ISA Board Certified Master Arborist MN 0307BM
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification
Bachelor’s degree Biology University of Northern Iowa 1990

My path to Truetimber began in the Midwest. After graduating college in Iowa, My wife and I headed to Northern Minnesota where I worked at an environmental learning center teaching kids in the forests and lake country of the North Woods. In 1997, I moved to St. Paul and it was there that I learned arboriculture and tree climbing while working for a small tree company. In 2003, we moved to Richmond where I joined a local tree company and experienced my first hurricane, Isabel. In 2006, I was hired as a Richmond city arborist where I worked for 10 years managing city trees. In 2016, I joined the Truetimber team. When I find time to slip away from work and family, I can frequently be found on or near the James, running trails or paddling the river.

Lucky dad to three kiddos and husband to one rockstar wife. If we go missing, send the search party to our garden (corn “forist”), the Falls, the Blue Ridge Mountains, Rodanthe, or any local playground and you’ll likely find us!

My passion for the outdoors runs deep. My mothers side of the family is rooted in the mountains of West Virginia and it is there where this passion was cultivated. My grandfather taught me about trees and how wood reacts in different ways in his woodshop. Later in life, I found rock climbing in the hills of West Virginia and have been hopelessly addicted to a life at height for the last 17 years.

After graduating from Virginia Tech in 2011 with a degree in Natural Resources Conservation, I met my beautiful wife, Kelsey, and we began a life in the trees. Tree climbing has taken me halfway around the world and back. This life has been one I never anticipated and am reminded on a daily basis that I have been truly blessed to be in this community and industry. I say it often, tree people are the best kind of people.

Our son was born in August of 2018. I am thankful for the ability to be a husband and a father to these beautiful people. It’s truly the greatest thing I’ve done in my life.

I was born and raised in Powhatan County, the place I call home. I graduated high school in 2008 and immediately enrolled at John Tyler community college. After just two semesters, I realized that I did not have a strong passion for a specific profession, and decided to seek out a career instead. I joined the Truetimber family in 2009, just one year after graduation, and immediately felt at home. As a Pisces, I have always loved nature and the outdoors, so it seemed a natural fit. I am proud every day to help build our mission to become the best workplace in the arboricultural world. When not at work, you will likely find me outside with my boyfriend and our dog Millie, exploring a new state park, fishing, or floating the mighty James River.

ISA Certified Arborist MA-6082AT
Certified Tree Care Safety Professional CTSP 03624
B.A. History, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2015
TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification)

Although I’m originally from California, I have lived in Virginia for just over a decade now and specifically in Richmond for most of that time! I spent my college years as a very active rock climber and outdoorsman and promised myself to choose a career that would keep me outside. After graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2015 I worked for a brief time with the James River Park System before finding Truetimber. I am so happy to have discovered arboriculture and am proud to call myself an arborist. I cannot imagine myself in any other profession
When I am not taking care of Richmond’s urban forest, I enjoy playing and listening to heavy metal and hanging out with my wife, as well as playing Dungeons and Dragons and various other tabletop games.

ISA Certified Arborist MA-4464A
Former Owner, Horizon Tree Care

Native to Richmond with the exception of a brief period of time in the Bay Area, I’m still fascinated by the number of old growth trees located in and around the city. Since about the time I could drive I’ve been working in and around Richmond’s urban forest. Between classes at VCU, I would always get drawn back to the trees and eventually made a decision that I would make it my career.

When I’m not talking about trees I can be found hanging out with my son or somewhere in the woods on a dirt bike or perhaps somewhere pretending to be a musician.

TTA Climber 1
ISA Tree Climber Specialist

My Favorite thing about arboriculture is seeing the trees from an angle few people ever get to. I also love the challenge of difficult removal

ISA Tree Climber Specialist
TTA Groundwork Specialist

My favorite thing about arboriculture is getting to see many different beautiful trees up close! I especially love to see how trees in different places will grow to adapt to their unique surroundings in Richmond’s urban forest. When I’m not at work I enjoy backpacking, going to concerts, and rock-climbing.

TTA Groundwork Specialist
TCIA Groundworker

Deese! Your wood removal guy: I pick up what they’re putting down! I started tree work a little over 3 years ago, needing part time work while I fixed bicycles and guided the James River with Riverside Outfitters, but quickly went full time with True Timber. I didn’t know anything about tree work except it looked exciting and the folks were inspiring and fun to work alongside. Also, I wanted to prove to myself that I could hack it. While, I’m a decent climber at best, I feel most confident in my ground and equipment operations. Roping is absolutely my favorite aspect of tree work besides running equipment. Knuckle booms! Though I may not be the one taking down big trees; I’ve got no problem throwing a log over my shoulder. Since my time at TT, I have not only worked with some of the best people, I’ve learned a lot about the natural life in our beautiful city.

ISA Certified Arborist 5926AT
ISA Tree Climber Specialist
TCIA Aerial Lift Specialist

In every town there’s a man and there’s a plan, and around Truetimber everybody knows it’s James Luggen who’s got it all figured out. The climbers climb, the whiners whine, and this man gets it done right on time. Legend status, mic drop.

ISA Certified Arborist
TTA Climber 1
ISA Certified Tree Worker

Passionate about safe and productive tree care and climbing. Always interested in discussing new climbing and tree care techniques and gear.

TTA Groundworker Specialist
TTA Feller 1

I really enjoy the ability to work outside everyday as well as having to come up with creative solutions to large and difficult problems. I appreciate how the people at TT are incredibly passionate about what they do. Outside of work, I love whitewater kayaking and rafting. I still guide raft trips for Riverside outfitters when I can.

ISA Certified Arborist MA-5600
TTA Groundworker
VNLA Certified Horticulturalist 2610

Born and raised in Virginia, and I have lived in the RVA for over twenty five years. I’ve been with the company since September 2014 & am fiercely proud to work for the greatest tree care company on the planet. I am a five year member of the safety committee, certified arborist, certified horticulturalist, & Heartwood team member. I enjoy the challenge and camaraderie of the field, teaching new hires, & storm damage.

TTA Groundwork Specialist
TCIA Groundworker

TTA Groundwork Specialist
TTA Feller 1

I’ve always dreamed of working in National and State Parks in my pursuit of finding a job where I could just be in nature all day, working hard, learning constantly, and leaving the world a little better than I found it every day. It was hard to decide what I exactly wanted to do as a vocation, since I am not a ‘leave my work at work’ kind of person. I really love wholly investing my time and energy in to something that I love. When I found Truetimber I was so excited to have found a career/profession that seemed to suit my dreams.