For his thirteenth championship title, Mr. Miguel Pastenes is once again the TTCC Masters Challenge Champion! Setting another personal and competition record with the 2022 win, Mr. Pastenes has earned this prestigious award more than any other tree climber in the history of the competition for 1) how many consecutive years in a row he has won- SIX, and 2) the total number of years he has won- THIRTEEN! Visit the ISA Texas website to see a list of all the TTCC Champions from 1983 to the present.
Recent Honors and Awards
All of the honors and awards received are listed below by Arborist, Tree Climber, or Employee and Company.
2022 Texas Tree Climbing Competition (TTCC)
Texas Master Gardener Search for Excellence
Texas Master Gardener Association announced the 2020 Search for Excellence award winners at their 2021 annual conference. Dallas County Master Gardener Association (DCMGA) brought home two awards, including Individual Outstanding Master Gardener of the Year for Mr. Steve Houser! DCMGA's nomination credits Mr. Houser's efforts within the community, as a DCMGA Help Desk Resource, and as a trusted advisor on trees and urban forestry- saying, "He is an indispensable educator for Master Gardeners and a trusted advisor of AgriLife Extension."
Texas Tree Climbing Competition Presidential Award of Merit
The 2021 Presidential Award of Merit was awarded to Ms. Kirbie Houser-Pastenes for her continuous and outstanding service to Texas Chapter ISA and for tirelessly promoting the practice of professional aboriculture and urban forestry in Texas. Ms. Houser-Pastenas (pictured above with her husband Mr. Miguel Pastenas) was the previous recipient of the 2013 Texas Tree Climbing Competition Outstanding Volunteer Medal. Arborilogical Services published several pictures of the award presentation in our article library.
International Society of Arboriculture - Texas Chapter
Mr. Kevin Bassett named Aborist of the Year for the second time, (2016, 1994)! It is the highest honor an arborist can receive from the ISA Texas Chapter, Texas Forest Service, and Texas Urban Forestry Council. He received this award for his tireless support of the tree care industry, years of leadership and volunteer service, financial support, and dedication to improvement of the industry. Mr. Bassett is a leader in arboriculture and an inspiration for all who have worked with him. The ISA Newsletter featured Mr. Bassett in an article for this honor.
Dedicated Years of Service
The names of eligible employees are displayed on a mural of Arborilogical's tree logo. We celebrate with our team members at each of their five-year milestone anniversaries. We have employees who have been with us for more than 40 years!
Texas Tree Climbing Competition
Competitor names are displayed on a mural of a tree cookie. We recognize the competition champion along with each climber who places in one or more of the five preliminary events.
International and North American Tree Climbing Competitions
Climbers' names are displayed on a mural of a tree climber. For ITCC and NATCC, we recognize each climber who competes because you are already a champion climber if you make it to these two competitions!
All Honors and Awards
Our tree climbers are among the most knowledgeable and experienced in the state. They have won the annual Texas Tree Climbing Competition an unprecedented twenty-seven different years with eight different climbers for past state championships. We have represented the State of Texas in North American and International competitions all around the world. One of our top crew foreman, Mr. Miguel Pastenes, brought home the 2015 North American Tree Climbing Competition Championship title making him the best tree climber on the continent for the year. He is currently a thirteen-time Texas state champion and holds the TTCC record for both the number of consecutive championship wins and the number of total championship wins!
The first tree climbing competitions in the nation were called "jamborees" and they started in the late 1970s. The first Texas jamborees were held in the early 1980s but were not held for a number of years in the mid to late 1980s due to a lack of insurance for the event. Now, they are called tree climbing competitions and there is an annual state competition. When a climber wins the state champion title, they are invited to the annual North American and International competitions. The International Tree Climbing Competition is akin to the Olympics for tree climbers and our climbers often place in the top ten rankings. Mr. Pastenes is a previous international champion in the speed climb event.
The first of the two-day competition involves five preliminary events:
- Two of these events are timed speed climbs and involve climbing a rope to ring a bell at 50 feet high, as fast as possible. The quickest time earns the most points.
- The throw line event involves the installation of a throwline and climbing line in a chosen and marked fork of a tree. The higher the fork, the greater the points but there is a time limit.
- The aerial rescue tests the tree climbers' ability to safely rescue another injured climber (a dummy for the challenge) that is suspended in a tree. The climber must safely bring the injured climber to the ground in a set amount of time. The climbers are judged by their knowledge of CPR, skill, balance, and experience.
