Looking for a way to contribute towards urban forest sustainability? How about planting trees!
Look no further than Atmos Tree. Arboriculture Canada supports Atmos Tree in their tree planting and community connection goals. ArborCanada will contribute towards the Atmos tREeCYCLE 2:1 replacement program by keeping track of trees removed.
The founder of Atmos Tree, Kurt Stenberg, owner/arborist of Cochrane Tree Care in Alberta, and instructor with ArborCanada is helping connect arborists, trees and people.
The goal is simple. Plant trees!
Atmos Tree mission is to unite arborists through a regenerative alliance that plants more trees than are removed, collectively influencing positive global changes with a green solution for businesses and clients.
The following is an invitation message from Kurt, who is here to fill you in about Atmos Tree, how you can benefit and what you can expect;
About Atmos Tree:
Our industry inevitably removes trees that often do not get replaced. It is usually not feasible for many of us to incorporate planting into our existing services. Even if we did, it’s doubtful we would be able to replace as many (or more) trees than we remove, plus monitor and quantify them in the future. As tree loving arborists, we can often relate to our clients emotional hesitations removing a tree from their property.
The good news is we can all come together and move towards a solution! The 2:1 tREeCYCLE Program is a “regenerative” program which means we are planting beyond “sustainability” (maintaining status quo or 1:1 replacement). Atmos Tree adds a small $25 tREeCYCLNG fee to the customers quotes/invoices that pays for associated costs such as propagation or purchase of seedlings, planting two trees, monitoring, marketing materials, and all administration costs. Future proceeds will be aimed towards the growth of “The Atmos Tree” (very punny), expanding our influence and positive impact within our industry and the environment. Best of all, the tREecycling fees covers 100% of membership. There is NO COST to our arborist partners and invoices paid to Atmos Tree can be claimed as marketing expenses come tax time.
There are limitations with survivability of trees and we also perform jobs that include more than one removal (recycling fee added once per removal job not per tree). However, the idea of the 2:1 program is that we all contribute to a positive net-gain in new trees over time. (Note: We DO NOT plant in reclamation or specific reforestation sites where trees are merely replaced due to loss from forestry or other industry efforts)
Atmos Tree anticipates expanding fairly rapidly over the winter adding many new partners. Early 2024 Atmos Tree will be collecting their first contributions and preparing to plant as soon as the ground allows.
How Atmos Benefits You:
Beyond the environmental benefits of the alliance, think of Atmos Tree as a “green” marketing tool for your business. Existing partners report winning more quotes with clients after explaining their affiliation with the alliance and the 2:1 tREeCYCLE program. (We provide pre-made “line item” descriptions for your quotes and pdf attachments you can send along with quotes or thank-you letters with invoices etc.)
We believe first impressions are extremely important when contact is made with a potential new client. Nowadays this is often through online advertising that directs clients to your website or other social media platforms while they do their research. Customers rely on external opinions to assist them in making their decisions that include online reviews, word of mouth recommendations, or affiliations they may have. This is where a partnership with Atmos Tree can thrive. We provide you with an online Branding Tool Kit that includes a variety of logos, decals, and badges you are encouraged to use to advertise your affiliation. Clients get an impression that “you care” and “give back” with your business. This can make all the difference in someone’s decision or even justify paying you more than a competitor’s quote. We find modern clients are often more conscious of how they spend their money and don’t always choose the cheapest option.
On site performing quotes we have another “first impression” where clients recognize the 2:1 tREecycle badge proudly displayed on trucks (we send you decals for free!). We use Atmos as a topic of conversation when discussing removal of their tree, easing their mind when conflicted with an inevitable decision. When complete, you can thank your client for being responsible for supporting the initiative through their contribution. Again, we use Atmos as a positive topic of conversation with challenging clients or when we depart job sites leaving them with an additional positive experience to reflect on. We strongly believe that running any business is ultimately about making clients happy. Atmos is just another reason for them to be happy!
What you can expect:
You can accept this invitation to join the Atmos Tree family by filling out our online form (found at the end of this email). We will advertise you on our website with a backlinked logo on the “partners” page. We also host an announcement post on IG recognizing your new affiliation. This and other future collaborative posts will also get posted on @kurtthearborist for more exposure.
We will “sign a pledge” together that can also be used to advertise your commitments to the 2:1 tREeCYCLE program. We all commit to administer the recycling fee on every removal job*** in order to support the overall net-positive trees planted for the alliance. We stand behind this initiative and positively explain that the small fee is not optional (if asked). I’ve honestly only had one customer in the past year ask about the fee and they happily accepted once I explained it. People are used to paying recycling fees on tires or other items which are not optional.
*** (we only charge the $25 fee once per job. Not per tree. We also do not charge the fee on client invoices less that $250 in order not to drive up the cost of their very small removal)
More information about planting sites will be published on our website and social media platforms soon! I will be personally planting many of the trees locally where I can observe them over time. We will also partner with other planting initiatives that require funding such as the Alberta Woodlot Extension Society. Beyond funding I will be working with them to assist with planning, propagation, and planting. I’m very excited for this! We will also allow access for organizations to apply for grants in the future. Other initiatives will include planting with a variety of organizations and nature conservancies in developing countries that go beyond planting trees. Trees will be monitored and provide social and economic benefits to local residents and farmers in these areas. Finally, there is the benefit that trees grow larger and faster in warmer climates which can lead to more environmental impact!
We are very excited to connect with you and answer any questions you may have. We welcome your ideas and feedback at any time! If you are ready to get started,
