Show Notes
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 1984 - present Certified Arborist # WE-0433A
- Tree Care Industry Association 2013 – 1-31-2022 Certified Tree Safety Professional #01254
Professional Affiliations
- American Society of Consulting Arborists 1982 - present
- California Arborists Association 1971- present
- International Society of Arboriculture 1971 - present
- Tree Care Industry Association 1982 - present
- Mid-Atlantic Chapter, International Society of Arboriculture 1989 – present
- Western Chapter, ISA 1971 – present
Other Association Affiliations
- Marine Corps League – Antietam Detachment, Hagerstown, MD 2004 –present
- (Life Associate Member) 2014 - present
- NRA Benefactor Life Member 2014 - present
- 27th Regimental Historical Society “Wolfhounds” US Army 2004 – present Life Associate Member
- Single Action Shooting Society 2000- present Life Member
- Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) 1994 - 2004
The MDDF is an auxiliary to the 29th Division, Maryland National Guard.
Served as an E-6. Rappel Master. Frederick, Maryland
Awards and Other Honors
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ARBORICULTURE
Excellence in Practical Arboriculture Award 2007*
Author’s Citation 2001
Distinguished Chapter Award 2001
Honorary Life Membership 2000
Distinguished Chapter President’s Award 1990
Special Tree Trimmers Jamboree Award presented by competitors 1982
*Inaugural Recipient of ISA’s newest award. Later changed to M.F. Blair Excellence in Practical Arboriculture Award. (in honor of father)
MID-ATLANTIC CHAPTER, ISA
Award of Commendation 1995
Award of Appreciation 2002
President’s Award 2009
WESTERN CHAPTER, ISA
Honorary Life Membership 2014
Award of Merit 1990
President’s Award 1987
Gold Leaf Award 1984
President’s Award 1984
Award of Achievement 1983
Knight of the Garter 1983
All around Champion. Tree Climbing Competition Second Place 1978
Pacific Northwest Chapter, ISA
Charter Founding Member 1979
NATIONAL ARBORIST ASSOCIATION**
Award of Merit* 2002
Safety Award Commendation 1987
* The Award of Merit is the NAA’s highest award for achievement and service to the profession
** NAA changed name to Tree Care Industry Association in 2003
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS
Community Service Awards
Marine Corps League “Marine of the Year” 2015
Honorary Member, 27th Regt. “Wolfhounds” 2004
State of Maryland Award of Appreciation 1995
Boy Scouts of America Award of Appreciation 1988
Evergreen Park Award of Appreciation 1980
Training Videos
National Arborist Association
Donald F. Blair, Ken Johnson, Robert Phillips.
RIGGING April, 1991
56 Minutes. This 2-part video training program addresses Basic and Technical rigging methods, equipment and safety. Hazard Tree Evaluation is also discussed. In addition to the video there is a detailed study guide. My duties in this video included: on-screen host, site selection, equipment selection, hazard tree evaluation, script consultation and review of the study guide. I also wrote the introduction.
AERIAL RESCUE VIDEO
National Arborist Association April, 1989
Assisted in production, appeared in video and demonstrated several rescue techniques.
Standards Committee Work
American National Standards Institute Washington, D.C.
Z133.1 Accredited Standards Committee
Vice-Chairman 2001 to 2017
This is my third five-year term in this capacity.
Member of Committee 1989 to 2017
ANSI standards are consensus standards because they are developed by industry spokespersons representing a broad constituency within that industry. On August 20, 2001, I was appointed vice-chairman of the committee. From 1989 until 2008, I represented the California Arborist Association. In 2008 a structural change in the committee changed my affiliation to the Supplier Category.
American National Standards Institute Washington, D.C.
A300 Accredited Standards Committee 1991 to 1996
The A300 standards are concerned with the proper execution of tree maintenance operations such as pruning, cabling, and fertilization. A charter member of the committee, I represented the American Society of Consulting Arborists from 1991 until 1996. In the years since formal membership, I have served as a consultant on call to answer questions and to review standards drafts to the sub-committee on Cabling/Bracing.
CAL-OSHA ARTICLE 12 COMMITTEE
Sacramento, California
California Arborists Association Representative 1979-1984
Chaired by Richard G. Alvarez, the Article 12 committee used the same concept of broad industry representation and consensus to review and bring the State of California’s tree worker safety standards up to that of the Z133.1 standards which had gone into affect at that time. The standards were reviewed and up-dated in 1984.
Other Association Offices Held and Committees Served.
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CONSULTING ARBORISTS member since 1982 member status: Active Committees served: ANSI A300 representative 1991-1996
CALIFORNIA ARBORISTS ASSOCIATION
member since 1971 current status: Honorary Life member
Offices held: Vice-president, president-elect, president (1975-1979).
Committees served: Safety, Jamboree, and Program.
Represented CAA on ANSI Z133 Committee 1990-2008
International Society of Arboriculture.
Board Member Representing MAC-ISA 2003-2009
General Chairman, 2000 Annual Conference, Baltimore, MD 1996-2000
Committees served: Arbor Day, Tree Trimmers Jamboree, Certification, Safety, Best Management Practices, Governance Task Force, International Tree Climbers Competition, ISA Safety Committee, Chair Ad Hoc Annual Conference Audit Committee. Years active: 1976-present
MID-ATLANTIC CHAPTER, ISA
member since 1989
Current Status: Regular member
Offices held: Board member, Vice-president, President-elect, and President 2000-2001
Committees served: Tree Worker Certification, Long Range Planning. General Chairman, 1997 and 2002 Chapter Meeting, General Chairman: ISA Annual Meeting Baltimore 2000. 2001 Chapter Annual Meeting Committee. Elected to Board in 2020.
