2016 Arborist of the Year: Kevin Bassett

Published November 2016, By ISA TEXAS CHAPTER NEWSLETTER "IN THE SHADE"

This year’s winner is an artist as well as an arborist: Kevin Bassett of Arborilogical Services, Inc. and KB  Wood Turnings. Kevin started out with a degree in plant pathology from Colorado State University in 1976 and has been engaged in arboriculture ever since.

His career has been so long that he has received this award twice; his first was back in 1994. Kevin is co -founder, vice president, and arborist with Arborilogical Services, Inc. in north Texas. He is an ISA Certified  Arborist and lifetime member. He has served on the Texas Urban Forestry Council and the Trinity Blacklands Urban Forestry Council, was a member of National Arborist Association (currently known as TCIA), and has been recognized by ASCA, the American Society of Consulting Arborists. He has served on the ISA Texas board of directors three times–as vice president, president-elect, and president. His tireless support for so many aspects of our industry, including the Tree Fund, is a wonderful example for all of us.

One of Kevin’s many passions is the tree climbing championships. He served as chairman of the Texas Tree Climbing Championship from 1990 to 2002, then came out of retirement a few years ago to lead this event again, culminating in one of the best International Tree Climbing Championships––the one ISA Texas hosted in San Antonio earlier this year. Kevin competed in the 1983 ITCC in Indianapolis and served as a scoring
judge in aerial rescue the first time it was held in San Antonio in 1986. He has served as head judge for  footlock and belayed speed climb at multiple ITCCs.

Kevin is a leader in arboriculture and an inspiration for all who have worked with him. He has decided to take a half step back and let someone else serve as chair of the ISA Texas Tree Climbing Championship, but he will be there keeping an eye on it and ready to lend a hand.