7 Best Arborist Chainsaws of 2024

In the demanding world of arboriculture, your chainsaw can make the difference between a smooth job and a strenuous day. It’s not just a tool; it’s a trusted companion. As such, picking the ideal chainsaw is critical to ensuring your tasks are executed efficiently and safely. From professional arborists with years of experience under their belt, to seasoned lumberjacks, and even novices who are just dipping their toes into this world, a high-quality chainsaw can be a game-changer.

This is why we have combed the marketplace, cutting through the clutter to bring you the cream of the crop – the Top seven chainsaws for Arborists in 2024. With an array of different models to suit varying needs and budgets, this guide aims to help you make an informed decision about the best chainsaw for your arboricultural endeavors. As we journey through this comprehensive review, we will be considering power, weight, reliability, safety features, and value for money, ensuring all aspects are covered.

List Best Arborist Chainsaw :

• Stihl MS 150 TC-E
• Husqvarna T540 XP® II
• Echo CS-355T
• Makita XCU08PT
• Stihl MS 193 T
• Husqvarna 525PT5S
• Stihl MSA 161 T

So, let’s delve in and explore the elite selection of arborist chainsaws we have lined up for you.

1. Stihl MS 150 TC-E

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Specifications

• Displacement: 23.6 cm³, providing adequate power for various cutting tasks.
• Power Output: 1 kW/1.3 bhp, ensuring efficient cutting performance.
• Weight: At only 2.6 kg, it is exceptionally lightweight, enhancing maneuverability.
• Sound Pressure/Power Level: Operates at 97 dB(A) / 110 dB(A), within the standard range for chainsaws.
• Vibration Level: 4.9 m/s² on both left and right sides, reduced by the anti-vibration system.
• Recommended Bar Length: 30 cm/12 inches, ideal for precise and efficient cutting.

The Stihl MS 150 TC-E is a top-tier arborist chainsaw that excels in tasks such as cutting back trees, professional pruning, limited crown reduction, and working from elevated platforms like cherry pickers. Renowned for its lightweight design, this chainsaw combines high-cutting performance with a favorable power-to-weight ratio, making it a preferred choice for professionals seeking efficiency and precision.

Top Features:

• STIHL ErgoStart: This feature significantly eases the starting process by reducing the strain on the starter cord. It’s especially useful for minimizing fatigue during repeated starts throughout the day.
• Service-Friendly Air Filter System: The air filter can be accessed and cleaned without tools, simplifying maintenance and ensuring optimal engine performance.
• Advanced Combustion Technology: Utilizing four overflow channels to mix fuel and air before ignition, this technology ensures efficient combustion, resulting in lower fuel consumption and high torque across a broad RPM range.
• Compensator: A unique mechanism in the carburetor maintains a consistent fuel-air mixture, even as the air filter becomes clogged, ensuring steady engine power and delaying the need for filter cleaning.
• Manual Fuel Pump (Purger): This feature enhances starting efficiency by reducing the number of pulls needed to start the chainsaw.
• STIHL Anti-Vibration System: Designed to minimize vibrations transferred to the handles, this system increases user comfort and allows for longer working periods without fatigue.
• Side-Mounted Chain Tensioning: Offers convenient and safe chain tensioning without the need for additional tools.
• Tool-Free Fuel Caps and Fold-Out Hook: The caps allow for easy refueling, and the fold-out hook is convenient for lowering the saw when climbing or for storage.

The Stihl MS 150 TC-E is a highly capable chainsaw for professional arborists, offering a blend of power, lightweight design, and user-friendly features. Its ergonomic construction, coupled with innovative technologies like the ErgoStart and anti-vibration system, makes it a top choice for professionals who require a reliable and comfortable tool for extensive tree care tasks. This chainsaw is a testament to Stihl’s commitment to providing high-quality, efficient, and user-focused equipment for the arboriculture industry.

2. Husqvarna T540 XP® II

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Specifications

• Cylinder Displacement: 37.7 CC, providing robust power for demanding tasks.
• Power Output: 2.4 HP, ensuring efficient and effective cutting performance.
• Vibration Levels: Front/Rear levels at 3.5 / 4.2, minimized through the LowVib® system.
• Weight: 8.6 lbs (excluding cutting equipment), balancing power with maneuverability.
• Sound Level: Operates at 104 dB(A) with a maximum of 116 dB(A), within the standard range for its power class.
• Chain Pitch and Recommended Bar Length: Features a 3/8 chain pitch and is optimal with a 14-16 inch bar length, suitable for a wide range of tasks.