WESTERN CHAPTER, ISA
member since 1971
Current Status: Honorary Life Member
Offices held: President (1989-1990), Immediate past president, president-elect, vice-president, and Board member. Committees served: Commercial Arborist, Commercial Exhibits (Annual Meeting), President’s Task Force, Annual Meeting Chairman (1987), Annual Meeting Chairman (1984), Charter member of the Certification Committee, Membership, Jamboree, Historian, Safety, and Arbor Day.
NATIONAL ARBORIST ASSOCIATION Changed name in 2003 to: Tree Care Industry
Association (TCIA) member 1982-present
Committees served: Safety, Education, Insurance, 10-foot Rule, and Hearing Conservation Amendment. Entered into agreement in 1997 to develop Arborist Skills Training Programs and Videos.
2013 (January to November) Worked on 75th Anniversary Project culminating in Museum of Arboriculture Display at TCI Expo, Charlotte, North Carolina,
PUBLICATIONS (partial list)
Arborist Equipment., International Society of Arboriculture, 1995 291 pages, hard back. Reference addresses for the first time the selection, care and maintenance of arborist equipment. Illustrated by Robert Shetterly. Mentioned in the Author’s Citation Award, 2001
Handbook of Arborist Supplies, Sierra Moreno Mercantile Company, 1986
Western Chapter Newsletter
Frequent contributor. 1975 - 1990
Tree Care Industry Magazine 1991-Present
Published by Tree Care Industry Association
Since 1991, I have authored many articles on topics related to arboriculture on topics as diverse as: arboriculture history and future challenges, business opportunities, employee relations, rigging, blocks, ropes, extreme technical rigging challenges, climbing belts, safety.
Series of Articles on History of Arboriculture 2013
Chipper Safety: Ball and Blair 2009
Moonlighting at Monticello 2008
Arbor Age Magazine 1980-1984
Authored and photo illustrated numerous feature articles covering such topics as rope, rigging and pesticide application. I also provided photography for at least 12 cover illustrations.
ISA Journal of Arboriculture
Rigging For Removal 1989
Aerial Rescue Avoidance 1989
ISA Today
Most recent contributions: A Life in Trees 2009 Big Brother Really Is Watching 2019
EDUCATION
Portsmouth, New Hampshire 2002
Short laboratory course by Dr. Alex Shigo on tree biology
University of New Hampshire 1983
Short course by Dr. Alex Shigo on decay processes in trees.
University of California, Berkeley Campus 1975
Short course entitled: Urban Tree Systems, Their Design, Planning and Management.
Instructor: Russell Beatty
San Mateo College 1973
Semester course entitled: Arboriculture. Instructed by Richard Marling, Sr.
Foothill College 1972
Two semesters entitled: Ornamental Horticulture. Instructed by Mr. Patterson
Mountain View High School 1971
Graduate
Articles Written by Donald F. Blair and Published in TCI Magazine
July 1991
Rigging
By Donald F. Blair
September 1993
Tree Saddles
By Donald F. Blair
June 1994
Arborist Blocks
By Donald F. Blair
July 1995
Arboriculture Goes To War
By Donald F. Blair
August 1995
It’s Jamboree Season (History of the Tree Trimmer’s Jamboree)
By Donald F. Blair
October 1995
A Look Back: Don Blair Reflects On His 25 Years in Arboriculture
By Donald F. Blair
September, 1996
Arborist Self-Preservation: A Guide to Personal Protective Equipment
By Donald F. Blair
July 1999
Arboriculture in the Rearview Mirror
By Donald F. Blair
November 2001
Overcoming Rigging Challenges
By Donald F. Blair
November 2004
Climber Ed Hobbs’ Contributions to the Arborist Profession
By Donald F. Blair
DECEMBER 2006
Remembering Alex ShigoBy Donald F. Blair
NOVEMBER 2008Moonlighting at MonticelloBy Donald F. Blair
MARCH 2009*
Chipper Accidents Are More Common Than ReportedBy John Ball, CTSP, and Donald F. Blair
NOVEMBER 2013
Reflections on 75 years of NAA/TCIA and the industry
By Donald F. Blair CTSP
AUGUST 2013
The ’70s: A Time of Change For the Science of Tree Care, the Equipment, the Country and the NAA
By Donald F. Blair CTSP
APRIL 2013
75th Anniversary: Tree Care Prior to the 1938 Founding of NAA/TCIA
By Donald F. Blair CTSP
NOVEMBER 2014
Bartlett to Establish Museum of Arboriculture
By Donald F. Blair CTSP
JANUARY 2017
Lessons from My Son: What a 2-Year-Old Has Taught Me about Managing a
Business (This article first appeared in the November 1992 issue of TCI Magazine.)
By Donald F. Blair CTSP
APRIL 2017*
Ropes: Looking at Tree Climbing from Another Angle
By Dr. John Ball CTSP and Donald F. Blair CTSP
*Co-written with Dr. John Ball South Dakota State University (SDSU)
December 2022
| Nonfatal Incidents Involving Aerial Lifts and Ladders: Us versus Them By John Ball, Ph.D., BCMA, CTSP and Donald F. Blair
CONTACT:
Donald F. Blair
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #245
ISA Certified Arborist WE-0433A
16800 Blake Road
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
301 991-4341 cell
301 582-1303 landline/office
*Personal/business
** Professional/business
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