2018 Playford Trust/TAFE SA Award
At the time Joe received his Playford Trust Award, he was employing just two staff in his arborist business, Adelaide Hills Tree Services. Now there are at least 10 on the team – and most of them have already completed, are currently studying, or are about to begin their studies in Arboriculture at TAFESA.
Joe’s thriving business has a strong focus on responsible practices within the arboriculture industry. While the team prunes, trims and cuts down unwanted trees, they actively advocate against their unnecessary removal – and plant 10 trees for every mature tree they have to remove.
In 2025, the team dealt with emergency storm call-outs and heritage gum maintenance; helped control a Giant Pine Scale infestation at Highbury; performed parasite removal to extend the life of an iconic ‘ring tree’ with indigenous significance; and helped many schools keep their staff and students safe.
The Playford Trust helped fund Joe’s studies when his business was in its infancy – and his passion for lifelong learning remains strong.