Kevin Bassett Receives Texas Arborist of the Year Award

Kevin Bassett acknowledges his appreciation as recipient of Arborist of the Year at ISA Conference in Fort Worth. Photo credit: J. Giedraitis.

Published September 1, 2016 By BILL SEAMAN

Kevin Bassett, Arborilogical Services Certified Arborist, has been recognized as the 2016 Texas Arborist of the Year. The award was presented to him during the Texas Chapter Reception at the International ISA Conference in Fort Worth on August 16, 2016. The award recognizes leadership, commitment, and innovation in the field of arboriculture. Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture sponsor the award.

For years, Kevin has volunteered countless hours in support of the International Society of Arboriculture and its Texas Chapter. However, he is best known as the face of the annual Texas Tree Climbing Championships. He has assisted, chaired, and co-chaired the event since its establishment in the mid 1980s. The event, which takes place at a different location each year, is designed to test the arborist skills of production climbers as they move through the canopies of selected trees. The winner of the Texas competition moves on to represent the Chapter in the International Tree Climbing Competition. Kevin has traveled extensively to accompany and support the Texas champion in international competitions.

As TTCC Chair, 2016 has been particularly challenging and rewarding for Kevin, as both the International Tree Climbing Championship and the Texas Tree Climbing Championship were held in Texas. In April, Mr. Bassett served as the Chapter liaison to the international event. His team prepared the grove of majestic trees in San Antonio’s Brackenridge Park for the event and helped the Texas Chapter host climbers from around the world. In May, he chaired the Texas Event near the banks of the Guadalupe River at Cypress Bend Park in New Braunfels.

During his time serving on ISA Texas boards and committees and as chair of the TTCC, the event has grown substantially with an increase in competitors and attendees who have the opportunity to watch the best in the tree care industry demonstrate their unique skills.

Outside of Kevin’s work with ISA, he is known for his more than 35 years of caring for his clients and their trees.  With years of experience in arboriculture, he is the go-to arborist for general information on insects and diseases common to trees, and a valuable resource for addressing tree healthcare issues specific to North Central Texas.