The Husqvarna T540 XP® Mark II is a top-tier, top-handled chainsaw that caters to the needs of professional users like arborists, landscapers, gardeners, and utility contractors. Known as one of the best small chainsaws globally, it combines superior performance with innovative features and exceptional ergonomics.

Top Features:

• Adjustable Oil Pump: This feature allows the user to control the oil flow based on the specific task and varying weather conditions, ensuring optimal lubrication and chain longevity.
• AutoTune Technology: Delivers optimal engine performance through automatic adjustments. This system adapts to varying fuel types, altitudes, humidity, temperatures, and air filter conditions, eliminating the need for manual carburetor adjustments.
• Individual Grip Size: The top handle grip size can be adjusted to three sizes, ensuring a perfect fit for different hand sizes, enhancing control, and reducing fatigue.
• Quick-Release Air Filter and Cover: Facilitates easy and quick maintenance, ensuring the saw operates at peak efficiency.
• Auto Return Stop Switch and Smart Start®: These features simplify the starting process, making the chainsaw more user-friendly, especially in cold conditions.
• Air Injection® System and Magnesium Crankcase: These design elements enhance the saw’s durability and performance, especially in challenging environments.
• LowVib® System and Inertia Activated Chain Brake: The LowVib® system reduces vibration levels, while the inertia-activated chain brake improves safety during operation.

The Husqvarna T540 XP® Mark II is a high-end chainsaw that stands out for its combination of power, ergonomic design, and advanced technological features. It’s particularly suited for professional users who require a reliable, efficient, and comfortable chainsaw for a wide range of applications. This model reflects Husqvarna’s commitment to providing top-quality, innovative tools for the professional market, ensuring both performance and user satisfaction.

3. Echo CS-355T

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Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 35.8 cc, providing a substantial power output.
• Starting and Ignition Systems: Spring-assist for easier starts and a digital ignition system for reliable operation.
• Vibration Reduction System: Standard feature to minimize user fatigue.
• Oil Capacity: 8.2 fl. oz., complementing the efficient oiling system.
• Dry Weight: 8 lbs, balancing power with manageable weight for all-day use.
• Fuel Capacity: 11.2 fl. oz., ensuring longer operation times between refuels.
• Carburetor: Features a Butterfly-Valve Diaphragm with a purge pump for reliability and ease of use.

The Echo CS-355T is a top-tier top-handle chainsaw, that is celebrated for its combination of professional-grade power and ergonomic, user-centric design. It’s tailored for professional arborists who need a robust tool that can deliver all-day productivity without the exhaustion typically associated with powerful chainsaws.

Top Features:

• High-Power Performance: As ECHO’s most powerful top-handle chainsaw, it boasts a 35.8 cc professional-grade, 2-stroke engine. This engine not only ensures outstanding performance but also guarantees durability.
• Heavy-Duty Air Filter: The superior air filtration system is designed to handle the rigorous demands of professional use, prolonging engine life and maintaining performance efficiency.
• Contoured Handle & Adjustable-Size Palm Rest: These ergonomic features are designed to fit comfortably in the operator’s hand, increasing comfort, providing leverage, and reducing fatigue during extended use.
• Unique Handle Angle: The chainsaw’s handle is angled to provide a natural wrist position while cutting, further enhancing ergonomic comfort and reducing strain.
• Automatic, Adjustable Clutch-Driven Oiler: A smart oiling system that operates only when the chain is moving, significantly reducing oil consumption and ensuring optimal lubrication during operation.
• Reduced-Effort Starting System: The spring-assist starting system makes it easier to start the chainsaw, reducing the strain and effort required to get the engine running.
• Bar Length Options: Available in 14 and 16 inches, making it versatile for large limbing applications.