- The work climb event starts when a climber in the top of a tree honks a horn and then they must work their way to a number of stations set up throughout the tree within a set amount of time. Points are earned for properly completing the various stations with extra points being earned for smooth movement through a tree, reduced time to completion, unique style or climber trick that can be used.
The top four competitors in the preliminary events compete in the master's challenge on the second day. This challenge is typically held in the largest tree available. Climbers start from the ground and must move through various workstations in less than 25 minutes. Points are determined in a similar fashion as the work climb with the winner being declared the Texas champion.
The following is a list of our many tree climbers awards going back to 1983.
International Tree Climbing Competition (ITCC) Awards
2021 ITCC Covid-19 Cancelled.
2020 ITCC Covid-19 Cancelled.
2019 ITCC (Knoxville, TN), Mr. Miguel Pastenes, Champion Belayed Speed Climb.
2018 ITCC (Columbus, OH), Mr. Miguel Pastenes, participant.
2017 ITCC (Washington, DC), Mr. Miguel Pastenes, participant.
2016 ITCC (Fort Worth, TX), Mr. Miguel Pastenes, 2nd place Footlock, 7th place Overall.
2015 ITCC (Orlando, FL), Mr. Miguel Pastenes, participant.
2014 ITCC (Milwaukee, MN), Mr. Vicente Pena-Molina, and Mr. Miguel Pastenes, Masters Invitational, participants.
2013 ITCC (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), Mr. Miguel Pastenes, participant.
2012 ITCC (Portland, OR), Mr. Miguel Pastenes, 2nd place Belayed Speed Climb.
2009 ITCC (Providence, RI), Mr. Miguel Pastenes, Champion Secured Footlock, 2nd place Belayed Speed Climb.
2008 ITCC (St. Louis, MO), Mr. Miguel Pastenes, 2nd place Secured Footlock, 3rd place Belayed Speed Climb.
2007 ITCC (Honolulu, HI), Mr. Vicente Navarro, participant.
2006 ITCC (Minneapolis, MN), Mr. Miguel Pastenes, Champion Belayed Speed Climb.
2005 ITCC (Nashville, TN), Mr. Nicolas Martinez, participant.
2004 ITCC (Pittsburgh, PA), Mr. Miguel Pastenes, participant.
2003 ITCC (Montreal, Quebec, Canada), Mr. Nicolas Martinez, participant.
2002 ITCC (Seattle, WA), Mr. Leoncio Carlos, participant.
2001 ITCC (Milwaukee, MN), Mr. Francisco Carlos, participant.
2000 ITCC (Baltimore, MD), Mr. Nicolas Martinez, participant.
1998 ITCC (Birmingham, England), Mr. Rosalinda Ruiz Carlos, 15th place overall, and his 5th time to represent Texas Chapter.
1997 ITCC (Salt Lake City, UT), Mr. Rosalinda Ruiz Carlos, participant.
1996 ITCC (Cleveland, OH) Mr. Nicolas Martinez, participant, 3rd place Work Climb, 3rd place Throwline.
1995 ITCC (Hilton Head, SC), Mr. Rosalinda Ruiz Carlos, participant.
1994 ITCC (Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada), Mr. Rosalinda Ruiz Carlos, participant, 3rd place Work Climb, 3rd place Throwline.
1993 ITCC (Bismarck, North Dakota), Mr. Dennis Garner, participant.
1990 ITCC (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), Mr. Rosalinda Ruiz Carlos, participant.
1983 ITCC (or the "Tree Climbers Jamboree" at the time) (Indianapolis, IN), Mr. Kevin Bassett, participant.
North American Tree Climbing Competition (NATCC) Awards
The NATCC was first established in 2014 in association with the International competition.
2021 NATCC Covid-19 Cancelled.
2020 NATCC Covid-19 Cancelled.
2018 NATCC (Providence, RI), Mr. Miguel Pastenes, participant.
2017 NATCC (Salt Lake City, UT), Mr. Miguel Pastenes, participant.
2015 NATCC (Longmont, CO), Mr. Miguel Pastenes, North American CHAMPION!
2014 NATCC (Pasadena, CA), Mr. Miguel Pastenes, participant.
2013 NATCC (Newark, NJ), Mr. Miguel Pastenes, participant.
2011 NATCC (Savannah, GA), Mr. Miguel Pastenes, participant.
Texas Tree Climbing Competition (TTCC) Awards
2022 TTCC Masters Challenge (New Braunfels), Mr. Miguel Pastenes, Champion- 1st place Masters Challenge.
2022 TTCC Preliminary Challenge awards for Mr. Nicanor Buitron for 1st Throwline; and Mr. Orbelin Pastenes for 2nd place Throwline.
