Certified Arborists – Vermont Arborists

In February of 2023, we joined forces with SavATree, a leading provider of arboricultural services. This merger will allow us to offer our customers additional services and grow our local team of arborists, all while continuing to offer the high level of service you’ve come to expect from us. We are looking forward to offering enhanced capabilities and science-based solutions to keep your property safe, healthy, beautiful, and thriving. Click here to learn more.

At Vermont Arborists, we pride ourselves on being in the forefront of tree care and tree removal.

Our certified arborists have a passion for the industry. Our customers can be assured they will receive the finest in quality work and safety. When you’re ready to fall in love with your property, then you want to contact us.

As of spring 2019 our 5 field personnel have:

2 Forestry Degrees
3 Certified Tree Care Safety Professionals, CTSP's
2 VT Certified Pesticide Applicators
5 ISA Certified Arborists
4 Commercial Drivers Licenses, CDL's

Serving Waterbury, Stowe, Montpelier, Morrisville, Barre/Berlin, Burlington, Essex, Shelburne, Charlotte, Williston, Richmond, Waitsfield/Warren, and the North East Kingdom.

Vermont Arborists has a long history dedicated to trees.

When Michael Roche joined Vermont Arborists in 1988, it was already established as Stowe Tree Service. The name was changed in 2010 to Vermont Arborists, to reflect an expanding customer base into other areas of the state. Over the past three decades, Michael and the company have continued to increase their knowledge and hone their skills, gaining accreditations and certifications that place them at the forefront of the arborist profession.

Michael Roche

Certified Arborist

Michael graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in Forestry in 1982, and began working in the field shortly after. Other than a short hiatus in the mid-1980’s, Michael has been an arborist for over 35 years, and is regarded as one of the most knowledgeable tree care providers in the state of Vermont. Michael has worked with trees for all of his adult life.

Michael became a partner of the company in 1988, and sole owner in 1993. He is Certified by the International Society of Arborists, is a Vermont Certified Pesticide Applicator and is a member of the Tree Care Industry Association. He occasionally writes for Tree Care Industry Magazine where he researches and writes technical tree care articles or writes about his experiences in the field. An experienced climber and machinery operator, Michael now spends most of his days consulting with current and prospective clients, acquiring new arborists to increase his exceptional staff, and running the company.

Cristi Laux

Office Manager

Cristi takes care of all of the day to day tasks that keep Vermont Arborists running smoothly. If you call during business hours, you will most likely be speaking with her. She has a degree in Environmental Studies from Connecticut College, a certification in herbalism through the Rocky Mountain Center for Botanical Studies, and a son that she thinks is pretty cool.

Michael Carlin

Crew Member

Mike came to Vermont Arborists with 6 years of professional guiding experience in both rock and ice climbing. He sought out work in the tree care industry in effort to apply his climbing and rope system experience to a new context. He has learned a lot since joining the team in the spring of 2019, and looks forward to the learning to come. When Mike isn’t working with trees, he enjoys skiing, mountain biking, and whitewater kayaking.

Jake Blauvelt

Climber

Jake first became interested in Arboriculture as a child when his father quizzed him on tree identification in the sugarbush. He has always wanted to take his knowledge of trees to the next level, and is excited to be able to dive in and learn from the best. “I’m grateful Vermont Arborists has taken me under their wing, and look forward to learning all I can, while providing an important service for the community that I was born and raised in.”

Aside from learning the craft of arboriculture, Jake is arguably one of the very best all around & most talented snowboarders in the world right now. When not in the mountains, or up a tree, Jake enjoys time with his wife and two daughters.

Lloyd Shackett

Mechanic

Lloyd is a third generation Vermonter who has been working on cars for nearly 40 years. He is our in-house mechanic and the owner of Tools on Wheels. He rents space in our garage and, although not on the payroll, rounds out the team. Whether in the shop or out in the field, Lloyd saves the day when any mishaps arise. His ability to jump in and fix the trucks and equipment at a moment’s notice is invaluable and translates to efficiency and savings for our customers.