Certified Treecare Safety Professionals (CTSPs) are the backbone of a safer, more professional tree care industry. With over 3,000 credentialed experts across the country, these safety champions set the standard for crew training, jobsite safety, and leadership.
Whether on the ground or in the classroom, CTSPs are
making a lasting impact—one day at a time.
We recently asked CTSPs to share their perspectives about being a CTSP and what inspires them in their roles. Here’s what they told us about why being a CTSP matters…
“Being a CTSP means you’ve made a choice—that safety, continuous growth, and the development of others are pillars of your unique value proposition.” – James Retzlaff, CTSP, Parshall Tree Care Experts, Nunica, MI
“Being a CTSP has deepened my understanding of how leadership and safety intertwine to shape culture and influence behaviors. It’s not just about having knowledge; it’s about applying that knowledge to inspire and guide others toward a safer, more effective way of working.
This isn’t about checking a box or enforcing rules; it’s about fostering an environment where safety becomes part of the culture, where teams feel supported and empowered to work smarter and safer.” – David Vincent, CTSP, QT, Allendale, MI
“It is one of the few industry credentials that exemplifies and promotes leadership skills while measuring growth through continuing education. Instead of simply attending training sessions for CEUs, you must also take the lead in driving positive change.” – Joe Hansen, CTSP, Village of Wilmette, Wilmette, IL
“We are the exemplars of the industry. It initially surprised me that now the product workers held me to a higher standard. As a BCMA/CTSP, I can’t just grab a saw to help out—leg protection first; my chinstrap needs to be secured. Our credentials are the obtainable goal of professionalism for the new cohort.” – John P. Sanborn, CTSP, Crawford Tree & Landscape Services, Inc., Milwaukee, WI
“Being a CTSP means dedication and a commitment to improving safety throughout the entire tree care industry—and creating a culture of safety that improves and encourages it for everyone on the jobsite.” – Tyler A. Drown, CTSP, The Davey Tree Expert Company, Uniontown, OH
“Being a CTSP means being better equipped for the ever-changing role of leadership in the arboriculture field. I’ve watched as countless innovations in science, safety, equipment, tooling, and methods have evolved over the years. Staying on top of these changes while being able to articulate them to adult learners—and implementing the safest, most effective processes for my team—is integral to our growth.
CTSP training helps wrap together educator, leadership, problem-solving, risk management, and role-processing tasks into a format that’s palatable, scalable, and repeatable. Being a CTSP helps me ensure I’m equipped to teach, lead, motivate, and grow my company in a safe and meaningful way. – Brandon Wayne Pankey, CTSP, Blue Pine Works LLC, Pine City, MN
Build a Culture of Safety: TCIA helps tree care companies build a strong safety culture, reduce risks, and protect their workforce through safety courses in the Tree Care Academy, certifications like the Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP) and other resources to create a culture of safety and a safer industry for all. Explore safety resources and certifications.
If you’re a TCIA member, you can access all your tools and resources here. Not a member, click here to learn ways TCIA can help advance your tree care business.
