Women in Green: Encouraging More Women in Arboriculture and Landscaping
By: Tabatha White
When we think of arboriculture and landscaping, the image that often comes to mind is one of men operating chainsaws, climbing trees, or maneuvering heavy machinery: certainly not ‘Women in Green’. But that perception is changing, and I want to see it continue to evolve. Women are increasingly making their mark in this industry, proving that passion, skill, and resilience—not gender—determine success in the field.
My Journey into the Green Industry
My love for trees and plants started in childhood. My father, after retiring from the U.S. Department of Labor, pursued organic gardening—a passion that brought my family to Ellsworth, Maine, where he once showed his vegetables at the local fair. When he passed away during my freshman year of high school, I felt a deep connection to his love for nature, and when it came time to choose a career, I knew I wanted to work outdoors.
I decided to pursue a degree in Forestry at the University of Maine, graduating in 2009. While in school, I discovered my passion for Urban Forestry—a career that allowed me to not only work with trees but also engage with the public. After becoming a certified arborist, I worked for the City of Boston’s Parks & Recreation Department as a planting coordinator, overseeing the planting of over 5,000 trees. Later, I moved on to work for New York City Parks, where I procured over 30,000 street trees across the five boroughs.
When I moved back to Ellsworth in 2016, I found few opportunities in urban forestry, so I shifted into the landscaping industry. Now, I’m fortunate to have built a career that combines both passions—I run my own landscaping and gardening business while also volunteering my time to urban forestry projects in my community.
Breaking Barriers: Challenges Faced as a Woman in the Industry
How did I overcome it? I outworked and outsmarted them. I perfected my craft so that I had the knowledge and confidence to stand my ground. I learned to document my value in clear, measurable ways—like showing how many trees I planted, contracts I managed, and budgets I oversaw. And sometimes, I even used men’s egos against them—like the time a contractor refused to cut a tree after a hurricane, so I grabbed a chainsaw myself and suddenly, he found the motivation to do it.
Like many women in male-dominated fields, I have faced my fair share of challenges—being underestimated, talked over, and ignored in favor of male colleagues. I’ve had contractors refuse to take orders from me, truck drivers insist on speaking to “the man in charge,” and even discovered that a male coworker in a lower-ranking position was hired at a salary $15,000 higher than mine.
Why There Are So Few Women in Arboriculture and Landscaping
The biggest reason? Tradition. For decades, these industries have been seen as “men’s work”—jobs that involve heavy equipment, chainsaws, and manual labor. Many women don’t consider these careers simply because they’ve never seen other women in these roles.
Why Women Belong in This Industry
Women bring attention to detail, collaboration, and adaptability—all skills that make for better, more efficient teams. In my experience, women tend to be safer operators because we don’t let ego get in the way of proper procedures. We’re also more likely to admit mistakes and adjust strategies, leading to better long-term outcomes.
How We Can Get More Women into the Green Industry
I’m encouraged by large companies like Bartlett Tree Experts and The Davey Tree Expert Company, which are actively hiring women for tree crews. But small, family-owned businesses still have a long way to go. Here’s what needs to happen:
- More visibility – Women need to see other women thriving in these roles.
- Mentorship – Women in leadership should actively mentor and encourage younger women to enter the field.
- Education & outreach – Schools, trade programs, and industry groups should highlight opportunities for women.
- Fair pay – Women should demand salaries that match their skills and experience.
Advice for Women Interested in Arboriculture or Landscaping
Start by finding a woman-owned business or applying to companies that already have women in leadership roles. Consider getting certifications through groups like the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). And most importantly—believe in yourself. It may not be easy, but it will be worth it.
The Future of Arboriculture and jobs for ‘Women in Green’
I’m hopeful that in the next 5–10 years, we’ll see even more women entering and leading in these industries. Large companies are getting the message, but smaller businesses need to follow suit.
Women are smart, hardworking, talented, and passionate—and I firmly believe that if we were running the world, we’d be in a better place. But for now, let’s start by running the arboriculture and landscaping industries.
About Tabatha White
Tabatha White has her office at the Union River Center for Innovation and is a dedicated arborist, urban forestry advocate, and community leader with deep roots in Ellsworth, Maine. A graduate of the University of Maine’s Forestry program and a certified arborist since 2009, she has built a career around sustainable tree management, plant procurement, and landscape design. Tabatha began her career as the Planting Coordinator for the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, where she oversaw the planting of over 5,000 trees across the city. She then transitioned to the New York City Parks Department, managing multi-million dollar contracts and procuring over 30,000 street trees for the five boroughs.
Returning to Ellsworth in 2016, Tabatha worked in the private landscaping sector before launching her own business in 2023, specializing in landscape design, plant sourcing, and installation. She is deeply involved in local conservation efforts, serving on the Ellsworth Arbor Commission, a Board Member for Heart of Ellsworth and Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust, and a key advocate for urban forestry initiatives. In 2024, she was elected to the Ellsworth City Council, where she works to integrate smart growth with environmental stewardship, ensuring that Ellsworth remains a thriving and sustainable community for future generations.