The Echo CS-355T is a remarkable combination of power, efficiency, and ergonomic design. Its high-power engine, coupled with user-friendly features like the contoured handle, adjustable palm rest, and unique handle angle, makes it an ideal chainsaw for professional arborists who require a tool that can keep up with intense and prolonged use. The chainsaw’s advanced features, including the automatic oiler and reduced-effort starting system, further solidify its position as a top choice for professionals seeking a reliable, powerful, and comfortable chainsaw for a wide range of applications.

4. Makita XCU08PT

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Specifications

• Guide Bar Length: 14 inches, suitable for a wide range of cutting tasks.
• Weight: Net weight of 10.2 lbs with battery (7.4 lbs without), balancing power and manageability.
• Battery and Power Type: Utilizes Makita’s 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion batteries, renowned for fast charging and long-lasting power.
• Motor Type: Features a brushless motor for increased efficiency and longer life.
• STAR Protection Computer Controls™: This technology provides added protection during use by monitoring conditions to prevent overloading, over-discharging, and overheating.
• XPT™ Extreme Protection Technology: Offers increased durability in harsh conditions, making it suitable for a variety of outdoor environments.

The Makita XCU08PT represents a significant leap in the realm of cordless outdoor power equipment, particularly for the professional tree care industry. This 36V (18V X2) LXT® 14” Top Handle Chain Saw Kit is a standout solution for those seeking zero emissions, lower noise, and less maintenance compared to traditional gas-powered chainsaws.

Top Features:

• Cordless Convenience: Powered by two 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion batteries, it delivers 36V of power and performance. This cordless design means no fuel emissions, lower noise levels, and reduced maintenance requirements.
• Power and Efficiency: The Makita-built Outer Rotor BL™ Brushless Motor direct-drive system provides power equivalent to a 30cc gas chain saw. This is complemented by a variable speed trigger and high chain speed (0-3,940 FPM), enhancing cutting performance.
• Torque Boost Mode: Ideal for cutting through thick or hard branches, this feature enhances the saw’s ability to power through demanding materials.
• User-Friendly Design: The captured bar nut and lateral chain tensioning allow for convenient operation and maintenance. Additionally, the adjustable automatic chain lubrication with a large oil reservoir ensures consistent and efficient chain operation.
• Ergonomics and Safety Features: The saw includes an adjustable automatic chain lubrication system, a large oil filling port with a view window, a built-in L.E.D. on/off switch with an auto power-off function, and a built-in lock-off lever to prevent accidental chain engagement.

The Makita XCU08PT is a testament to Makita’s innovation in cordless technology, offering the convenience and efficiency of battery power without compromising on the performance typically associated with gas-powered chainsaws. Its brushless motor, ergonomic design, and advanced safety features make it an excellent choice for professionals in tree care who prioritize environmental friendliness, ease of use, and cutting efficiency. This chainsaw not only meets the demands of modern arboriculture but sets new standards in the cordless tool category, demonstrating Makita’s commitment to creating tools that are both powerful and user-friendly.

5. Stihl MS 193 T

Specifications and Additional Features

• Displacement: 30.1 cc, providing ample power for various cutting tasks.
• Guide Bar Lengths: Recommended ranges of 12″-16″, offering versatility for different job requirements.
• Fuel and Oil Capacities: Sufficient for prolonged use without frequent refills.
• Additional Design Elements: Include bumper spikes for better control, a spark arrester muffler, ergonomically designed handles, and high-tech polymer housing for durability and impact resistance.

The Stihl MS 193 T emerges as a highly efficient top-handle chainsaw, designed for professional use in the arboriculture industry. Weighing only 7.28 pounds, it offers the perfect combination of lightweight design and robust performance, ideal for tasks requiring agility and precision at heights.

Key Features:

• STIHL® Easy2Start™ System: This innovative starting system greatly simplifies the process of starting the chainsaw, making it almost effortless. Especially useful when working at height, where starting convenience is crucial.
• STIHL® Quickstop® Chain Brake: Enhances safety significantly. The system is designed to stop the chain promptly in certain kickback situations, either through operator activation or by inertia.
• Anti-Vibration System: A crucial feature for professional use, it minimizes vibration levels, thereby reducing operator fatigue and enabling more comfortable and prolonged usage.
• ElastoStart™ Starter Handle: This built-in shock absorber in the starter handle smooths out the forces associated with starting the chainsaw, reducing peak compression forces and making the start-up process less strenuous.
• IntelliCarb™ Compensating Carburetor: Automatically adjusts the air/fuel ratio to maintain optimal engine performance even as the air filter becomes restricted, enhancing efficiency and reliability.
• Purge Pump Primer: Facilitates easier starting by priming the carburetor with fuel, designed to prevent flooding of the engine for more reliable operation.
• Ematic™ Lubrication System: Works in conjunction with STIHL® OILOMATIC® saw chain to reduce bar oil consumption by up to 50%, providing efficient and optimal lubrication.
• Side-Access Chain Tensioner: Offers convenient adjustment of the saw chain, improving the ease of maintenance.

