Each year, tree care companies generate tons of woodchips—most end up in landfills. Meet Sarah Gaskin, a certified arborist of 15 years and VP of Strategic Initiatives at A Plus Tree. Once Sarah learned about the biochar production process through pyrolysis, (which not only sequesters carbon but also enhances soil health by significantly promoting beneficial microbial activity) she got out her vision board and promised herself to bring this solution to life.

Sarah shares how a four-year project not only launched the nation’s first urban pyrolysis unit—but also led to a landmark US EPA exemption that changes what’s possible for tree care companies across the country.

We cover:

· The scale of the woodchip waste problem

· What biochar is and how it benefits trees and soil

· What it really took to permit and launch a system like this

· What this means for the future of our industry—and how you can be part of it

This is a story of perseverance, innovation, and changing policy to build a better path forward. We hope you enjoy!

Learn more here:

https://aplustree.com/biochar/

Partners:

Sonoma Ecology Center - Non-profit grant partner and co-project leader
https://sonomaecologycenter.org/

ARTi (Advanced Renewable Technologies) - Manufacturer of actual Pyrolysys Unit

https://www.arti.com/

Napa Recycling - Actual location of operations

https://naparecycling.com/

CalFIRE Urban and Community Forestry Grant - Source of main funding

https://www.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/grants/urban-and-community-forestry-grants