Growing strong
Treetech Specialist Treecare Ltd marks 30 years in business in 2026. What began as a small operation founded by Chris Walsh has grown into one of New Zealand’s most respected arboriculture companies.
Born in Invercargill, Chris moved to Christchurch when he was 16, uncertain of exactly where life would take him but clear on two ambitions.
“There were two things I wanted to be when I was younger – one was a firefighter, and the other was something in horticulture.”
His passion for the outdoors led him to train as an apprentice horticulturalist at Queen’s Park in Invercargill before moving to England after completing his apprenticeship, where he trained in arboriculture.
Upon returning to New Zealand, Chris secured a job as a paid firefighter in Christchurch, which is where he met his wife Nikki. Yet it was another opportunity that would ultimately shape his future.
The shift to Treetech was unexpected. After switching from arboriculture to firefighting, Chris found the pay wasn’t quite enough, with a new baby on the way and projects needed around the house.
“I decided to get back into some tree work to pay the bills,” he recalls.
For many years, Chris and Nikki balanced careers, building Treetech, and raising a young family. Nikki says, “He would leave his firefighting night shift and spend the days at Treetech.” “I was even packing crayfish at 2am,” adds Chris.
What does Treetech mean to Chris?
“It’s the passion that I love. It allows me to work with the environment and trees. It’s people, environment, and trees all coming together.”
That passion extends beyond the work itself. One of the achievements Chris is most proud of is the impact Treetech has had on the wider industry, particularly through training and education.
“I was actually involved in writing the arborist training for Horticulture ITO in 1998 because, at that time, there was no on-the-job training. Treetech has helped deliver training to over 200 people to get trade-certified.”
For Chris, investing in the next generation has always been an essential part of the business.
“I love watching young people grow and succeed. Treetech is part of the family,” Chris says.
Chris took a leading role in the protection and ongoing management of distressed heritage trees after the February 22, 2011, earthquake. This required research into how trees responded to the ground movement – research that was world-leading.
Chris was awarded a Local Hero Award in 2016.
Over three decades, Treetech has evolved from a side business into a company that can at times have 120 staff at peak season, operating a large Christchurch facility and servicing customers across the country. Yet the values that inspired its creation remain unchanged.
Chris was on the board of the International Society of Arboriculture, having previously served as president. “It taught me a lot about governance.”
This experience has allowed Chris to do a lot more governance work – from charities to school boards, a passion of his.
Today, Nikki continues to play an important role within the business. Together, they have built more than a successful company. They have created a legacy rooted in environmental stewardship, professional excellence, and a commitment to helping people grow – whether that’s a tree reaching its full potential or a young arborist beginning a rewarding career.
And what’s Chris’s favourite tree? It’s a Norfolk Island Pine.