The Stihl MS 193 T is engineered for professionals who require a chainsaw that is both powerful and manageable. Its lightweight design, combined with features like the Easy2Start™ system, anti-vibration technology, and the Ematic™ lubrication system, make it an excellent choice for arborists who need a reliable tool for climbing and precision work. The chainsaw’s safety features, like the Quickstop® Chain Brake and throttle trigger lockout, add an extra layer of protection, making it a safe and efficient tool for a variety of tree care tasks.

6. Husqvarna 525PT5S

Specifications

• Power Output: 1.36 hp, delivering sufficient power for demanding tasks.
• Cylinder Displacement: 1.55 cu. inch, contributing to the saw’s powerful performance.
• Fuel Consumption and Emission Levels: Optimized for efficiency and environmental friendliness.
• Bar and Chain: Equipped with a 12-inch bar and H35 chain, suitable for a range of cutting tasks.
• Weight: At 15.4 lbs (excluding cutting equipment), it is designed for balance and manageability.
• Lubricant Specifications: Recommends Husqvarna 2 stroke or equivalent at a 50:1 ratio, ensuring optimal engine performance.
• Sound and Noise Levels: Operates at a sound power level of 107 dB(A), with a reduced sound pressure level at the operator’s ear.

The Husqvarna 525PT5S pole saw is a specialized tool designed for professional use, particularly where high reach is essential. It stands out for its exceptional ergonomics, superior balance, and telescopic shaft, which collectively contribute to high-end results with minimal effort. The saw is engineered to be easy to maneuver, making it an ideal choice for tasks requiring precision and extended reach.

Key Features:

• X-Torq® Engine: The power unit of this pole saw is designed for rapid acceleration and high torque. It offers the added benefit of low emissions and fuel consumption, making it both powerful and environmentally friendly.
• Simple Starting and Quick Start with Air Purge: These features ensure that the saw is easy to start, reducing downtime and enhancing productivity. The Air Purge system removes air from the carburetor and fuel system for reliable starts.
• Intuitive Controls and Telescopic Tube: The controls are designed to be user-friendly, and the telescopic tube allows for adjustable reach, catering to various cutting heights and conditions.
• Magnesium Clutch Housing and Metal Skid Plate: These features contribute to the saw’s durability, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of professional use.
• Rear Impact Guard and Chain Lubrication: Enhances the safety and longevity of the saw, with the chain lubrication ensuring smooth operation.
• Efficient Air Filter: This feature ensures the long-term health of the engine by keeping contaminants out, thereby prolonging the saw’s lifespan and maintaining performance.

The Husqvarna 525PT5S is a top-of-the-line pole saw designed for professionals who need a reliable, efficient, and high-reaching tool. Its combination of the X-Torq® engine, ergonomic design, and practical features like the telescopic tube and intuitive controls make it a formidable tool for a wide range of tree care tasks. The saw’s focus on safety, efficiency, and operator comfort makes it an excellent investment for professionals in the landscaping and arboriculture industries.

7. Stihl MSA 161 T

Specifications

• Powerhead Weight: At only 4.6 lbs, it offers exceptional portability and maneuverability.
• Weight with AP 200 Battery: 7.5 lbs, maintaining lightweight characteristics even with the battery installed.
• Guide Bar Length: The recommended 12-inch bar length is perfect for detailed and precise arborist work.
• Chain Oil Capacity: 3.6 oz, adequate for consistent lubrication during use.
• Battery System and Run Time: Part of the AP System, with a run time of up to 42 minutes with the AP 200 battery, provides substantial duration for various cutting tasks.
• Voltage: Operates at a 36-volt power level, delivering strong and consistent performance.

