Welcome to the first of a new series, called “A Talk in the Trees with…” In each blog, we’ll be firing 10 quick questions at well-known arborists from all around the world. First up is our friend Jake Riggs, from Riggs Tree Service in Pennsylvania.
1. I became an arborist because…
I am a 3rd generation tree climber, both my father and grandfather were well established climbers in the Main Line (western suburbs of Philadelphia). I was working on weekends, spring and summer breaks since I was 13. I always enjoyed it, I was a timer at the Tree Climbing competitions when I was 8, climbed my first tree when I was 13, and never looked back. I love what I do.
2. My favourite tree is…
A white Oak. I love the shagged bark, and the ease you have climbing through the canopy. They are just strong and elegant, not much more you can say.
3. I won’t leave home without…
I will always have a saddle, boots, helmet and a rope in my truck at all times. I have spare gear in my truck for when I go away on vacation or traveling, you never know when you can get a rec climb in.
4. The perfect day at work would include…
Not a person complaining all day. When everyone is in a good mood, which is rare, the day goes by so fast when everyone is enjoying themselves. I know it’s hard work but there is no reason to make it miserable.
5. The worst part of my job is…
Bees! There is nothing worse than flying through the canopy, putting a re-direct in and spider down right into a white face hornet nest. Also, when you start putting a face cut in a hollow tree and you happen to hit the yellow jacket nest that you somehow avoided all day lowering, yeah, those are the fun ones.
6. The best slice of wisdom I can pass on is…
The best way to learn is by watching. This is key, even if you’re an aspiring climber, or you just want to stay on the ground. They key to learning is by watching and asking a lot of questions. I use to watch the best climbers, the best. I would always ask questions like; Why’d you do that? How’d you do that? where’d you tie that last limb up and why? There is no wrong question.
7. If I could hang out in a tree with one person (past/present/living/dead), it would be…
My old man when he was in his 20’s. I’ve heard from many people that he was great in the tree. I only saw him climb in his late 30’s, which was nothing short of amazing. It’s just not the same when you’re in your 20’s because you feel invincible and it’s all just fun and good sport no matter how hard the climb is.
8. The one tree I’d like to climb is…
The redwoods out in California. Hands down my goal in the next couple years. I’m ready for that climb, you’ll feel on top of the world.
9. If I wasn’t an arborist I’d be a…
Pilot, either a Helicopter or an Airline. You get to travel for free, stay in any hotel, get the best views in the house all the time. I did a semester for Private Pilot when I graduated High School, the regular school part wasn’t for me, but the piloting exams and simulators were awesome. But I could never go back and change me becoming an arborist, I love it.
10. True Tale or Tall Tale? Once upon a time I…
filled an entire knuckleboom log truck with stump grindings with my foreman. The plan was stump grind 4 or 5 stumps in the middle of a school yard, but the crane didn’t have enough counterweights or something, who knows. So now me and my foreman go there with a couple landscape trash cans and a roll cart and have to bring all the grindings through the school and onto the truck. It was a never ending pile of grindings.
