I didn’t set out to become an arborist—I found my way into the profession almost by accident.

While attending Principia College, I enrolled in a Sugarbush Management course, where I learned the fundamentals of tree biology and began exploring the relationship between healthy forests, responsible management, and long-term stewardship. My advisor encouraged me to explore arboriculture, telling me, “I don’t know anything about landscaping, but I can teach you anything you want to know about trees.” That conversation changed the direction of my career.

I graduated with a degree in Environmental Resource Management, with a focus on sustainable forestry and arboriculture. After returning to Northern Michigan, I worked for a small tree-care company and later became the owner of Read Tree Service, which I operated for nearly a decade.

As my career evolved, I became increasingly interested in Plant Health Care, tree diagnostics, soil health, and the science of preserving mature trees—not simply responding after problems become severe or removing trees when other options may exist.

Today, I founded UFT Tree Care Specialists with one goal: to help homeowners better understand their trees and make informed, science-based decisions that improve the health and longevity of their landscapes.