2021 TTCC Masters Challenge (Waco), Mr. Miguel Pastenes, Champion- 1st place Masters Challenge.
2020 TTCC Covid-19 Cancelled.
2019 TTCC Masters Challenge (Georgetown), Mr. Miguel Pastenes, Champion- 1st place Masters Challenge.
2018 TTCC Masters Challenge (Waxahachie), Mr. Miguel Pastenes, Champion- 1st place Masters Challenge.
2018 TTCC Preliminary Challenge awards for Mr. Miguel Pastenes for 1st place Belayed Speed, 2nd Aerial Rescue, 2nd Ascent Event; and Mr. Norberto Mendez-Olmedo for 4th place Belayed Speed.
2017 TTCC Masters Challenge, Mr. Vicente Pena-Molina for 2nd place; Mr. Miguel Pastenas for 3rd place; and Mr. Vicenta Navarro for 4th place.
2017 TTCC Preliminary Challenge awards for Mr. Miguel Pastenes for 1st place ALL EVENTS (first time in the history of TTCC an individual has earned 1st place in all events); Mr. Vicente Pena-Molina for 2nd place Footlock, 2nd place Throwline; and Mr. Nicanor Buitron for 3rd place Throwline.
2016 TTCC Masters Challenge, Mr. Miguel Pastenes, Champion- 1st place Masters Challenge.
2016 TTCC Preliminary Challenge awards for Mr. Miguel Pastenes for 1st place Belayed Speed, 1st place Footlock, 2nd place Work Climb, 2nd place Aerial Rescue.
2015 TTCC Masters Challenge, Mr. Miguel Pastenes, Champion- 1st place Masters Challenge; and Mr. Vicente Pena-Molina for 2nd place Masters Challenge.
2015 TTCC Preliminary Challenge awards for Mr. Miguel Pastenes for 1st in all events, except 2nd place Aerial Rescue; and Mr. Vicente Pena-Molina for 2nd place Work Climb, 2nd place Throwline.
2014 TTCC Masters Challenge, Mr. Vicente Pena-Molina, Champion- 1st place Masters Challenge; Mr. Miguel Pastenes for 2nd place Masters Challenge; and Mr. David Ruiz for 3rd place Masters Challenge.
2014 TTCC Preliminary Challenge awards for Mr. David Ruiz for 1st place Throwline, 1st place Aerial Rescue, 3rd place Footlock; Mr. Miguel Pastenes for 1st place Footlock, 2nd place Belayed Speed, 2nd place Work Climb; and Mr. Vicente Pena-Molina for 1st place Work Climb, 2nd place Throwline, 2nd place Footlock.
2014 TTCC Masters Invitational (Waco, Texas), Mr. Miguel Pastenes, Champion- 1st place Masters Invitational.
2013 TTCC Masters Challenge, Mr. Miguel Pastenes, Champion- 1st place Masters Challenge; and Mr. Vicente Pena-Molina for placement Masters Challenge.
2013 TTCC Preliminary Challenge awards for Mr. Vicente Pena-Molina for 2nd place Belayed Speed, 2nd place Work Climb, 2nd place Throwline, 3rd place Footlock; Mr. Miguel Pastenes for 1st place Belayed Speed, 1st place Work Climb, 1st place Footlock, 2nd place Aerial Rescue; Mr. David Ruiz for 1st place Stock Saw Speed Cutting, 4th place Work Climb; Mr. Balvino Carlos for 4th place Throwline; and Mr. Vicente Navarro for 3rd place Throwline.
2012 TTCC Masters Challenge, Mr. Miguel Pastenes, Champion- 1st place Masters Challenge.
2012 TTCC Preliminary Challenge awards for Mr. Migeul Pastenes for 1st place Belayed Speed, 1st place Footlock, 1st place Work Climb; Mr. Gustavo Salmeron for 2nd place Throwline; and Mr. Vicente Pena-Molina for 2nd place Work Climb, 3rd place Footlock.
2011 TTCC Masters Challenge. Mr. Miguel Pastenes for placement Masters Challenge.
2011 TTCC Preliminary Challenge awards for Mr. Migeul Pastenes for 1st place Footlock, 3rd place Work Climb, 2nd place Aerial Rescue; Mr. David Ruiz for 1st place Throwline; and Mr. Vicente Pena-Molina for 4th place Work Climb.
