Garibaldi Tree & Landscape has been an operating tree company in Whistler, Pemberton and the surrounding areas since 1995. We’ve provided services such as tree removals, tree pruning, stump removals, and consulting to the area’s businesses and residents for nearly three decades.
Many things have changed since Garibaldi Tree’s inception, such as the company’s official dog mascot (a title currently held by a rambunctious Labradoodle named Koa). Other things have remained the same. One of Garibaldi Tree’s permanent fixtures has been the business’s owner and lead arborist, Paul Duncan.
Meet Paul, the owner of Garibaldi Tree
Paul is Garibaldi Tree’s owner and lead arborist. He is certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) as an arborist and tree risk assessor. He is also an honour graduate of Kwantlen University College’s horticulture program. You can view his credentials on treesaregood.org.
Paul has decades of work experience in the fields of arboriculture and horticulture and is extremely knowledgeable about trees and plants. His party trick? Point at any random plant in our local area and he’ll tell you its scientific name and properties.
Where it all started
Paul started his arboriculture career in West Vancouver in 1988. At the ripe age of 20, he began by learning the ropes with the Burley Boys Tree Service. After seven years of solidifying his skills and knowledge with their team, Paul moved to Whistler and founded Garibaldi Tree.
As an arborist in Whistler, Paul began by assembling a humble crew of three tree professionals. Together, they worked hard, proving their reliability, skills and expertise. And as their clientele grew, so did the crew.
Where Paul is today
Though tree climbing is physically demanding, after 35 years in the industry, you can still find Paul up in the ropes from time to time. Otherwise, he’s busy leading his team from the ground, writing arborist reports, or consulting with clients, providing them with knowledge on how to care for their trees and plants.
Paul now resides in Pemberton with his family, chickens, and labradoodle, Koa. Spring through fall, he can often be found working in his garden, planting and tending to a variety of fruits and vegetables. In the winter, he enjoys spending time with his family and preparing himself and the Garibaldi Tree team for the season ahead.
Get to know Garibaldi Tree’s lead arborist
Below is a short Q&A between Paul and a Garibaldi Tree team member. If you have a tree-related question you’d like to ask Paul, you can reach him via email at paul@garibalditree.ca.
Q: Why did you choose a career in arboriculture?
Looking back over the years, especially towards the beginning, I now recognize that I never consciously decided that arboriculture would be my profession. It was a process. My passion for being outdoors and my early work experiences lead me on a winding path, pursuing many areas within the “green” industry.
From working at a garden center and a municipal park crew to pursuing a diploma in horticulture, I consistently found that I enjoyed learning about and working with trees the most, and the lure only became stronger as the path narrowed.
I guess arboriculture was destined from the beginning, I just did not realize it until I had arrived.
Q: What originally drew you to Whistler?
Although I like Vancouver as a city, and I grew up there, I knew it was not where I wanted to settle.
Whistler offered our family the space and nature we needed to thrive. And, in 1995, when the opportunity arose to move to Whistler, my partner, Maria, and I decided to make the move.
Q: What’s your favourite thing about working in Whistler and Pemberton?
The beauty of our surroundings and the pronounced seasons. Mother nature throws it all our way, just not the rain (like in Vancouver). From chilly spring days to the sweltering summer heat, it’s a challenge and a blessing to be able to work in the conditions here and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Teamwork makes the dream work
There’s no doubt Paul’s tenacity, knowledge, and experience have contributed to Garibaldi Tree’s success. However, the team of tree professionals behind him are the business’s lifeblood. Without them, Garibaldi Tree would not exist. Together, they provide the laughter, strength, and resilience to carry themselves and each other through the day.
The Garibaldi Tree crew has grown and changed over the years and continues to do so. Paul often has his eyes open for skilled recruits who share the same passion for trees, the outdoors, or the environment, as he does.
In addition to being part of a fun, dedicated team, our employees also enjoy above-industry wages, extended health and dental benefits, and the winters off.
If you work in the arboriculture industry and are searching for a rewarding new challenge, consider checking out our careers page. We may be looking for someone just like you to join our team and become part of the next generation at Garibaldi Tree.