The Stihl MSA 161 T is part of the renowned AP Battery System and is specifically tailored for professional arborists seeking a lightweight, quiet, and high-performing chainsaw for in-tree work. It stands out in the battery-powered category for its commercial-grade attributes and user-friendly features.

Key Features:

• Battery Power Source: As a battery-operated tool, it provides the convenience of cordless operation, eliminating exhaust emissions and significantly reducing noise levels.
• Brushless Electric Motor: The chainsaw is equipped with a high-efficiency brushless motor that delivers optimal speed, cutting capacity, and extended run times, suitable for demanding professional use.
• Instant-Start Technology: This feature allows for immediate operation of the chainsaw, saving time and enhancing productivity during intensive arborist tasks.
• 1/4″ STIHL PICCO™ Saw Chain: Known for precise cutting performance, this chain is ideal for pruning and in-tree maintenance, offering clean and smooth cuts.
• STIHL Quickstop® and Quickstop® Plus: These safety features are designed to stop the chain immediately in certain conditions, adding an extra layer of safety for the user.
• Ematic™ Lubrication System: Ensures proper chain lubrication, reduces oil consumption, and extends the life of the cutting attachment.

The Stihl MSA 161 T encapsulates the advancements of modern battery technology in a high-performance chainsaw. Its lightweight design, combined with a powerful electric motor and user-centric features, makes it an excellent tool for professionals who require efficiency, precision, and environmental consideration in their work. This chainsaw is a testament to Stihl’s commitment to innovation, performance, and sustainability in the field of professional arboriculture equipment.

Comparison Table

How We Choose the Best Chainsaw

Picking out the cream of the crop in a field as extensive and technical as chainsaws is not a task taken lightly. Several key factors go into making our choice for the top spots. Here’s a glimpse into the meticulous process we adopt:

• Power Source: We first segregate chainsaws based on their power source. This categorization usually falls under gas, battery, or electric-powered chainsaws. All three come with their strengths and weaknesses, making them suited to specific tasks and user preferences.
• Performance: Performance is a crucial factor. We look at engine power for gas chainsaws and voltage for electric and battery-operated chainsaws. This gives us an idea about the type of work the chainsaw can handle. Can it rip through hardwood? Can it handle extended use? These are the questions we find answers to.
• Ease of Use: A chainsaw can be a dangerous tool if not handled correctly. We consider factors such as weight, handle design, and maneuverability. For example, a chainsaw with a top handle design is often preferred by arborists due to its ease of use in tree pruning.
• Features: Extra features can make a chainsaw stand out from the crowd. Some chainsaws come with tool-free chain tensioning, automatic oilers, or even safety features like chain brakes. The more user-friendly and safety-focused features a chainsaw has, the higher it ranks in our evaluation.
• Price: Pricing is a huge deciding factor for many buyers. We aim to find chainsaws that offer the best value for money. This doesn’t always mean the cheapest. Instead, we look for chainsaws that offer the best combination of the above factors at a reasonable price.
• User Reviews and Professional Opinions: Lastly, we take into account the reviews and opinions of users and other professionals in the field. A chainsaw might look great on paper, but the real-life application and long-term use can reveal more about the product.

By considering all these factors, we ensure that our selection of the best chainsaws caters to a range of users, from professionals to occasional home users. It’s a time-consuming process, but one that we believe results in a more accurate, helpful, and reliable review for our readers.

Top Handle Chainsaw Bar Length

Chainsaw bars can range from a modest 12 inches to an extensive 36 inches, and sometimes even more.

Yet, for limbing chainsaws, the bar rarely surpasses 16 inches, ensuring they retain their streamlined form. This bar size is pivotal in setting the diameter of logs you can tackle.

For effective cutting, the bar should be a minimum of two inches longer than the diameter of the wood. Thus, bars between 12 to 14 inches are perfect for tasks like pruning, felling smaller trees, and limbing.

For heftier branches, bars from 14 to 18 inches are recommended. However, one must remember that as the bar’s length increases, so does the chainsaw’s weight and potential imbalance, making it challenging to operate among tree branches.

Consequently, selecting the right bar length is essential depending on the specific task to ensure ease of operation.