2010 TTCC Masters Challenge. Mr. Miguel Pastenes for 2nd place Masters Challenge.
2010 TTCC Preliminary Challenge awards for Mr. Migeul Pastenes for 1st place Work Climb, 2nd place Footlock, 2nd place Throwline, 1st place Belayed Speed; Mr. David Ruiz for 3rd place Work Climb, 4th place Footlock, 4the place Throwline; and Mr. Vicente Navarro for 4th place Work Climb.
2009 TTCC Masters Challenge, Mr. Miguel Pastenes, Champion- 1st place Masters Challenge; and Mr. David Ruiz for 3rd place Masters Challenge.
2009 TTCC Preliminary Challenge awards for Mr. Miguel Pastenes for 1st place Footlock, 2nd place Belayed Speed, 4th place Aerial Rescue, 1st place Work Climb; Mr. David Ruiz for 3rd place Throwline, 1st place Aerial Rescue, 2nd place Work Climb; Mr. Nicolas Martinez for 1st place Throwline; and Mr. Leoncio Ruiz Carlos for 2nd place Throwline.
2008 TTCC Masters Challenge, Mr. Miguel Pastenes, Champion- 1st place Masters Challenge; and Mr. Vicente Navarro for 2nd place Masters Challenge.
2008 TTCC Preliminary Challenge awards for Mr. Miguel Pastenes for 1st place Throwline, 1st place Footlock, 1st place Speed Climb, 3rd place Aerial Rescue, 1st place Work Climb; and Mr. Vicente Navarro for 3rd place Throwline.
2007 TTCC Masters Challenge, Mr. Vicente Navarro, Champion- 1st place Masters Challenge; and Mr. Miguel Pastenes for 2nd place Masters Challenge.
2007 TTCC Preliminary Challenge awards for Mr. Miguel Pastenes for 1st place Footlock, 2nd place Aerial Rescue, 3rd place Work Climb; Mr. Bonifacio Carlos for 2nd place Throwline; Mr. Vicente Navarro for 2nd place Work Climb; and Mr. Francisco Carlos for 3rd place Work Climb.
2006 TTCC Masters Challenge, Mr. Miguel Pastenes, Champion- 1st place Masters Challenge.
2006 TTCC Preliminary Challenge awards for Mr. Miguel Pastenes for 1st place Throwline, 1st place Footlock, 1st place Work Climb, 1st place Belayed Speed Climb, 2nd place Aerial Rescue; Mr. Nicolas Martinez for 2nd place Throwline; Mr. Leoncio Ruiz Carlos for 3rd place Footlock; and Mr. David Ruiz for 3rd place Work Climb.
2005 TTCC Champion, Mr. Nicolas Martinez, Champion- 1st place.
2004 TTCC Champion, Mr. Miguel Pastenes, Champion- 1st place.
2003 TTCC Masters Challenge, Mr. Nicolas Martinez, Champion- 1st place Masters Challenge; Mr. Francisco Carlos for 2nd place Masters Challenge; and Mr. Leoncio Ruiz Carlos for 3rd place Masters Challenge.
2003 TTCC Preliminary Challenge awards for Mr. Nicolas Martinez for 1st place Aerial Rescue, 3rd place Footlock; Mr. Francisco Carlos for 2nd place Work Climb, Mr. Leoncio Ruiz Carlos for 3rd place Work Climb, 3rd place Throwline, 2nd place Belayed Speed Climb; and Mr. Willy Carlos for 1st place Throwline.
2002 TTCC Masters Challenge, Mr. Leoncio Ruiz Carlos, Champion- 1st place Masters Challenge; and Mr. Francisco Carlos for 3rd place Masters Challenge.
2002 TTCC Preliminary Challenge awards for Mr. Javier Aviles for 2nd place Throwline (5-way tie); Mr. Francisco Carlos 2nd place Throwline (5-way tie), 3rd place Aerial Rescue; Mr. Leoncio Ruiz Carlos for 2nd place Throwline (5-way tie), 2nd place Belayed Speed Climb, 1st place Work Climb, 3rd place Footlock; Mr. Willy Carlos for 2nd place Throwline (5-way tie); Mr. Jose Navarro for 2nd place Throwline (5-way tie); Mr. Nicolas Martinez for 1st place Aerial Rescue, 2nd place Footlock; Mr. Balvino Carlos for 2nd place Aerial Rescue; and Mr. Martin Ruiz Carlos for 2nd place Work Climb.
2001 TTCC Champion, Mr. Francisco Carlos, Champion- 1st place.
2000 TTCC Champion, Mr. Nicolas Martinez, Champion- 1st place.
1998 TTCC Masters Challenge, Mr. Rosalindo Ruiz Carlos, Champion- 1st place Masters Challenge; and Mr. Nicolas Martinez for 3rd place Masters Challenge.
