Meet the Boss

Sam Spiers ND arb, RFS cert arb

“Since an early age, I have been drawn to the mystery and grandeur of those huge living organisms known as trees”

My Background

Like most young boys, I would wander off into the local woods and spend the day climbing trees and building dens. Although there was something embedded in me that went that bit further than simply a general interest. Some of my earliest memories are of helping my Dad and Uncle in woodland on a local farm. Mainly clearing the brambles or trying to light the bonfires, but under their watchful eye, they would let me cut the logs smaller for firewood. I would think nothing of a chainsaw now, but back then it was a very scary machine, and I loved it. I knew this is what I wanted to do when I was older. This interest stayed with me through to senior school where I did my work experience at a local Horticulture nursery. Potting the plants, watering, and even a chance to have a ride on their tractor.  I was in my element. I left school as an average achiever with average grades, but a drive and determination to follow my passion for trees all the way.

Training

Following school, I decided to undertake the one-year First Diploma in Forestry Mechanisation at Plumpton Agricultural College. It was a real insight into the world of Forestry and Arboriculture. I made some good like-minded friends on the course and passed with a Distinction. It felt like that this was just scratching the surface however and I needed to advance my knowledge further. So it seemed like common sense to study the two-year National Diploma in Arboriculture. Within these two years, I could feed my passion for trees and their environment and even learn Latin along the way. I made more great friends, as well as meeting my now wife Laura, who was also a student on the course. I left Plumpton College with a huge range of practical and academic qualifications. It was just the experience I needed to progress further.

Starting work

I started my first full-time job as a climber with a local tree surgery company. I was thrown straight into the deep end but was grateful for that, as I believe this is what accelerated my practical skills. I wasn’t the quickest climber back then, but I always took great pride in what I was doing and most importantly never lost respect for the trees I worked on. My boss soon acknowledged my capabilities and suggested putting me through a higher-level academic course. It was the Royal Forestry Society Certificate in Arboriculture. I passed the course with a much deeper understanding of Arboriculture.

My Own Business

After 7 years as a supervisor, I felt that I was ready to take the plunge and start up my own tree surgery company. Since then I have worked hard to beat the competition in terms of quality, care, and professionalism. I was even privileged enough to be asked back to college, this time teaching the Arboriculture Foundation degree students one day a week. A chance to share my knowledge and passion with like-minded individuals.

I will forever be a perfectionist when it comes to the care of trees and their environment. I believe this shows in the work that Town And Country Tree Services undertake.

I hope this gives you a brief history of my Tree Surgery and Arboricultural background.

All the best.
Sam Spiers  (ND Arb, RFS Cert Arb)