Ty Brand

Ty has been in the industry for many years and has learned and trained with some of the highest-level arborists in the Southwest. He has created this business not only to continue enjoying the trade but also to develop a lifestyle that surrounds his passion. He takes pride in his customers and strives to provide opportunities for them to understand the importance of trees, how to maintain their health, and how to develop a sustainable lifespan. Ty specializes in technical rigging, climbing, high-risk removals, pruning, hazard mitigation, and education.

Kelsey

Kelsey has lived and worked in the Southwest for most of her life. She finds joy in working with a diversity of trees and embodying a passion for learning and integrating ways that honor the health of the tree. She seeks to find holistic and long-term solutions to tree care, including soil health, companion planting, succession planting, and creative integrated pest management strategies (IPM). Kelsey takes joy and pride in connecting with each tree and the customers that steward them. She is a tree climber, ISA Certified Arborist, specializes in orchard/fruit tree care, and has a budding passion for aesthetic pruning.

Wade

Wade comes from a small town nestled beside the great Sandia Mountains in New Mexico. He is no stranger to the wild aspects of the Southwest, as he's always found joy in hunting, exploring, and roughing it to ensure a fully encapsulated experience. He has recently made his way to the Verde Valley and is eager to call this incredible area his home. For the better part of three years, Wade has cultivated a passion for Arboriculture, which has elicited a newfound embrace of the lifestyle of a professional tree worker rather than just a career. He strives to achieve a Technical Tree Cutting and Felling Certification, an ISA Certified Arborist Certification, and his "Red Card" with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group. Furthermore, Wade aims to learn the specifics of management, operations, and logistics of a professional tree company while also working towards becoming a Wildland Firefighter. Wade is an integral member of the Climb It High team and always brings with him an outstanding work ethic and a natural sense of integrity.

Paul

Paul Forshtay hails from Ohio and found a home in Arizona as early as 2011, making it his permanent residence in 2016. During this time, he's found solace in close friendships, explored and admired the beautiful landscape of the Verde Valley, and actively sought opportunities to build cohesion with the people of the community. He found his love and purposeful work in Arboriculture and has been joyfully doing so since 2017. He has learned to confidently and faithfully succeed in upholding the highest quality care and integrity for the trees and our clients. Paul has been climbing for Climb It High for over a year and loves the people he works with. He loves every minute of growing with his peers in the profession and is always eager to conquer new heights.

Kirsten

At her core, Kirsten is a lover of trees! An ISA-certified arborist for the past five years, she approaches this role with immense gratitude. Deeply connected to her work, Kirsten combines a scientific understanding with an intuitive touch in her stewardship. Her expertise extends to artistic pruning, technical trimming, and full removals. When tasked with removing trees, Kirsten approaches the process with thoughtful care, ensuring it is done lovingly and with great respect.

Simon

Simon holds a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering and five years of experience in the manufacturing industry. Along with 10 years of rock climbing experience, Simon has seamlessly transitioned into the world of tree care. These skills combined offer unique advantages for technical rigging, large removals, and specialized pruning.

Serena

Serena is an aspiring arborist with a deep passion for environmental sustainability and agroforestry. Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agroforestry, Serena is dedicated to merging ecological responsibility with the arboricultural industry, ensuring a greener future for generations to come. Originally from the Big Island of Hawaii, Serena’s journey with plants and nature began at an early age. After spending time in Washington State, where her love for gardening flourished, she eventually moved to Arizona, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and experience. Growing up with parents who own one of the largest PSDA gardens in the Pacific Northwest, Serena was immersed in the beauty of horticulture and the importance of sustainable practices. This upbringing shaped her deep respect for the natural world and her commitment to fostering harmony between people and plants. Beyond her professional ambitions, Serena is a hardworking, down-to-earth individual who finds joy in life’s simple pleasures. She approaches life with warmth and enthusiasm. Known for her kind-hearted nature, she strives to bring smiles to those around her and share her love for nature with everyone she meets. On any job site, you’ll likely catch her waving to animals and plants, embodying her deep-rooted connection to the environment. Passionate about growth—both personal and professional— Serena is committed to earning every certification possible to refine her skills and expertise. Her mission is to educate and inspire others, fostering a greater understanding of agroforestry and its role in a sustainable future. With an unwavering dedication to her craft and a heart full of purpose, Serena is poised to make a lasting impact in the field of arboriculture.

OUR CREW