1998 TTCC Preliminary Challenge awards for Mr. Russell Peters for 2nd place Speed Cut.
1997 TTCC Champion, Mr. Rosalindo Ruiz Carlos, Champion- 1st place.
1996 TTCC Masters Challenge, Mr. Nicolas Martinez, Champion- 1st place Masters Challenge.
1996 TTCC Preliminary Challenge awards for Mr. Nicolas Martinez for 1st place Footlock, 2nd place Speed Climb, 1st place Throwline, 1st place Work Climb, 1st place Body Thrust; Mr. Martin Ruiz Carlos for 2nd place Throwline, 2nd place Speed Cut, 2nd place Body Thrust, 3rd place Speed Cut; and Mr. Rosalindo Ruiz Carlos for 1st place Speed Cut.
1995 TTCC Champion, Mr. Rosalinda Ruiz Carlos, Champion- 1st place Overall; and Mr. Nicolas Martinez for 2nd place Overall.
1995 TTCC Preliminary Challenge awards for Mr. Rosalindo Ruiz Carlos for 1st place Aerial Rescue, 2nd place Throwline, 2nd place Speed Climb, 2nd place Work Climb, 2st place Speed Cut; Mr. Onecimo Carlos for 3rd place Throwline; and Mr. Nicolas Martinez for 1st place Work Climb, 1st place Body Thrust, 1st place Speed Climb, 2nd place Speed Cut.
1994 TTCC Champion, Mr. Rosalinda Ruiz Carlos, Champion- 1st place Overall; Mr. Nicolas Martinez for 2nd place Overall; and Mr. Onecimo Carlos for 3rd place Overall.
1994 TTCC Preliminary Challenge awards for Mr. Nicolas Martinez for 1st place Footlock, 1st place Body Thrust, 1st place Speed Climb, 2nd place Work Climb, 2nd place Speed Cut; Mr. Rosalinda Ruiz Carlos for 1st place Work Climb, 2nd place Speed Climb, 2nd place Footlock, 2nd place Body Thrust, 3rd place Throwline; and Mr. Onecimo Carlos for 1st place Throwline, 3rd place Work Climb.
1993 TTCC Champion, Mr. Dennis Garner, Champion- 1st place Overall; and Mr. Rosalinda Ruiz Carlos for 2nd place Overall.
1993 TTCC Preliminary Challenge awards for Mr. Rosalinda Ruiz Carlos for 1st place Work Climb; and Mr. Kevin Bassett for 1st place Speed Cut.
1991 TTCC Preliminary Challenge awards for Mr. Rick Smith for 2nd place Aerial Rescue; and Mr. Rosalinda Ruiz Carlos for 1st place Aerial Rescue, 2nd place Throwline, 2nd place Work Climb, 3rd place Speed Climb.
1990 TTCC Champion, Mr. Rosalinda Ruiz Carlos, Champion- 1st place Overall.
1983 TTCC Champion, Mr. Kevin Bassett, 3rd place Overall.
1983 TTCC Preliminary Challenge awards for Mr. Kevin Bassett for 5th place Work Climb, 3rd place Speed Climb.
Other States' Tree Climbing Competitions
2022 NSTCC Work Climb, Mr. Miguel Pastenes, Champion- 1st place Workers Climb of the Natural State Tree Climbing Competition in Arkansas (equivalent to TTCC Masters Challenge).
American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA)
1999 ASCA Certificate of Appreciation presented to Mr. Russell Peters on October 1, 1999 for serving on the ASCA Document Review Committee.
Comanche Nation
2018 Flag Presentation, Mr. Steve Houser. Over 70 Comanche Nation Elders and officials gathered to formally recognize a Comanche Marker Tree near Holliday, Texas. A marker tree is one that was used or altered by the Comanche's over 148 years ago, a subject Mr. Houser researched for over 24 years and wrote a book about entitled, Comanche Marker Trees of Texas. Mr. Houser was deeply honored when the Comanche Nation officials presented him with a Comanche Nation flag at the event.
Dallas Morning News
2002 Dallas Morning News awarded the Golden Pen Award to Mr. Bill Seaman (retired) for a Letter to the Editor he wrote that was published in the newspaper on August 26, 2002. Mr. Seaman's letter was chosen for its clarity and writing style.
International Society of Arboriculture Texas Chapter, Texas Forest Service, and Texas Urban Forestry Council
To be recognized by your peers within an industry is one of the greatest honors bestowed on an arborist or tree climber. The primary industry association for all arborists and tree climbers in the State of Texas is the International Society of Arboriculture's Texas Chapter (ISAT).
