Get to know: Brad Caudle
A long-standing goal, Facilities Management Grounds added its first arborist to the team on June 25, 2018. Brad Caudle, a certified arborist through the International Society of Arborists (ISA), oversees all of the care and maintenance needs for trees throughout the developed portion of campus.
What is the most practical way to describe what you do?
By definition, an arborist is an individual trained in the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining individual trees. A brief description of what I do in urban forestry, as an arborist, is that I stop to take a closer look at trees and try to get a better understanding of how to create the most harmony between human development and the natural state in which trees live and grow. Trees that live in our environment have different needs than trees growing in a forested area. I hope to provide the proper care for many of the trees and plants on our campus that need a little extra attention.
As you entered into this role, what were you looking forward to implementing?
I was looking forward to bringing my experience to the University to help care for the maturing tree canopy. When I arrived, I was excited to see that it has been well taken care of and very diverse. Since arrival, I have been working to improve safety, aesthetics, and awareness of the trees on campus. And I’m beginning to work with our many vendors and contractors that perform work on the campus to improve awareness of the trees and their root zones in order to protect and maintain a beautiful canopy.
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| Brad Caudle, arborist, with gold number tree tag. |
Editor’s note: As a designated Tree Campus USA institution and in connection with ongoing sustainable efforts, UNC Charlotte hosts annual tree planting events in observation of Earth Month.
What are your previous experiences in the field?
I am originally from the Charlotte area and have worked on Charlotte’s canopy for the last seven years and in the local green industry for almost 15. I became a certified arborist through the International Society of Arborists (ISA) about seven years ago and gained additional certification as a qualified tree risk assessment professional through the ISA about two years ago. I’ve always been interested in knowing the names of different trees and plants in my earlier years, and I’ve enjoyed all things outdoors from a young age. My previous experience within tree care is with Arborguard Tree Specialists and The Davey Tree Expert Company, two leaders in the industry specializing in residential tree care, commercial property management, as well as construction site and golf course property management.
What do the gold number tags on trees mean?
The tree tags are located on Ash Trees around campus. Efforts are being made to preserve these trees from a highly destructive insect that has now been found in Mecklenburg County and along our greenway. In order to protect the Ash Trees from the Emerald Ash Borer, treatments will be performed with grant monies from the NC Forest Service and other funding. Look for me around campus to be treating the trees starting in May.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work, and what are your favorite spots in Charlotte?
I enjoy listening to live music and dining out. The Music Factory and VBGB are among my favorite spots in Charlotte.
Interview and photography: NiCole Lynch