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Tree Scum Podcast

Tree Scum Podcast

By: Christopher Wells Rippey of the Missouri Arborist Company
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About this listen

This is a podcast of the stories of those working in the tree care industry. We are a unique breed of folk who dangle our fleshy bodies in trees to make a buck. We are not paid or considered "skilled" like other working-class trades like plumbers or electricians though our jobs are much more dangerous. Our own industry buries us with constant work while we fear lay off right around the corner. We are judged and paid by how many certifications we have or don't have. We are told we are part of the growing green industry but no matter how important people say we are, we are still just Tree Scum and we are proud of it.


This podcast will be stores from the host Chris Rippey, a veteran in the tree game and owner of the Missouri Arborist Company, and interviews of his scummy friends.


Website: www.MissouriArborist.com

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: Missouri Arborist Company

Email: Chris@MissouriArborist.com

© 2026 Tree Scum Podcast Career Success Economics Nature & Ecology Science
Episodes
  • Tree Scum Dream Team

    Tree Scum Dream Team
    Jan 5 2026

    This episode is who I would place on my Dream Team of tree scum. This is a five-person crew that does the work. I will go over who and why people made the cut. I hope this lets people know what I value in a worker and what makes a good environment to work in.

    Website: www.MissouriArborist.com

    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: Missouri Arborist Company

    Email: Chris@MissouriArborist.com
    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • Nich Johnson: The creator of Tree Scum

    Nich Johnson: The creator of Tree Scum
    Dec 20 2025

    I have to admit; I pirated the phrase Tree Scum off my buddy Nich who owns Salish Tree Care and Consulting in Washington State. In this episode we talk about how he came up with the concept and who this phase applied to. Generally, I apply the term to everyone who does tree work that is a little rough around the edges. I take it as a term that really sums up most of the people who do work in our industry, we are outcasts in society who found a generally laid-back industry in which to do high risk problem solving every day. It is an industry where tree sum is relied upon because we are the only ones willing to do this dangerous work for low pay. Tree scum then uses how needed they are to get away with being tree sum. It's a win, win in my book and wont, and shouldn't ever majorly change.

    Website: www.MissouriArborist.com

    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: Missouri Arborist Company

    Email: Chris@MissouriArborist.com
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • The most reckless thing I have ever seen in the tree game that didn't end in disaster.

    The most reckless thing I have ever seen in the tree game that didn't end in disaster.
    Dec 8 2025

    On this episode I share a few stories of my early days in tree crew. These stories are from men I consider my friends who are unfortunately not doing tree work anymore due to natural retirement or retirement due to injury. This episode focusses on my homie Serg who did some crazy stuff back in the days but was a man I would trust with my life. Stay healthy my friends!

    Website: www.MissouriArborist.com

    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: Missouri Arborist Company

    Email: Chris@MissouriArborist.com
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
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