When stateside at the TCI Expo last year, we got to meet and hang out with an awesome bunch of people. One of them is Mike Teti. Hailing from Philadelphia, a region that is still home, Mike has been a tree climber for 25 years. He says he’s been blessed with all the opportunities life as a climber offers. It has taken him to the top of the tallest trees, to the most beautiful locations and provided enough happy memories for a lifetime. Mike says it was also “directly responsible for meeting my beautiful wife and Mother of my two precious boys”.
To the questions…
1. I became an Arborist because…
My passion for the great outdoors and the physicality of the job. Even after all these years, no two days are the same.
2. My favourite tree is…
Dawn Redwood.
3. I can’t leave home without…
My awareness.
4. The perfect day at work would include…
Mild temps and sunshine. Large canopies and a fun crew.
5. The worst part of my job is...
Cold rain, Poison Ivy and Bees.
6. The best slice of wisdom I can pass on is...
Be passionate about what you do. It’s the things you do after dark that will make your a better arborist; reading, rec climbing and tinkering with gear.
7. If I could hang out in a tree with one person (past/present/living/dead), it would be…
My Grandfather. I believe him to be the one to instill the love of the outdoors in me.
8. The one tree I’d like to climb is…
Eucalyptus Tree. Not sure why. It was my first thought and some of the pictures I’ve seen are amazing.
9. If I wasn’t an arborist I’d be a…
Climber of some sort. Couldn’t imagine life without it.
10. True Tale or Tall Tall Tale? Once upon a time I…
…if ya really want to know, catch up with me and buy me a beer. I’ll tell ya about it! Hint: It involves alcohol and an alligator.
TO BE CONTINUED…………(after the editor gets the chance to take Mike to the pub. A story with an alligator and alcohol needs to be told).