Tree Barber's owner, Paul Rider, has always been an avid outdoorsman. As a native Southern Californian, he learned how valuable trees are to our lifestyle. His first job was working for a local landscaping company. After learning the art of landscaping, he decided to pursue his passion for the care of trees.
His first tree service company, Rider Landscaping and Tree Service, was established in Orange County in 1977. After selling Rider Tree Service in 1983, Paul and his wife Crystal moved to San Diego and established Tree Barber Enterprises. Paul graduated from Cuyamaca College's horticulture program, became licensed, and earned his ISA Certified Arborist credentials, as well as becoming a licensed pesticide specialist.
As one of North County's first Certified Arborists, he has had the opportunity to participate in many exciting projects. Paul enjoyed being the Certified Arborist commissioned to select, cut, and transfer the Capital Christmas Tree for the White House in 1993. He has served as the President of the Professional Tree Care Association and participated in many educational events for the community, including education for our local schools on Arbor Day!
Paul and Crystal's son, Luke, worked countless hours alongside his dad growing up. Tree Barber has many loyal clients who remember Luke as a toddler accompanying Paul on estimates. Luke's interest has always been in horticulture and the environment. He wasn't just concerned for trees but for people as well. He spent 17 years in Africa serving the underprivileged. He assisted and trained locals with many programs, including horticulture and farming.
Having Luke join Tree Barber as a Certified Arborist is a dream come true. He is dedicated to providing the same expert, quality care, and customer satisfaction his dad established in Tree Barber for the past 40 years!
An arborist, by definition, is essentially a professional that works in the tree care industry. Having the title of arborist does not mean the person is qualified, experienced, and trained in all arboriculture practices.
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) arborist certification measures an individual’s knowledge in all aspects needed for proper tree care. When a professional becomes an ISA Certified Arborist, they should be recognized as a tree care professional who has achieved an expert level of knowledge in tree biology, diagnosis, maintenance practices, safety, and other subject areas within the tree care profession. They must also continue their education to maintain their certification, ensuring they are up to date on the newest techniques in arboriculture.