Don Blair

TreeActions

DONALD F. BLAIR

Donald F. Blair’s family roots in arboriculture date back to 1911. Don’s father, Millard F. Blair was one of the pioneers in the first generation of 20th Century arborists who dedicated their lives to developing “tree skinning” into a respected multi-disciplined profession. Although Don’s career in arboriculture dates back over 60 years to “forced child labor”, he has been fully engaged in tree care as an adult since 1971.

With a solid background in residential/commercial arboriculture, Don Blair has been a pioneer in his own right in the advancement of the profession through his efforts in the design of improved tools, ropes, rigging devices, safety equipment and climbing gear. He is internationally renowned for his innovations in Arborist Skills such as climbing, rigging for removal, aerial rescue, safe work practices, and effective methods for training arborists.

An accomplished author, and photographer, Blair has published many articles on topics related arboriculture. Don Blair is the author of the landmark text and reference book: Arborist Equipment, ISA, 1995.

For 50 years, Blair has been a featured presenter at arborist association conferences, seminars and workshops throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia on the same topics that he has written about.

Employment

• 2015-present: Founder and President of Blair’s Arborist Equipment LLC. Having retired after 40 years with Sierra Moreno Mercantile Company, Inc., Blair was persuaded to do something productive with his time. Blair’s A. E. carries on the legacy of Sierra Moreno and the Blair family’s contributions to arboriculture since 1911.
• 1975-2014- Founder and President, Sierra Moreno Mercantile Company, Inc. Design, distribution research and development of arborist tools, rigging and safety equipment.
• 1988-Present: Founder/Director of the M.F. Blair Institute of Arboriculture. Founded upon cessation of services provided through the M.F. Blair Tree Experts. Services provided include full-range of consulting and training in skills and disciplines related to tree care.
• 1971-1988 M. F. Blair Tree Experts Positions held: arborist trainee (1967-1972), arborist/climber (1972-1975), foreman (1975-1978), general manager (1978-1984), owner (1984-1988).
• Arborist Skills Qualified In: Rope and saddle climbing, aerial rescue, work methods management, large scale tree pruning, rigging and felling, cabling, bracing and guying, fertilization, soil manipulation methods, root collar excavation and inspection, cavity repair, bark tracing, grafting, pest control, transplanting, landscape installation, stump removal, and specialized equipment operation and maintenance, safe driving and operation of all manner two-axle vehicles for on and off-road operation.
• Arboricultural Consultations Donald F. Blair has worked full-time in the profession of arboriculture since 1971 as a commercial arborist and consulting arborist. Projects have included but are not limited to: a. Diagnosis of tree and landscape problems, insect and disease identification, tree and plant identification, and cultural practices.

b. Tree Health Management issues including diagnosis of insects, disease and cultural practices such as irrigation, compaction, and tree maintenance malpractice. Specifications for standard maintenance practices such as pruning, soil manipulation, support, and removal. Tree and plant identification.

c. Tree Protection in pre-planning, planning, construction, and post-construction phases. Design and/or on-site supervision of the installation of tree protection systems including fencing, location of staging areas, trailers, material storage, etc. d. Hazardous Tree and Risk Assessment. For privately or publicly owned trees. Historic trees are a specialty. Served Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello Foundation as consulting arborist for 11 years.

• Expert Witness – Qualified as an expert witness in courts in California, Florida, Louisiana and West Virginia.
• Consulting Expert – Retained as expert on cases in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C. and West Virginia.

Scope of Expertise: Product liability issues involving tree equipment: personal protective equipment, climbing gear, chainsaws, pruning tools and cordage. Specialty equipment including but not limited to: aerial lifts, brush chippers, cranes and stump grinders.

Personal injury and fatalities related to tree failures and tree maintenance practices and violations of safe work standards including but not limited to ANSI Z133, CFR 1910.269 and CFR 1910.266.

Appraisal of tree losses due to weather events, improper work practices, trespass, vandalism, arson, vehicular including damage due to airplane crashes.

Registrations and Certifications

• American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) 1982 - present ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #245
• International Society of Arboriculture &nb...