Greetings Everyone,


On behalf of the Executive Committee, I hope you are doing well amidst these unusual times. I wanted to reach out and connect with you on a few things prior to the “Stay at Home” order for the state of Minnesota, which goes into effect at 11:59 pm tonight, March 27.


Tree Care Designated as "Critical" and May Continue During Stay-At-Home Order 
Most (if not all) tree care services have been designated as critical work per the Governor Walz's compiled list of essential businesses . If you question whether your particular area is covered, it’s advisable to refer to the State of Minnesota's Critical Sector Worker Exemptions page for guidance and clarification. You can also connect with me or anyone else on the MSA Executive Committee . We’r e happy to help.


While tree care is considered essential, it is the decision of the owner/operator/employer to continue to work. Please make decisions based on what is best for you, your family, your employees, and your customers. MSA wants everyone to stay safe and protect one another. The best way to do that is to simply stay at home, if at all possible. With that being said, MSA is not in a position to decide for our members what work falls into the allowable operations of this order. It is up to the business owners and employees to work within the confines of the declarations. If you continue to work, you must still make every effort to prevent contact with other people. Some suggestions in addition to the recommendations by the CDC and Minnesota Department of Health are:

  • Have crew members meet on the job site instead of at an office or yard
  • Employees not sharing tools or equipment
  • Taking care to wash your hands and face.


When making the determination of what aspects of tree care are "essential business activities", please refer to TCIA and ISA's Joint Guidance on Tree Care as Essential Services during the COVID-19 pandemic .


Stay Up-To-Date:
We have created a page on the MSA website where we are posting resources and event updates in relation to COVID-19. We continue to plan and will keep you up to date with activities and events proposed to happen yet this year, including TRAQ, the Climbing Workshop, and the Fall Conference in Duluth.


We appreciate your continued efforts in the tree care industry to help support a healthy urban and community forest. I wish you all safety and good welfare. Stay healthy and get outside and enjoy our Minnesota landscape when you can!


Warmest regards,


Kameron Kytonen
President
Minnesota Society of Arboriculture