Ep 13 The Broken Arb Industry and How to Fix It with Matt Rowden

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In this episode, Henri Ghijben sits down with Matt Rowden of Rowden’s Tree Consultancy and Training for a brutally honest look at the tree surgery industry. From climbing trees at 17 to becoming a consultant, Matt shares his journey, the dangers and pressures in the trade, and why systemic reform is needed especially in training, safety, and pricing. Whether you're a climber, business owner, or aspiring arborist, this episode is packed with insights on navigating a challenging but rewarding profession.

Topics Discussed:

• Matt’s journey from apprentice to consultant

• Starting a tree surgery business at 20

• Financial stress, payment delays, and mental health

• The race to the bottom on pricing in the industry

• Training standards and issues with NPTC certification

• Safety concerns and the real cost of rushing work

• How better education and collaboration can raise industry standards

• The role of Arb Association, ICF, and need for regulation

• Career advice for young arborists

• Transitioning from climber to consultant

• The future of arboriculture: mechanization, consolidation, and professionalism

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About the Guest

Matt Rowden began his arboriculture career after earning a Level 3 diploma from Sparsholt College in 2006. He started as a lead climber with Hamptons Tree Care in Winchester before launching his first business, Sub Arb Ltd, in 2011. Originally intended as a subcontractor recruitment firm, Sub Arb evolved into a hands-on role that saw Matt work with over 50 different companies, building an extensive industry network.

In 2017, he co-founded Harz Tree Surgeons Ltd, which he ran until 2019. Following the tragic death of a colleague, Matt sold the business and took a sabbatical to travel. He returned to the industry in 2020, combining contract climbing with further education, enrolling in TreeLife’s Level 6 Professional Diploma in Arboriculture.

In 2023, Matt launched his current consultancy, Rowden’s Tree Consultancy and Training. Today, he splits his time between consulting, selective climbing contracts, and contributing regularly to Pro Arb magazine.

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Contact the Guest:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowdentreeconsultants/

Facebook: 

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Connect with the host:

Website: http://tsba.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treesurgeonsbusinessacademy/ ; https://www.instagram.com/henrighijben/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/treesurgeonbusinessowners

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben

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This episode is sponsored by Greenline Arb (GLA) - a powerful digital platform created by tree surgeons, aimed at taking the stress out of tree work. Focussing on the main pain points in the game, such as; finding tip sites, connecting workers with employers, responding to emergency situations and locating services that are required to run a tree company. Green Line is allowing professionals to operate with more freedom. Solving multiple problems in one fell swoop. Download the app today or check out the website for more information.

App Store: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/greenline-arb/id6448873784

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.greenlinearbapp&hl=en_US&pli=1 Website: https://www.greenlinearb.com/