoys the kindness and consideration his teammates show him on the daily. In his spare time, Richard enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and traveling.

 

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Justin-Thyer-Aspiri

Justin Thyer Aspiri

Arborist Climber
Favorite tree: TBD

About Justin

Justin’s been chopping wood since he was six years old. He carries the tradition of tree work down from his father, who was a forest fire fighter in his 20s. After his father taught Justin tree climbing a few years ago, they worked alongside each other doing tree work on Vashon Island before Justin started his own enterprise caring for tree and selling firewood on the island. A bicycle enthusiast, Justin has movement in his veins. He’s lived in the Philippines, Spain, and Montana, and travels as much as possible with his wife. Justin has found community and support in the tree care industry and values the wealth of knowledge of each individual he works with.

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Keaton-Grimm

Keaton Grimm

Arborist Apprentice Climber
Favorite tree: Madrone (Arbutus)

About Keaton

Keaton moved to Seattle in 2018 from Missouri, where he was born, to pursue his love of photography, an art he has real talent for. He had two years of tree care experience before joining the Seattle Tree Care team in 2022. His favorite trees are the Deodar cedar, a tree he and his brothers planted in tribute to their father. He also loves the fall colors of the aspen, and the sound they make quaking in the wind. Tree care gives him the opportunity to learn something new every day, and the diversity of trees and problem solving keeps his motivation spurring. In his free time, Keaton is an avid outdoorsman, finding photogenic hikes on ambitious backpacking trips.

Favorite tree: Deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara)

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Emma Zimmerman Greenlee

Emma Zimmerman Greenlee

Arborist Grounds Crew
Favorite tree: Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

About Emma

Emma returned home to the Puget Sound region and joined our team in 2022 after earning her Masters in environmental conservation from the University of Massachusetts Amherst where she also earned her Bachelors. What brought her back to the great Pacific Northwest? A love of trees, specifically the Douglas Fir. After spending years in Massachusetts forests, Emma missed the density of the forests at home, where she could walk into the woods and feel embraced by the trees. Emma loves working on the Seattle Tree Care team because it gives her the opportunity to always be moving and learning something new. In her free time, Emma enjoys indoor (for now!) rock climbing, reading mystery novels, and crocheting.

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Arne Barrans

Arne Barrans

Arborist Apprentice Climber
Favorite tree: Monkey puzzle (Araucaria araucana)

About Arne

Arne joined the Seattle Tree Care team in 2022 after spending a season as a sawyer while wildland firefighting. Currently studying for a degree in fire science, Arne grew up running a saw on his parents’ property in Ellensburg and was happy to return to tree work. In his free time, Arne enjoys everything outdoors: hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and snowboarding.

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Ricky

Ricky

Favorite tree: Southern Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)

About Ricky

Ricky hails from Virginia. The switch from the East coast to the Pacific Northwest was an obvious one for Ricky, who loves the access to nature and grandeur of the mountains we enjoy in our Emerald City. In his free time, Ricky enjoys playing the piano, hiking, and running.

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Cameron Stecki (1)

Cameron Stecki

Arborist Grounds Crew
Favorite tree: Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata)

About Cameron

Cameron, originally from Portland, Oregon, joined the Seattle Tree Care team in 2023 to start his new career in urban forestry. After spending over a decade in the military, Cameron followed his passion for the environment and the growing climate emergency by transitioning into the environmental sector by earning his Master’s of Forest  Resource Management at the University of Washington with an emphasis on urban forests and forest climate adaptation. He appreciates trees for their significance in the fight against climate change and enjoys adding practical knowledge to his classroom education while caring for our urban forest on the STC team. In his free time, Cameron enjoys training for triathlons, backcountry skiing, backpacking, and mountaineering with his dog, Bjørn.

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Kyle Cormick

Kyle Cormick

Arborist Grounds Crew
Favorite tree: Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)

About Kyle

Bio coming soon...

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Seattle Tree Care is an Arbor Day Foundation partner, donating a portion of proceeds to offset our carbon footprint through tree planting programs.