Insights from the Canopy and Capitol

Good News Doesn't Always Make Headlines

advocacy@tcia.org (George Strout) — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:42:23 GMT

Original Post Date: June 23, 2026

Clearing the Air on Advocacy (and Getting More Members Involved)

advocacy@tcia.org (George Strout) — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:36:44 GMT

Original Post Date: June 18, 2026

Advocacy is one of those things that nearly everyone has heard of but may not fully understand. It can come across as complicated, overly political, or even out of reach for everyday businesses. The reality, though, is much simpler. And in many cases, the biggest barriers to engagement aren’t actual obstacles, they’re just common misconceptions.

There are a few of these misconceptions that come up again and again, both inside and outside our industry. The first step in helping our members get involved in advocacy is making sure they understand what it is, what it isn’t, and feel comfortable with the process. So, in the interest of a light Friday read, here are five quick advocacy myths worth clearing up - for us and for our members.

What’s Keeping Tree Care Company Owners Up at Night?

advocacy@tcia.org (George Strout) — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:27:21 GMT

Original Post Date: June 5, 2026

As you already know, if you spend any time talking with tree care business owners, across regions, company sizes, and services, you start to notice a pattern. On the surface, this is a strong industry. Demand is steady. Communities value trees. Storms (unfortunately) keep coming. There’s real opportunity for growth. But beneath all of that? There’s a constant, underlying pressure that never fully goes away.

So, here’s a question worth sitting with this Friday morning: If you owned a small to mid-size tree care company… what would keep you up at night?

Most times it starts with one simple thought: “Is everyone going home safe today?”
Before revenue. Before growth. Before expansion. There’s the crew.

Tree care isn’t just another service business; it’s one of the most dangerous trades in the country. Every day, crews work at height, around heavy equipment, near power lines, or over someone’s home. And for many owners, that’s personal. They trained those climbers. They hired that ground worker. They’ve shared long days and early mornings together.

The question isn’t theoretical, it’s immediate: “Did we do everything right today?” Because in this industry, everything can be going perfectly… until it isn’t.

Friday Forecast: What a “Super El Niño” Could Mean for Tree Care

advocacy@tcia.org (George Strout) — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:15:51 GMT

Original Post Date: May 29, 2026

OSHA Tree Care Standard Gains Momentum

advocacy@tcia.org (George Strout) — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:02:38 GMT

Original Post Date: May 22, 2026

From City Hall to the Ballpark: Trees in the Spotlight This Week

advocacy@tcia.org (George Strout) — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:53:45 GMT

Original Post Date: May 15, 2026

Miami's Canopy Conversation

Ever Hear of MAHA? They Just Changed the Farm Bill

advocacy@tcia.org (George Strout) — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:43:48 GMT

Originally posted May 8, 2026

TCIA Has Been Tracking the Farm Bill Closely

Political Roots Quiz and TCIA Releases Member Advocacy Toolkit

advocacy@tcia.org (George Strout) — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:32:39 GMT

Originally Posted May 7, 2026

How Deep Are Your Political Roots?
Five minutes, nine possible results, zero judgement

Ever wondered how you fit into today's political landscape?Pew Research Center's Political Typology Quizasks a series of questions and matches you to one of nine political typology groups based on a nationally representative survey of more than 10,000 U.S. adults. Are you "Progressive Left"? "Faith and Flag Conservative"? Or somewhere in between? Fair warning: some questions might be tough to answer, and that's OK! Just pick the answer closest to your view, even if it isn't exactly right. No labels, no debates, just a fun Friday coffee break exercise in political self-awareness.

Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan, nonadvocacy 'fact tank' - they don't take policy positions, they just study public opinion. Think of this quiz as a mirror, not a megaphone.

New Tool, Big Impact!
TCIA releases the Member Advocacy Toolkit

We’re excited to officially roll out the newTCIA Member Advocacy Toolkit—a go to resource designed to help our members confidently speak up for the tree care industry. The toolkit brings together clear talking points, issue background, and specific “asks” so members (and staff!) can support smart, effective advocacy with policymakers at every level.

Take a few minutes over the next couple of days to check it out - you’ll get a great snapshot of our top priorities and how this tool strengthens our collective advocacy efforts. Plus, it’s a solid reminder of the powerful role TCIA plays in shaping the future of tree care.

Coffee, Politics, and Deep Breaths: A Very New England Morning

advocacy@tcia.org (George Strout) — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:20:03 GMT

Original Post Date: 4/30/2026

Pre‑emption vs. Liability: A Pivotal Week for the Farm Bill

advocacy@tcia.org (George Strout) — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 10:51:40 GMT

Originally Posted 4/28/26