Pick of the Bunch: Ash, Arboricultural Technical Manager at Glendale

At Glendale, our people are at the centre of everything we do. This month, we are introducing Ash, Arboricultural Technical Manager, whose career has taken him from climbing trees to leading a growing team of arboricultural specialists.

With more than 12 years of experience across contract arboriculture, consultancy and leadership, Ash now helps shape the future of Glendale’s arboricultural services while supporting the people around him to develop and succeed.

Leading People and Building Confidence

For Ash, the most rewarding part of the job is seeing others grow.

Helping colleagues build confidence, develop new skills and achieve their goals is what motivates him every day. While arboriculture is built on technical knowledge and practical expertise, Ash believes that investing in people is just as important.

The variety of the role also keeps every week interesting. One day may involve meeting clients, another could be spent supporting the team through a technical challenge or identifying new ways to improve how the business operates.

No Two Days Are the Same

If Ash had to describe his working life to a friend, he would call it “organised chaos”.

There is always something happening, with priorities changing throughout the day. Managing client relationships, supporting the team, overseeing projects and driving improvements all require flexibility and strong organisation.

Rather than seeing this as a challenge, Ash enjoys the pace. The constant variety means every day brings new opportunities to solve problems and make progress.

Success Is a Team Effort

The moments that bring Ash the greatest satisfaction are those shared with the team.

Winning new contracts, receiving positive client feedback and watching colleagues grow in confidence all stand out as career highlights. Building a positive culture where people work together and support one another is something he values highly.

And, as Ash jokingly points out, the arrival of the sandwich van certainly helps brighten the working day too.

From Climbing Arborist to Technical Manager

Ash’s career began as a climbing arborist more than 12 years ago before he joined the British Army.

After leaving the military, he returned to the arboricultural industry, working in contract arboriculture before progressing into tree surveying and consultancy. As his experience grew, he found himself enjoying leadership just as much as the technical aspects of the profession.

Stepping into management became a natural progression, allowing him to combine practical knowledge with mentoring, planning and business development.

Discovering a New Direction

Management was never part of Ash’s original career plan.

For many years, he expected to spend his career climbing trees and working on site, something he thoroughly enjoyed. Over time, however, he recognised that arboriculture offered many different career paths beyond climbing.

He discovered a passion for leading people, developing teams and taking a broader view of projects and business growth. Looking back, he believes the journey led him exactly where he was meant to be.

Joining Glendale

Ash joined Glendale because he recognised the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

The company’s strong reputation attracted him, but it was the potential within the Arboricultural Consultancy business that convinced him to take the next step. He saw an opportunity to help grow the team, strengthen the service and contribute to the future of the business.

Continuing to Learn

Since joining Glendale, Ash feels his skills have continued to develop.

Alongside strengthening his commercial understanding, he has gained valuable experience in business development, client relationships and managing an expanding team.

Despite his experience, he believes learning never stops. Every day presents an opportunity to gain new knowledge, improve processes and become a better leader.

Trust That Builds Confidence

Ash believes Glendale has played an important role in his professional development.

Being trusted with responsibility has allowed him to introduce improvements, make decisions and develop greater confidence as a manager. That support has helped both Ash and his team continue moving forward while building a strong culture focused on continuous improvement.

Building a Strong Team

When asked about his proudest achievement, Ash immediately points to the team around him.

When he joined Glendale, there was significant work ahead, but everyone embraced the same vision. Together, they have expanded the team, raised standards, secured new contracts and created a positive working environment where people can succeed.

For Ash, these achievements belong to the whole team rather than any individual.

Managing Change While Maintaining Standards

Introducing change without affecting the quality of service has been one of Ash’s biggest challenges.

Improving processes while continuing to meet client expectations required careful planning and clear communication across the business. Bringing people together throughout that journey took time, but seeing how far the team has progressed has made the effort worthwhile.

Communication Comes First

Ash believes communication is the most valuable skill for anyone considering a career as an Arboricultural Technical Manager.

Technical expertise is essential, but success also depends on listening, building trust and understanding people. Managing a team requires strong relationships as much as professional knowledge, helping everyone work together towards the same goals.

A Career Full of Opportunity

According to Ash, arboriculture is a profession many people discover by chance.

It offers far more variety than many realise, with opportunities in climbing, surveying, consultancy, contract management, ecology and planning. Every role contributes to managing and protecting the environment while providing fresh challenges and opportunities to learn.

For anyone who enjoys working outdoors, solving problems and building a rewarding long-term career, Ash believes arboriculture is an industry well worth considering.

His journey from climbing arborist to Arboricultural Technical Manager demonstrates how experience, leadership and a willingness to keep learning can open the door to an exciting and fulfilling career.