Jack Richardson

Jack is the founder and president of Guardian Tree Experts, LLC. Originally from Arlington, VA, he is a graduate of Trinity College (Hartford, CT) where he majored in history and played four years of varsity baseball.  He began his career in Northern Virginia with Bartlett Tree Experts, an international company recognized for its scientific approach to tree care and its firm commitment to safety and training.  Jack moved to Ann Arbor several years ago with his wife who is an Ann Arbor native, and he has been working in this area ever since their arrival.  

He is an ISA Certified Arborist, our area’s only TCIA Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP), and a three-time Michigan Tree Climbing Champion and competitor in the International Tree Climbing Championship (ITCC). Over the past eight years, he has worked as a groundsman, climber, crew leader, general foreman, plant health care technician, safety director, and arborist representative.  As a Guardian client, you can rest assured that you will receive appropriate recommendations and safe, high-quality work due to this diversity of experience.

Kris Adler

Kris began his career in arboriculture in 1995 with the Care of Trees in Chicago, IL, and has worked as a certified arborist in Ann Arbor since 2000.  He holds both a Bachelors and Masters degree in forestry, both from Michigan State University.  In addition to his extensive training and experience, he is our area’s only ISA Board Certified Master Arborist.

Kris is passionate about trees and their proper care.  He enjoys establishing and maintaining long-term relationships with our clients while helping them care for the health and safety of their trees and shrubs.  He resides in the city of Ann Arbor with his wife and two young daughters.

Garrett Brun

A graduate of Michigan State University, Garrett is currently working as our plant health care technician and ground operations specialist.  As a technician, he works closely with Kris to ensure that our clients’ trees receive the proper treatments at the correct times of the year.  Prior to joining our team, he was a park officer for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.  Before that, he spent time as a Civilian Conservation Corps Crew Leader within the same department.  In the former position, Garrett was responsible for general maintenance tasks and enforcement of park regulations.  In the latter, he performed a wide variety of ecological restoration tasks.  These most recent experiences have instilled in Garrett an excellent work ethic, solid communication skills, and an interest in trees, shrubs, and native plants.   When he’s not working or home with his wife in Brighton, he enjoys camping, fishing, and hiking.

Ethan Walker

Ethan joined our team earlier this year.  He worked all summer with us and is now working part-time while a student at EMU.  His work ethic, reliability, attention to detail, and attitude have been a huge help to us, and we’re looking forward to training him to climb next season.