The highest honor provided by ISAT for an arborist is to be named as the "Arborist of the Year" for many years of volunteer and financial support as well as dedication to our industry. In particular, the "Arborist of the Year" and "Texas Community Forestry Award, Arboricultural Project" awards are also provided by the Texas Forest Service, and the Texas Urban Forestry Council.
Company arborists previously named as Arborist of the Year include: Mr. Russell Peters (2005), Mr. Steve Houser (2011), and Mr. Kevin Bassett, who won the award two different years, (1994, 2016)!
Our company arborist previously presented with the Texas Community Forestry Award, Arboricultural Project on two separate occasions is Mr. Kevin Basset, (2000, 2005)!
Awards provided by the ISAT to our arborists include:
- 2016 Arborist of the Year, presented for the second time to Mr. Kevin Bassett. The highest honor provided by ISAT for an arborist is to be named as the "Arborist of the Year" for many years of volunteer and financial support, as well as dedication to our industry. This award is also provided by the Texas Forest Service and the Texas Urban Forestry Council.
- 2011 Gold Leaf Landscape Beautification Award, Mr. Steve Houser and the City of Dallas. The award was in recognition of the Dallas Mavericks "Trees for Threes" tree-planting efforts, which were developed by Mr. Houser and Mavs staff to plant larger trees in parks and schools. The trees are inspected, fertilized, and insect/disease problems managed for three years by Arborilogical as a pro bono way to support the future sustainability of the trees planted.
- 2008 Texas Chapter Jamboree 25th Anniversary Tree Climbing Championship Award of Appreciation presented to Mr. Kevin Bassett in Fort Worth, Texas "In appreciation for many years of technical support and godfathering." Mr. Bassett has devoted countless hours of volunteer service over many years to the planning and on-site management of this event.
- 2007 Gold Leaf Award of Excellence, Mr. Steve Houser and the City of Dallas. The award was for an Arbor Day celebration planned and executed by Mr. Houser and Urban Forester, Mr. Walter Passmore, which included planting over 100 trees along Katy Trail and 20 trees in Reverchon Park. The event featured Mayor Laura Millers "Tree Climbing Challenge," which included other mayors from around the area competing against each other in tree climbing, tree planting and breaking a tree-shaped piñata. Media coverage was extensive and the event helped to educate the public about the many benefits of trees.
- 2006 Award of Appreciation, Mr. Steve Houser. The award was related to many years of volunteer expertise and training provided, as well as financial support for the Texas Tree Climbing Competition. "In appreciation for many years of technical support and godfathering."
- 2005 Arborist of the Year, Mr. Russell Peters. The highest honor provided by ISAT for an arborist is to be named as the "Arborist of the Year" for many years of volunteer and financial support as well as dedication to our industry. This award is also provided by the Texas Forest Service and the Texas Urban Forestry Council.
- 2005 Texas Community Forestry Award, Arboricultural Project, presented for the second time to Mr. Kevin Bassett. Fort Davis is a historic location in west Texas that contained a number of very large and very old Cottonwood trees that were in disrepair and in need of a good consulting arborist. As a result, Mr. Bassett along with an Austin arborist Mr. Patrick Wentworth provided a management plant to help restore their health and reduce the potential hazard some of them posed to the public.
- 2001 Arborist of the Year, Mr. Steve Houser. The highest honor provided by ISAT for an arborist is to be named as the "Arborist of the Year" for many years of volunteer and financial support as well as dedication to our industry. This award is also provided by the Texas Forest Service and the Texas Urban Forestry Council.
- 2001 Steve Houser Award of Excellence (also known as the "Houser Cup") tradition was established. During the annual state forestry conference, Mr. Steve Houser was called to the stage to receive the Arborist of the Year award and an award of merit. As he was leaving the stage, he was called back and it was announced that from that point forward, the state champion tree climber for the year would receive the Steve Houser Award of Excellence in the form of the "Houser Cup".
- 2001 Award of Merit, Mr. Steve Houser. "In appreciation for his continuing commitment and inestimable contribution to the ISA Texas Chapter Tree Climbing Championship".
- 2000 Texas Community Forestry Award, Arboricultural Project, Mr. Kevin Bassett. Dealy Plaza, in downtown Dallas, contains some of the most historic trees in our area due to the past history on the site. However, the trees were in disrepair due to a shortage of funds in the park department. As a result, Mr. Bassett and other company arborists planned a workday to clean up the trees and solicited the help of local tree care companies and several other tree companies from Austin and San Antonio to provide the needed care.
