Michael Earl, Owner/Partner
Old Growth Tree Service was founded by Mike and his partner Matt Komar with the goal of bringing together a shared passion for and commitment to tree care excellence combined with the highest level of customer service. Over the years, the two have developed the company into a trusted name in the industry, earning accreditation through the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) in 2019. Mike has been an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist since 2011 and holds multiple accreditations from both organizations. Mike is a member of numerous peer groups, and in 2023, was recognized as ISA Rocky Mountain Chapter Arborist of the Year.
Mike’s primary role at Old Growth Tree Service is supporting the entire team as the visionary, the problem-solver, and the leader of sales and customer service efforts. Mike is also the company’s chief financial officer. Mike’s greatest strength lies in his business intellect and passion for customer service. His focus on building lasting relationships and maintaining high customer retention rates distinguishes him and has earned him the respect of both his clients and peers at all levels in the national tree care industry. Mike invests significant time coaching and developing the sales team, mentoring arborists in the apprenticeship program, and personally contributing to the company’s sales goals through long-term client relationships and development of strategic partnerships.
Todd Rader, General Manager, Primary Consultant
Todd is a dedicated Board Certified Master Arborist and Registered Consulting Arborist with a deep-rooted passion for trees and their preservation. For over 35 years, Todd has honed his expertise in arboriculture, combining a wealth of knowledge with hands-on experience to offer comprehensive tree care solutions. From working with majestic old-growth trees to delicate saplings, he possesses a deep understanding of tree biology, and capacity for health assessment, and risk management.
As a Board Certified Master Arborist, Todd brings a meticulous eye for detail to every tree inspection and consultation and tailors custom maintenance plans prioritizing the long-term health and vitality of trees, while ensuring the safety of property.
As a Registered Consulting Arborist, Todd is a trusted advisor to clients, architects, and contractors when it comes to tree-related matters. From tree selection and site planning to expert witness testimony, Todd’s extensive knowledge of legal issues related to arboriculture and best practices enables him to deliver actionable insights and guidance.
Todd believes that arboriculture is both an art and a science. As a result, he is a life-long learner, who stays updated on the latest techniques, research, and industry advancements. This allows him and the team of arborists led by Todd to implement the most effective strategies while leveraging state-of-the-art equipment to provide precise and skilled tree care services.
Matthew Komar, Owner/Partner
Growing up, Matt often heard from his father and his father’s father, “You have only one reputation—don’t mess it up!” This mantra was the inspiration to build a business driven by core values of integrity, respect, teamwork, knowledge, and quality combined with a laser-like focus on customer service. As co-owner of Specialized Land Management (SLM) and its parent company Old Growth Tree Service, Matt oversees all field operations and business development for SLM. Matt frequently works side by side with the team leveraging his extensive experience in equipment operation and forestry to serve as a mentor and guide professional development.
Accredidation
Old Growth Tree Service has been accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) since 2019 and recertifies bi-annually. This voluntary accreditation is the result of years of work on our safety and training programs that keeps Old Growth Tree Service ahead of the curve when it comes to caring for our community’s trees. Currently, the State of Colorado has only 8 companies that have undergone this extensive review and comprehensive audit of professional and business practices. This process helps safeguard our customers and ensure that you receive the best possible service. Additionally, members of our team hold the following credentials from TCIA: Tree Risk Assessment Qualified, Certified Tree Safety Professional, and Electrical Hazard Awareness Program.
Our team includes ISA Certified Arborists, an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist and a Registered Consulting Arborist accredited by the American Association of Consulting Arborists. Members of our team also hold Qualified Supervisor and Certified Operator credentials from the Colorado Department of Agriculture for the application of pesticides and herbicides and other federally-regulated chemicals.
Our company is also a proud member of the Vail Valley Partnership, Colorado Association of Land Care Professionals, and the National Association of Landscape Professionals.
