Advanced Arboriculture has three arboricultural consultants.
Graham Joyce – Senior Consultant 
After completing his BSc Hons at University College London, Graham opted for an outdoor life and has developed a career in arboriculture pursued to the highest professional level. His contracting company, Dartmoor Tree Surgeons, is not only an Approved Contractor of the Arboricultural Association, but was the first tree surgery firm in the UK to win the respected Investors in People award. In tandem with nurturing the craft and professionalism of his tree surgery firm, Graham has pursued a highly successful career as a freelance arboricultural consultant. In this capacity he has worked for a broad range of clients throughout the UK since 1993. Graham helped to raise the profile and professionalism of consultancy in the South West through organising a study programme for arboriculture professionals (including contractors, local authority Tree Officers, and others), which led to examination for the Royal Forestry Society’s Diploma in Arboriculture. Graham was the only contractor on the course to be awarded the diploma (with credit), and believes that his wide and solid experience in the field as a practicing tree surgeon, allied with his original scientific training, has given him the best base from which to work as a consultant. Graham’s experience covers the most extensive range of tree issues, as reflected by his accreditation as an Expert Witness.
Tom Hurley – Senior Consultant
Having completed an Honours Degree in Forestry (specialising in arboriculture and amenity forestry) at the University of Aberdeen, Tom worked for the Forestry Commission inspecting new woodlands for grant compliance before working as Tree Officer for East Devon District Council. Time spent managing the West London and Home Counties office for Southern Tree Surgeons allowed for further training at the parent company (the F A Bartlett Tree Expert Co) laboratories in North Carolina. Tom has worked as an independent arboricultural consultant since 1999 and has worked across the UK and the Isle of Man for clients including Transport for London, Michael Auckett Architects, Defence Estates, Tesco and Hyder Consulting. He brings his broad experience of trees on new development sites to Advanced Arboriculture and is also responsible for the preparation of CPD seminars and appeal hearings. Tom is also one of the very few arborists who is also a Prince2 Practitioner.
Joel Gray – Arboricultural Consultant
Joel started in the world of arboriculture as a climbing arborist. After completing a Forestry and Arboriculture Level 3 training course at Bicton College, Joel went on to work for numerous arboricultural firms as well as working as a sub contract climber. Through this he was able to develop deep experience with practical tree operations. This was followed by a move towards training and he took a position at Bicton College teaching on the Level 3 Arboriculture course alongside self-employment; running his own tree surgery outfit. After extensive experience as a climbing arborist with competency in all aspects of practical arboriculture, Joel sought to expand his academic knowledge and skills. Following his passion for trees, he successfully completed the University of Lancashire’s online FdSc Arboriculture degree course hosted by Myerscough College. This blend of practical ‘on the tools’ experience and theoretical knowledge has helped to develop Joel into a skilled and considerate consultant.
George Hester – Arboricultural Technician
Prior to starting his career in Arboriculture, George attended Kingston University in London where he studied BA Hons degree in Architecture, achieving high distinction in entry level Architecture. Through these studies he was able to gain a better understanding of how design is implemented into both urban and more rural settings. These skills would prove to be very useful in later years. After returning to Devon George went on to start an apprenticeship through Bicton College where he achieved level 3 in Forestry and Arboriculture. This ran alongside his employment at Dartmoor Tree Surgeons where he began his career in arboriculture, lending his hand to all practical elements of tree work.
George developed from a grounds operative to climbing arborist position throughout his time at Dartmoor Tree Surgeons before emigrating to Australia to expand his interest in the tree industry. He resided in Melbourne, Australia and moved into a team leading role where his practical tree knowledge expanded and he was able to gain experience in tree operations throughout Australia. After leading several teams across both Perth and Melbourne George obtained manager status and lead operation logistics for a company he spent 4 years developing on Melbourne’s peninsula. This sparked further interest to progress into the arboricultural consultancy realm. After achieving residency in Australia George has recently returned to the UK to further pursue his interest in tree consultancy and has moved into an arboricultural technician role here at Advanced Arboriculture.