info on southeast

Cotreewhisperer · Mar 18, 2005

Hey guys,
Have a question for anyone that can help. I am thinking about moving to the southeast, been looking at Greenville SC. Any imput about the tree industry there- who are the companies there, and how are the companies there. Are things done alot different out there then they are here (colorado)? What could someone with seven years experience and certified arb. expect to ask or actually obtain for a wage (wages here seem incredibly low, people see to just accept it). I have noticed alot of you are from the southeast and wanted to get your input. This is something my girlfriend and I are looking into seriously, but may not move for a year or so. She is more concerned with the schools and stuff like that, I'm wondering if this could be a good career move for me. Let me know.

treeseer · Mar 18, 2005

Wages in this region are pretty soft, I thought.

But then I don't get any so what do I know.

Still, are schools so bad in CO? THe summers are sure nicer.

DDM · Mar 18, 2005

Hi Cotree, Im in Greenville,SC I own a tree service here. Hourly Rate depends upon Experience ect. Summers are usually Dead here mostly from vacationing.What kind of Hourly wage are you used to out there?

Old Monkey · Mar 18, 2005

My wife and I moved from the San Francisco Bay Area to Boise Idaho, neither of which is in the SE. However, we bought a book called "Places Rated Almanac" that compared cities in the US. It rated places based on a variety statistics, cost of living vs. average income, schools and universities, number of hospitals, etc. We found it very helpful. My wife and I both took a drop in pay but were able to buy a house, something unthinkable back in CA. Check out tree varieties in SC. I can't say I'm in love with the tree work in Boise, ID. It's easier, but I miss the challenges of big Doug Firs, Eucs, Redwoods and Valley Oaks. Its weird but you can get homesick for the trees your used to.

Good Luck!

Cotreewhisperer · Mar 19, 2005

We have been looking at findyourspot.com and some other websites that you can compare cities according to cost of living, future growth etc. One thing that we cant believe is the home prices, you get alot more for your money in SC. Dont get me wrong I really like living here in Colorado, but it has gotten overly busy here. I feel like the attitudes of people here are different too, than they were when I moved here in 1987.
As far as wages here, I make fifteen an hour for a small tree company. I climb and as well as do estimates for him. I have been in the industry for seven years as a climber/arborist and certified. Maybe I just have an inflated self worth, but I feel like I should be making closer to eighteen maybe.
One thing that would be nice back east is the trees. I grew up in a suburb of Rochester ,New York and there are some great trees there. I would probably work for six -fifty an hour in SC if I didnt have to climb another cottonwood or wirey/decayed silver maple -just kidding.
Anyways, I'm ramblin', what kind of work do you guys do alot of pruning, removals or lot clearing?