The Final Verdict: Choosing Your Ideal Arborist Chainsaw

In conclusion, the selection of the seven best arborist chainsaws for 2024 showcases a diverse range of tools catering to different professional needs in tree care. The Stihl MS 150 TC-E stands out for its exceptional lightweight design and user-friendly features like ErgoStart, making it perfect for precision tasks and confined spaces. The Husqvarna T540 XP® II, with its blend of power and ergonomic design, offers versatility and efficiency for a variety of demanding tasks, supported by features like AutoTune and LowVib®. Echo CS-355T‘s balance of power and weight makes it a reliable and versatile option, suitable for a range of arboriculture work.

For those seeking eco-friendly alternatives, the Makita XCU08PT offers a powerful, battery-operated solution with zero emissions and low noise, without sacrificing efficiency. Similarly, the Stihl MSA 161 T, another battery-powered model, excels in in-tree work with its lightweight design and user-friendly features, catering to the eco-conscious professional. In contrast, the Stihl MS 193 T merges lightweight construction with robust power, equipped with features like Easy2Start™ and the Quickstop® Chain Brake for safety and ease of use.

Lastly, the Husqvarna 525PT5S stands out as a specialized pole saw for tasks requiring extended reach, boasting a telescopic tube and X-Torq® engine for high tree work with minimal effort. Each chainsaw in this selection offers unique attributes, from compact designs for precise work to robust saws for heavy-duty tasks and environmentally friendly, battery-powered options. The choice ultimately hinges on the specific professional requirements, personal preferences for power sources, and the value placed on features such as reduced emissions and noise.

Frequently Asked Question

1. What is the difference between a top handle and a rear handle chainsaw?
   A top-handle chainsaw, like the Stihl MS 201 TC-M and Tanaka TCS33EDTP/12, has a handle positioned on top of the saw, offering better maneuverability and control for tasks performed while climbing or in tight spaces. Rear handle chainsaws, like the Husqvarna T540 XP and Echo CS-2511T, have the handle at the rear, providing better balance and control for ground-based work.
2. Are these chainsaws suitable for professional use?
   Yes, all the chainsaws mentioned are designed for professional use, particularly by arborists. They offer powerful engines, durability, and features tailored to handle demanding tree pruning, limbing, and other arboricultural tasks.
3. Which chainsaw is the lightest? The Echo CS-2511T is the lightest gas-powered chainsaw in North America, making it a popular choice for arborists who value maneuverability and reduced fatigue during extended work hours.
4. Are battery-powered chainsaws as powerful as gas-powered ones?
   Battery-powered chainsaws, like the Makita XCU02PT and Oregon CS300-A6, offer convenience and eco-friendliness but may have slightly less power compared to their gas-powered counterparts. While they are suitable for many tasks, they may struggle with denser woods or more demanding projects.
5. What is the advantage of the auto-tune feature on the Husqvarna T540 XP?
   The auto-tune feature on the Husqvarna T540 XP eliminates the need for manual carburetor tuning. It adjusts the carburetor automatically, ensuring optimum performance at all times without the hassle of manual adjustments.
6. Can I use these chainsaws for larger projects?
   The suitability of chainsaws for larger projects depends on factors like bar length and power. Chainsaws with longer bars, like the Husqvarna T540 XP and Echo CS-2511T, may be better suited for larger projects compared to those with shorter bars, like the Echo CS-2511T or Tanaka TCS33EDTP/12. However, it’s important to consider the specific requirements of the project and choose accordingly.
7. How often do battery-powered chainsaws need recharging?
   The runtime of battery-powered chainsaws varies depending on the model and usage. However, the Makita XCU02PT and Oregon CS300-A6, being notable battery-powered options, provide impressive runtimes. It’s recommended to have spare batteries on hand for longer projects or to recharge as needed.

David Murray

Forestry Author

I'm David Murry, a forestry equipment specialist with a focus on chainsaw operation. With over 13 years of experience, I've honed my skills in operating and maintaining a wide range of machinery, from chainsaws to log splitters. My passion for the outdoors and commitment to sustainable forestry drive my work, which emphasizes safety, efficiency, and staying updated with industry advancements. Additionally, I'm dedicated to sharing my expertise and promoting environmental awareness within the forestry community.