Randy James has been a practicing arborist since 1985 and with a passion for trees much earlier, launching a consulting business in 2000 with the sole mission of “protecting the health, beauty, and value of trees” has been a seemingly inevitable evolution.
The journey officially started while first learning to climb (at least safely) with a rope and saddle while interning with Topeka Parks and Recreation in the early 80’s. This was followed by a growing fascination with insects and diseases that attack trees while obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture (plant protection) from Kansas State University in 1986.
The passion grew after graduation while developing into the lead climbing and consulting arborist at a premier tree care company in South Hampton, New York, and next as vice president of landscape management for the largest landscaping firm in Kansas.
The “final” step included starting his own plant health landscape management contracting company in 1997, and also returning to Kansas State University to complete a Master of Science in Plant Pathology – studying and researching under a nationally recognized pathologist and nematologist to develop an effective treatment for Pine Wilt (see research below).
The journey has taught Randy much, but nothing more striking than 1) The overall value of trees and, 2) the need for knowledgeable and consistent protection of their health and beauty. The loss of a single tree can disrupt an entire landscape, including its value and aesthetics, and should consequently be properly valued and managed. However, while most losses can be prevented, often trees are left to fend for themselves in a challenging urban environment, or at best entrusted to “generalist” landscape contractors who unintentionally overlook or neglect specific needs.
Made In The Shade 