From her earliest childhood days, Tina Graver felt most at home outside among the trees. While other children spent summers chasing games, Tina wandered the woods, captivated by the life growing all around her. At just eight years old, she filled an entire roll of film with nothing but photographs of a single amaryllis, capturing its bloom from every angle. “My dad still laughs about it,” she recalls, “but it was the moment he realized I had a pull toward plants.” By fourteen, she had a garden of her own. One she tended so faithfully that the local water company called to ask about the unusually high usage.
That early passion set the course for her life. A first-generation college student, Tina pursued a degree in botany and, in time, found her calling in arboriculture. Today, she stands as one of fewer than two percent of ISA-certified professionals worldwide to hold the distinguished title of Board Certified Master Arborist.
But the path wasn’t easy. In a field historically dominated by men, Tina faced skepticism, dismissive remarks, and moments of discouragement. “There were people who told me I wouldn’t last two weeks,” she says. “Even with credentials and years of experience, I was told it wasn’t possible to be both a great arborist and a great mom.” Yet Tina’s resilience carried her forward. As a single mother raising her son while building her career, she leaned on mentors who encouraged her and silenced the voices that doubted her. “The lesson I’ve learned is that the good people, the ones who believe in you, make all the difference,” she says.
Her business, Trees and Gardens Consulting, reflects that hard-won strength and integrity. Tina brings both science and heart to every consultation. She insists on meeting clients in person, learning the history of their trees, and balancing intuition with diagnostic data. From sounding mallets and soil tests to advanced resistograph readings, her process is grounded in precision. Yet she always circles back to education. “When people understand their trees, they become better stewards,” Tina explains.
That philosophy has led her to remarkable projects. In one case, she helped preserve a 200-year-old white oak slated for removal during a dam restoration. With a carefully written letter explaining its ecological importance and irreplaceable history, the plan was changed, and the tree was saved. For Tina, moments like these embody what it means to be both a scientist and a steward.
While her consulting work emphasizes diagnosis and prescription, she collaborates closely with climbing crews to ensure her recommendations are carried out safely and skillfully. She’s often right there alongside them, working on-site, explaining the “why” behind every step. “It’s not just a task list,” she says. “It’s a shared understanding of what’s best for the tree.”
Outside of her professional life, Tina recharges in simple but meaningful ways: gardening, kayaking and painting. Much of her joy comes from time with her son, whether they’re working out together at the gym, traveling, or playing Minecraft. Community engagement is also central to her life; she lends her time and expertise to groups like Rotary and Keep Akron Beautiful.
Looking ahead, Tina is focused on mentoring others in the same way mentors once guided her. She leads study groups, speaks at community events, and continues advancing science-based tree care across Northeast Ohio. Her goal is clear: to build resilience, not only in landscapes and neighborhoods, but also in the next generation of arborists.
For Tina, arboriculture has never been just a profession. It’s a responsibility. It’s a way of life rooted in respect for the natural world, for community, and for the quiet strength of trees that endure through seasons and storms.
"When people understand their trees, they become better stewards."
Beyond Beauty: The Science of Healthy Trees
At Trees and Gardens Consulting, we guide you through the puzzles of tree health, from subtle diseases to potential risks. Our mission is to empower you with knowledge and deliver personalized, research-driven solutions that promote sustainability, enhance safety, and foster a deeper appreciation for the ecological value of your trees.
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