Russell Plumb, Arborist

Russell is an ISA Certified Arborist (NE-6781A), a CT-Licensed Arborist (S-6243), and an NPTC-qualified arborist (UK) with 25 years’ experience. He is a Certified Treecare Safety Professional (02439) with the Tree Care Industry Association and is committed to a culture of safety at Sawing High Climbers. He also holds EHAP certification (Electrical Hazards Awareness Program) with TCIA, confirming his knowledge of electrical hazards and the special techniques used to work safely near electrical conductors. He is ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified, a credential which demonstrates that he is qualified to provide tree owners with the necessary information to make informed decisions to enhance tree benefits, health, and longevity. And he is CPR AED & First Aid certified (2023).

Russell began his career as a tree surgeon in England where he quickly gained recognition for his skills, leading to jobs caring for trees at manor houses and stately homes across the country and at landmarks throughout London. He climbed his way along London’s Park Lane as well as along the Thames river embankment, pruning trees outside the Royal Hospital, the Tate Britain museum, and the Houses of Parliament.

He’s since been climbing trees all over the world, including Germany, Sweden, Norway, Bermuda, and Canada. In his travels he’s looked after trees at the grave-sites of Greta Garbo and Alfred Nobel in Stockholm, helped preserve the Hollow Tree in Vancouver’s Stanley Park, and pruned a banyan tree half the size of a football pitch along Bermuda’s historic railway trail. He’s been featured on morning television shows and written up in newspapers in nearly every country he’s worked in.

Russell’s now happily settled in the U.S. with his wife and daughter, where he continues to take on new challenges.

In spring 2017, Russell won the New England Tree Climbing Championship, which brings together the top climbers from the region.

Earlier that year, Russell joined the Kent Land Trust Stewardship Committee. He advises the Land Trust on tree care and safety aross their properties and trails.

In winter 2014, Russell spent more than a month caring for trees on Oahu, Hawaii, with fellow arborist Justin Donahue and ALU Services.

In May 2013, Russell placed 5th in the New York State Climbing Competition as well as 5th in the New England Climbing Competition. In May 2012, Russell won Second Place in the Master’s Challenge of the Connecticut Tree Climbing Competition, held in Coe Memorial Park in Torrington by the Connecticut Tree Protective Association (view video).

In fall 2012 Russell worked hard with Mayer Tree Service alongside New York’s Central Park Conservancy staff to help clear the extensive damage left in the city’s famed Central Park by Superstorm Sandy and the November Nor’easter, just as he did in fall 2011 after Hurricane Irene and the Halloween snowstorm.

Russell brings passion and commitment to every job, along with a great sense of humor. Contact him at russell@sawinghighclimbers.com or 860-801-0100.