Howdy folks,
Justinian here, I’m a little bit of a tumbleweed but I originally grew up in Lubbock, Texas where most of my family is from.
After high school I ended up in Fort Collins, Colorado. The foothills of the Rockies were like nothing I had ever seen and I really couldn’t bring myself to leave.
I started attending Front Range community college in 2006 and ultimately transferred to Colorado State University to pursue a bachelors of science in natural resources management.
This is where my foundation & appreciation for tree biology and science started. I’m a tree nerd at heart.
We had to observe & learn leaves and twigs of over 200 types of different trees for some of our exams and were fortunate to study forestry in the wilderness at Pingree park. Those were fun days!
Two weeks after I graduated I headed to Guatemala to live and serve for over 2 years as a Peace Corpse Volunteer. The program at the time was called “Sustainable Community Tourism” and I served from 2011-2013.
Not only did I live in one of the most beautiful places in country but was also exposed to a myriad of diverse projects such as reforestation projects while working with people from all walks of life. I was able to experience Guatemalan culture intimately which was both challenging and rewarding.
After successful completion of service, I relocated to Portland, Oregon from 2013-2019. During this time I worked in various sectors ranging from non-profits, after school programs, section 8 housing and managing city transportation programs.
As happens in life, in late 2018 my family was hit with the sudden news of tragedy and I knew I had to come home to be with them and help in any way I could.
In 2019, I dedicated my time to tree work and I found solace in working with trees and the long arduous days. Believe me when I say I started at the bottom.
I excelled at TCIA & ISA trainings that were available and quickly became specialized in many tree care aspects like chainsaw & chipper operations, tree climbing, rigging, safety trainer, plant health technician, certified arborist & Tree Risk Assessment Qualified.
In 2021, I relocated to Austin for more arborist opportunities and have been making my way since. In Austin I have been on both tree crews as a climber and in the field providing bids/estimates and consultations. That’s also the year I started Big Tree Shady City as a side project.
In January 2024, I tested for and was awarded the ISA tree risk assessment qualification (TRAQ), which I believe is necessary to build a more mindful tree service company. Too much of what I’ve seen is just about selling quick jobs and crews cutting haphazardly.
In May 2024, I was awarded the Wildfire Risk Reduction Qualification from the ISA-Texas chapter.
Prior to relocating in 2026 I was providing inspection and tree risk assessments as a municipal arborist for the City of Austin.
Currently I’m happy to be in Lubbock again and to be closer to family while I pursue Utility & Municipal ISA certifications.
Over the years, I meet folks that have had numerous negative experiences with other companies, sales arborists and tree crews. It’s shocking how common these experiences seem to be.
In my travels I am constantly surprised at the level or standard of care that seems lacking, while a “guys with a chainsaws” destroy property, trees and ultimately put themselves at risk.
I truly believe it doesn’t have to be this way and ultimately that’s why I’m here, to provide a different and more mindful experience.
Thanks y’all!
~Justinian
Big Tree Shady City 