I am Adam Servin with ATS Tree Services in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. I started my business about thirteen and a half years ago with a truck and a chainsaw. It was during Hurricane Sandy. Trees had come down everywhere, and people were blocked into their driveways. They could not leave their homes. I went out and began cutting them out so they could get on with their day. That was when I realised this could become a full-time business. We kept going from there, growing through different types of work and building a career that I care deeply about.
We started with storm clean-ups, then moved into removals and trimming. Over the past couple of years, we have added planting and plant health care, too. What began as just me has become two, sometimes three, crews depending on how we organise each week. We now have eight crew members and are looking to bring on a few more. It is exciting to watch this company grow.
Why I choose this career every morning
My family is the reason I get up and do what I do. I have a wife, Erin, and three children who are nine, seven and four. They inspire me to work hard and build a future for them that is solid and dependable.
I also get up for my crew. We have a great group of guys who support each other and work well together. Some of them joined us without any experience in arboriculture. We trained them from the start. Seeing them gain a good skill set and keep improving is a big part of what makes this worthwhile. They are building careers that support their own families, and that means a lot to me.
For anyone thinking about becoming an arborist
If someone is on the fence about entering this industry, find a quality company that is the right fit. Look for mentorship, a path to improve and a workplace culture that encourages learning.
Industry events like TCI Expo help take that growth further. Here you can see new gear, try new equipment, meet friends and make new ones too. There are classes that build your knowledge and a big feeling of support. One of the things I have found in this industry is how friendly and welcoming it is. When tree services are right next door, it can feel competitive. But when you come to events like this, you realise we are all trying to learn and grow together.
Making it an industry for everyone
Right now, we do not have female climbers on our team. My wife is involved in our social media and partnerships, but I would love to see more women climbing and working in this field. jaI think some women may look at the industry and think it is only for men. We need to help change that perception. This is an industry for everyone. With the way tools and PPE have evolved, you do not have to be the strongest one on the crew. We have equipment that makes the work smarter and safer. The goal is to produce great work while protecting your body over the long term.
Safety is everything
Tree work can be risky. There is no hiding from that. We work with saws, heights and heavy wood. One mistake can change everything. We had an incident where a crew member was bucking limbs and caught his chainsaw trousers. The saw sliced through the protective fibres but did not reach his leg. If it had gone deeper, it could have struck his femoral artery. We could have lost him that day. Instead, he walked away without injury. That one pair of trousers saved a life.
Since then, and even before that, we made it a rule that chainsaw protection stays on all day. No exceptions. It is not something you put on just for the big cuts. The cost of PPE is always worth it when you think about the cost of someone getting hurt.
Why Arbortec is our trusted gear
We have tried different brands over the years. Arbortec stands out for durability, fit and comfort. Their clothing is made for arborists. When our crew arrives on a job site, people notice that we look professional. That matters. We are not in blue jeans with torn shirts. We show up looking like a skilled and serious team.
My favourite products are the Vented chainsaw trousers and the Breatheflex Pro jacket. The jacket fits well for guys with broader shoulders. It looks sharp and feels comfortable when working in the tree. The trousers give us the protection we need while keeping us moving freely. When you spend long days climbing and handling saws, those details count.
Some of our team prefer bold colour styles. Others like a clean, professional look. The thing I appreciate is that Arbortec allows individuality while keeping everyone safe. It helps the team feel confident and still look like a unit.
What does Live the TreeLife mean to me
Arbortec has a phrase. Live the TreeLife. To me, that describes what this career becomes. We spend more waking hours outdoors with our crew than we do inside. We face challenges, make decisions that matter and take pride in every project we complete.
To Live the TreeLife is to love what you do. If you are not happy in your job, it might be time to find something else that gives you energy and motivation. This industry is a fantastic place to be. Who does not enjoy being outside and working with nature?
As for my children, I want them to follow what they are passionate about. If they choose this life, I would be happy to support them. If they choose another career, that is just as great. I simply want them to enjoy the work they end up doing.
Looking ahead
There is a lot more that ATS and Arbortec can do together. I am excited to see what comes next. Technology keeps improving. Safety gear gets better all the time. There is a growing focus on training, inclusivity and professionalism. The future of this industry is strong.
If you are thinking about entering the tree care world, this is a great time to get started. Look for the right team. Learn every day. Use the correct safety gear. Grow your skills and grow your career. There is a place for you here if you want it.
Bring on 2026. I cannot wait to see where this takes us next.
Adam Servin
ATS Tree Services, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Proud Arbortec Ambassador
