We sat down with the owner, Jon Barfield, of Climb Tree Services for a Q&A.
How did Climb Tree Services start?
Climb Tree Services started in the summer of 2015. I had one foot in the world of psychology and one foot in the world of arboriculture. It’s always been that way really; people and nature–finding the interfaces.
In 2015 I was at a crossroads: move to a city where I could teach as a professor for a low wage in an expensive town, or stay in the rural western slope mountains and live a more simple life. I fancied myself as a mountain man, albeit at this point I was a mountain man covered in princess stickers, because my daughter was 2 years old. I think it was her, my daughter, that really was the reason I started Climb Tree Services.
Tell me about your team and the day to day operations.
Climb Tree Services took off rapidly–more rapidly than I expected. This is because there was a definite need for quality tree services in Ridgway, Montrose, and Ouray. As word quickly got out, I had to hire employees. In that process, I trained a team of highly skilled guys. I think I got a bit lucky. The right guys came–Jake and Parker–and learned the ropes. Now they are my crew leaders with more ISA credentials than me! These are the guys who get the work done daily. These are the guys who my clients call and email me about every week and say, “wow, your crew leaders are amazing! And your team works so efficiently and well together!”
Do you offer a wide range of services? If so, what are they?
Climb Tree Services offers a wide range of tree services in Montrose, Ridgway, and Ouray. From tree consultation, tree planting, tree pruning and tree removals, and tree health care, we do it all. We try to preserve trees, try to educate about trees, and try to bring trees to people’s attention. From a large forestry job on a ranch to pruning ornamental trees in Montrose, we have the skills and equipment to get it done right.
What separates Climb! from the other tree care companies?
What separates Climb! from other tree care companies is that we have served over 3,000 clients around Montrose, Ridgway, and Ouray. We have seen a bunch of small companies come and go, but we are in it for the long haul. Also, I think what separates us is the value our clients get. It’s true we are not always the cheapest, but the quality of work we offer for the cost is unbeatable. From communications with Meg, our office manager, to a sales meeting with myself or Jake, to the crew coming out and getting the work done in a professional and timely manner with detailed clean-up. You can expect a professional job all around.
What does the future hold for Climb Tree Services?
Climb Tree Services is in a state of growth. We are currently building a new shop and recently picked up a new bucket truck. The biggest area of growth, however, is in tree health care. Almost every day we have an arborist running around diagnosing and treating tree disorders.
