City Trees is a premier publication focused on urban + community forestry. In each issue, you’ll learn how to best manage the trees in your community and more!
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/84984
SMA Member, Hong Kong Arborist, and Tree Climber – Donald Lee Picker – Honored as "True Professional" by International Society of Arboriculture CHAMPAIGN, Ill (August 2012) Donald Lee Picker, an ISA Certified Arborist, tree and also create a safer work environment." climber and CEO of Asia Tree Preservation, Ltd., in Fanling, Hong Kong, has been named a "True Professional of Arboriculture" by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). The True Professional recognition program honors arborists and tree care professionals for their positive impact on the industry in and around their communities. ISA President Colin Bashford paid tribute to Picker at a ceremony in Portland, Ore., as part of the ISA Annual Conference and Trade Show, held August 11—15, 2012. "Don grew up in the central United States, where he established himself as an arborist and business owner, but he didn't rest on that success alone," says Bashford. "He was called to teach the best practices of the industry in another part of the world and has been expos- ing tree climbers in Southeast Asia to modern safety practices in arboriculture for the better part of a decade." Picker, who speaks three Chinese languages, first moved his family to South China in the late 1980s. There he not only established his busi- ness, but coordinated the translation and pub- lishing of the first-ever Tree Climbers' Guide in Chinese. Picker is the co-founder of the annual International Arboriculture Summit in Hong Kong 國際樹木會議-香港 (www.ias.hk) and actively lob- bies for the acceptance of safer work practices as a member of the ISA Safety Committee. "There is a great need for a special focus on safe- ty in Hong Kong, as in many countries, where in some cases no helmets are worn and safety belts are not attached," says Picker. "The government is still uncertain about accepting rope access for climbing, but our efforts continue to impact labor where safe practices are concerned. We are committed to providing educational programs to raise the standards of arboriculture practices www.urban-forestry.com Picker is one of five members in the 2012 Class of True Professionals. fessional skills of today's arborists. Nominees selected for recognition represent various back- grounds as ISA Certified Arborists, urban forest- ers and performance artists—all advancing the cause of the industry. Manage m™ re with less…with Soil Moist™ Mycorrhizal without Mycorrhizal with Nothing helps stretch budgets like Soil Moist Water Management Polymers and Mycorrhizal Products: to reduce water maintenance and plant stress, increase growth rates, improve soil porosity and do more with less… beautifully. Available in the forms, formulas and customer blends you need, eco-safe Soil Moist granules,disks, tabs and spikes absorb water, then release it gradually as soil dries. So each watering lasts up to 50% longer, for 3-5 years. Whether it's original Soil Moist, Soil Moist Mycorrhizal for strong root development, or Soil Moist Plus nutrient blends, there's never been a better time to call for technical data and expert advice. JRM Chemical, Inc. 4881 NEO Parkway, Cleveland, OH 44128 1-800-926-4010 • 216-475-8488 fax: 216-475-6517 www.soilmoist.com launched the recogni- tion program in 2009 to increase public understanding of arbo- riculture and the pro- ISA 27