ABOUT US
You can hire Asheville Arborists with confidence!
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We are fully licensed and insured
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Safety is our highest priority
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We comply with industry regulations and standards
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Our modern, professional equipment allows us to work efficiently and safely on your property
Nich Maidment, Owner, Operator and Certified Arborist
Nich has spent nearly two decades in the tree care industry, building his career around a deep connection to climbing and canopy work. He founded Asheville Arborists in 2010 and now focuses primarily on sales and consulting, while still getting into the field when he can. Even as his role has evolved, he continues to value hands-on time with trees and the insight that comes from revisiting them over the years.
Outside of work, Nich prioritizes time with his wife Amy and daughter Ayla, often exploring the outdoors together. His path has grown alongside his family and business, and he remains committed to continuing his development as an arborist while staying grounded in the work that started it all.
Billy Barbour, Crew Lead & Certified Arborist
Billy was born in North Hollywood, CA. Growing up in the mountains not far from there, he fell in love with trees and climbing them. As a forestry major at Bakersfield college he found his path, then moved to Iowa city, Iowa and started his arboriculture career in 2011. Billy has been with Asheville Arborists since September 2017, an ISA Certified Arborist since 2017, as well as Tree Risk Assessment Qualified since 2018. He has plans of getting his Tree Care Safety Professional (CTSP) certification and continuing to advance his knowledge and experience in the field.
In his free time, Billy enjoys woodworking, blowing glass, and repurposing some of the wood harvested from our urban forests in the Asheville area.
Nikki Cooper, Sales Arborist & Social Media
Nikki Cooper has been working as an arborist for 3 years. She started her career working on the ground and then learned how to climb. Currently she is working in sales and is head of social media management. Nikki is a competition climber and the 2025 Southern Tree Climbing Competition champion.
Andrew Lawson, Consultant & Certified Arborist
Andrew has a B.S. in Natural Resources Conservation and Management from WCU. He has been an ISA-certified arborist for over 5 years and is TRAQ certified. He also operates our articulating crane. In his spare time enjoys camping with his family, fly fishing, hiking, and playing with his two kids.
Daniel Johns, Arborist
Daniel Johns has been working as a climbing arborist for 3 years. He has been climbing trees since his teens, learning from his arborist father. Daniel enjoys being outside and seeing new places with his dog, Nakoma.
Ray Nichols, Arborist
Raymond is a North Carolina local who recently returned to Asheville after working as a diesel mechanic around the country. He spent the last 10 years in the Northwest working with forestry programs involving controlled burns and reinstatement of native land management practices.
At Asheville Arborists, he combines his mechanical skills with his forestry experience by keeping our machines in top shape and providing extra muscle on the job site.
In his spare time, he enjoys fixing up his old homestead and playing fiddle for his cattle dogs, Yoohoo and Bandit.
Sara Spaulding, Arborist
Sara grew up in the woods of northern New York, on the border of Canada and Vermont. As a kid, she would climb her favorite tree and perch for so long her mom would bring her lunch and dinner. She aspires to become a climber and certified arborist, perhaps even an instructor someday! Outside of work she enjoys hiking, playing and teaching roller derby, dancing to live music, and dabbling in sewing and stained glass.
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Keith Stoner, Certified Arborist
Keith is an ISA Certified Arborist and experienced tree climbing instructor with a background spanning wildland firefighting, outdoor education, and forestry. He holds a B.S. in Environmental Science and Resource Management from the University of Washington and has taught climbing and field skills through the Tree Care Industry Association apprenticeship program, as well as across multiple countries in North and South America.
He now focuses on supporting climbers in the field and contributing to tree health and forest ecology initiatives, including work alongside research teams mapping climate impacts. His experience spans both urban and tropical environments, where he helps advance safe, effective tree care practices.
Betsy Parks, Production Manager & Certified Arborist
Betsy Parks has been working in Arboriculture since 2013 and has been an ISA Certified Arborist since 2017. She is our production manager and crew lead/ climber. In her free time,Betsy likes to spend time in nature with friends and her dog, Lyly.
Keith Cooper, Crew Lead & Arborist
Keith Cooper is a crew lead and climber at Ash Arb. He has been an arborist for 15 years, starting his career in Texas, but has worked in many places around the United States. Tree climbing competitions are what Keith enjoys in his free time, as a competitor and a volunteer.