Lumberjane Tree Services Leads the Way for Women in Arboriculture
Barbara Fuson chops down barriers as the owner of Lumberjane Tree Services in an industry where women remain the minority.
Three and a half years ago, Fuson was working for Oklahoma Forestry Services, a role that sparked her passion for arboriculture. While there, Fuson became a certified arborist, but her drive to expand her skills led her to reach out to Mariah Menzie at Tree Wizard. Menzie taught Fuson the art of tree climbing, a skill that would not only enhance her expertise but set her on a path to start her own tree service business.
In January 2022, Fuson leaped, quitting her job to found Lumberjane Tree Services. For the first six months, Fuson hired part-time workers, many of whom were friends or individuals seeking employment.
Fuson carved her path to success and, by May 2022, branched out to offer the same opportunities to two full-time employees: Cedar Floyd and Caitlin Whiteacre.
Both employees, who share Fuson’s passion for the trade, have flourished in the supportive, women-led work environment. Floyd, who had met Fuson through a mutual friend, quickly embraced tree climbing.
“Just learning how to climb trees has been kind of life-changing. I mean, right now, I have a tree that needs to come down right by my house. I’m like, well, what weekend can I do it? Whereas before it would have been a thousand-dollar issue,” Floyd said.
Whiteacre, a long-time friend of Fuson, joined the team after helping out during the summer of 2022.
“She [Fuson] takes really good care of us. She really wants us to learn and empowers us to do things ourselves. It’s a really good work environment. She’s a great boss,” Whiteacre said.
Returning customers have taken notice of Fuson’s commitment to excellence as well. John McGraw, a satisfied client, praised the team’s work.
“I just got a lot of things that need to be done that I can’t do, and they’re good, and they’re fun to work with. I like their focus on how to do things naturally and clearing things out,” McGraw said.
Fuson’s commitment to empowering women in arboriculture, along with her focus on community engagement, is what sets Lumberjane apart. Whether it’s renesting owls for WildCare or hosting a seed exchange at the West Wind Unitarian Church community garden, Fuson is showing that women can not only survive but thrive in a field traditionally dominated by men.
In forestry services, men often refused to teach Fuson how to use equipment, limiting her access and doubting her abilities. “I had to constantly prove myself,” Fuson said. “I don’t have to prove myself anymore.”
Author: Savannah Schultz
For more information contact at:
Email: lookaliveblog@gmail.com
Insta: Look Alive Blog
Facebook: Look Alive Blog
Comments by Savannah Schultz