- 1998 Tree Preservation Award, Mr. Steve Houser. The award was for efforts to preserve 80 large old trees scheduled for removal due to the expansion of a local hospital. Advocacy for the trees led to a battle and the formation of the Dallas Historic Tree Coalition, which is now the Texas Historic Tree Coalition.
- 1997 Leadership Award, Mr. Kevin Bassett. The award was provided for serving as the ISAT President from 1996-1997. "In recognition for his excellent leadership and service to the professional arborists of Texas".
- 1995 Leadership Award, Mr. Russell Peters. The award was provided for serving as the ISAT President from 1994-1995. "In recognition for his excellent leadership and service to the professional arborists of Texas".
- 1994 Arborist of the Year, Mr. Kevin Bassett. The highest honor provided by ISAT for an arborist is to be named as the "Arborist of the Year" for many years of volunteer and financial support as well as dedication to our industry. This award is also provided by the Texas Forest Service and the Texas Urban Forestry Council.
National Arbor Day Foundation
1996 National Arbor Day Foundation, Arbor Day Award, Mr. Steve Houser and the Dallas Historic Tree Coalition. To the best of our knowledge, it is the only National Arbor Day Award provided for a tree preservation project. Efforts to preserve trees scheduled for removal by a local hospital created the first of its kind battle over trees in the region. These trees were saved due to the public outcry and the formation provided to them by the Dallas Historic Tree Coalition, which is now the Texas Historic Tree Coalition.
The State of Texas, House of Representatives
2008 The State of Texas House of Representatives passed a resolution recognizing Mr. Steve Houser for volunteer efforts as an advisor for Vision North Texas (planning our future regional growth), founding member of the Dallas Historic Tree Coalition and the Texas Tree Trails, Chair for the City of Dallas Urban Forest Advisory Committee, Certified Texas Master Gardener, and as a Certified Master Naturalist. The resolution was signed by the Honorable Allen Vaught, State Representative, District 107.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
2014 Horticulture Award, Mr. Steve Houser. "In appreciation of support to horticulture programs, Collin County Extension Service recognizes Steve Houser, Arborilogical Services". The award was for many years of training and education for the Collin County Master Gardener program, as well as the Blackland Prairie Master Naturalist program.
Texas Master Gardener Association and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
2021 The Texas Master Gardener Association in cooperation with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service announced Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at the Search for Excellence Awards Program held during the annual Texas Master Gardener Conference that Mr. Steve Houser was recognized on a statewide level as Master Gardener of the Year! In the nomination penned by the Dallas County Master Gardener Association, the association stated how fortunate they are to have Mr. Houser be a part of their program, going on to describe Mr. Houser as one of Dr. Seuss's most beloved heroes, the Lorax, who says, "I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees." Read more of what the Dallas County Master Gardener Association wrote in their nomination of Mr. Houser for this prestigious award!
Trinity Blacklands Urban Forestry Council
2002 Trinity Blacklands Urban Forestry Council Award Plaque presented to Mr. Russell Peters for your service as President of the Trinity Blacklands Urban Forestry Council 2002.
2001 Trinity Blacklands Urban Forestry Council Certificate of Appreciation presented to Mr. Russell Peters once again on December 14, 2001 for your service in urban forestry as Vice President of the Trinity Blacklands Urban Forestry Council 2001.
2000 Trinity Blacklands Urban Forestry Council Certificate of Appreciation presented to Mr. Russell Peters on December 14, 2000 for your service in urban forestry as the Director of the Trinity Blacklands Urban Forestry Council 2000.
1998 Trinity Blacklands Urban Forestry Council Certificate of Appreciation presented to Mr. Russell Peters on March 11, 1998 for your service in urban forestry as Board Member of the Trinity Blacklands Urban Forestry Council.
United States President's Office
2018 United States, President's Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Mr. Steve Houser for 4,000 hours of volunteer service as a Certified Texas Master Gardener with the Dallas County Master Gardener Program working as an educator, teacher, and public speaker. "With grateful recognition, the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Office of the President of the United States honors Steve Houser with the President's Lifetime Achievement Award for their lifelong commitment to building a stronger nation through volunteer service." The award was signed by President Donald Trump and a letter of appreciation was provided.
2008 United States, President's Call to Service Award presented to Mr. Houser for 5,000 hours of volunteer service as a Certified Texas Master Naturalist with the North Texas Chapter working as an educator, teacher, and public speaker. The Presidents Call to Service Award was provided by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. "In recognition and appreciation of your commitment to strengthening our nation and for making a difference through volunteer service." The award was signed by President George Bush and a letter of appreciation was provided by him as well as a letter for the Corporation for National Community Service and USA Freedom Corps.
