Abstract

FELIX ROBERT. 1987. Arboriculture: a career in search of employees. Am. Nurseryman 165(3): 59-60, 66-67.

“We’re looking for a few good men.” So says the recruiting campaign for the US Marine Corps. So is the tree care industry. The situation hasn't improved in the last 10 years. And based on the latest unemployment data as well as the projected numbers for the available labor force for the next 10 years, it isn't going to get better. In the Northeast, unemployment is close to 3 percent. If our economy continues to be strong, the unemployment rate will continue to stay low—and competition in the labor market will remain as tough as it is now, or get worse. Our labor force is very unstable. People come to work, decide they don't like tree work, and find better opportunities or leave for some other reason. As a consequence, turnover in the tree care industry is unbelievably high. High turnover is a very costly and dangerous problem. New people need to be trained—not only technically, but in safe practices as well. Tree work is hard work under all kinds of weather conditions. Why would anyone want to work hard when they can work easier or smarter for the same money—or more?

• © 1988, International Society of Arboriculture. All rights reserved.