Company Awards and Honors to Employees
Barbara Houser Award of Excellence
The Barbara Houser Award of Excellence is named after our owner's mother, Mrs. Barbara Houser, our first full-time staff member. It is the highest honor we can provide to our staff and it is only awarded to a very select few that have a very long company service record.
Mrs. Houser established many of the standards and policies that we still follow today. She was a real trooper with a positive attitude and a personality that our clients truly enjoyed. After she retired, it was fitting to name an award after her to recognize those who are dedicated to providing outstanding customer service.
The Barbara Houser Award of Excellence has previously been awarded to recipients including Mr. Kevin Bassett, Mr. Onecimo Carlos, and Mr. Salvadore Martinez. The inscription on the award reads: "To recognize years of steadfast devotion, absolute loyalty, and unquestionable commitment to the success of Arborilogical Services®."
Dedicated Years of Service
The Years of Service Award is provided in five-year increments and we are very fortunate to have so many long-term staff who are committed to our clients, their trees, and our company.
- Over forty years of outstanding service: Mr. Kevin Bassett and Mr. Steve Houser
- Over thirty-five years of outstanding service: Mr. Onecimo Carlos and Mr. Salvadore Martinez
- Over twenty years of service: Mr. Russell Peters, Mr. Martin Carlos, Mr. Jose Navarro, and Mr. Gustavo Salmeron
- Over fifteen years of outstanding service: Mr. Bill Seaman (retired), Mrs. Sarah Sours, Mr. Damond Compton, Mr. Javier Aviles, Mr. Balvino Carlos, Mr. Maximiliano Carlos, Mr. Ulises Hernandez, Mr. David Ruiz, Mr. Miguel Pastenes, Mr. Nicanor Buitron, and Mr. Keith Moody
- Over ten years of outstanding service: Ms. Lisa Pennington, Mr. Chris Brewer, Mr. Ben Thomas, Mr. Jose Luis Palacios, Mr. Vicente Molina, Mr. Vicente Navarro, Mr. Leobardo Blanca, Mrs. Kirbie Houser-Pastenes, and Ms. RuthAnn Jackson
- Over five years of outstanding service: Mr. Creed Houser, Mr. Carlos Hernandez, and Mr. Arturo Ibarra
Awards and Honors to Employees from Other Entities
Texas Tree Climbing Competition
2021 Texas Tree Climbing Competition Presidential Award of Merit was presented to Mrs. Kirbie Houser-Pastenas at the 2021 Texas Tree Conference Award Luncheon held September 30, 2021. Mrs. Houser-Pastenas was recognized for her continuous and outstanding service to Texas Chapter ISA and for tirelessly promoting the practice of professional arboriculture and urban forestry in Texas.
2013 Texas Tree Climbing Competition Outstanding Volunteer Medal awarded to Mrs. Kirbie Houser-Pastenes for her time and talents volunteering prior to, during, and after the event to ensure its success.
Awards and Honors to the Company
Angie's List - Super Service Award
Arborilogical Services, Inc. was honored to receive the Angie's List 2007 and 2008 "Super Service" Award for "achieving and maintaining a superior service rating."
Best Pick Reports
Arborilogical Services, Inc. received the prestigious Dallas 2011 "Best Pick" Award from the Best Pick Reports organization. We were honored to receive the award because it is based on their research and input from over 100 clients.
City of Royce City
GreenWorks! Certificate of Appreciation presented to Arborilogical Services® on September 5, 1996 in recognition of their outstanding performance on behalf of GreenWorks!, the environmental education and community action program of The United States Junior Chamber of Commerce and Project Learning Tree.
Collin County Agrilife Extension Service - Collin County Master Gardeners
The Collin County AgriLife Extension Service in conjunction with the Collin County Master Gardener Program presented the 2014 Horticulture Award to Arborilogical Services, Inc. and our owner. The award was "in appreciation of support to horticulture programs." Our owner served on the Collin County Horticultural Committee for almost ten years at the time and works to educate Master Gardeners around the region.
North Texas Corporate Recycling Association and the City of Dallas
In 2008, Arborilogical Services, Inc. won the prestigious "Comprehensive Recycling Program" Award from the City of Dallas and the North Texas Corporate Recycling Association. The award relates to the commitment to recycling for as long as we have been in business. All of our wood byproducts as well as office and shop-related materials are recycled. The award category was for corporations under 100 employees.