Key West Urban Forestry Manager Brett Mayle Earns National Tree Safety Certification

Key West's urban forestry operations will enter a new chapter of safety and training after Urban Forestry Manager Brett Mayle earned the Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP) designation from the Tree Care Industry Association. The CTSP is a nationally recognized credential intended to strengthen leadership, reduce worksite risks, and advance best practices in arboriculture.

Mayle received the CTSP designation on January 15, 2026. Growth Management Director Patrick Wright noted the significance of the achievement for municipal operations and workforce culture. “This certification underscores Brett’s commitment to advancing safety, professionalism, and productivity within our urban forestry operations,” said Growth Management Director Patrick Wright.

The city says the certification equips Mayle to lead specialized training for the municipal tree crew, with a clear objective of guiding team members toward their own safety skills and productivity certification. That training will focus on reducing on-the-job hazards, improving procedural consistency, and aligning City work with industry standards so that tree work across Key West is both safer and more efficient.

“Safety and productivity go hand in hand,” said Mayle. “By investing in training and certification, we’re building a stronger, safer team that can serve our community with excellence.”

For residents of Monroe County, the immediate impacts are practical. Safer crew practices can reduce the likelihood of emergency tree removals, limit damage to homes and power lines after storms, and shorten work windows for routine maintenance. For property owners who schedule City-managed tree services, clearer safety protocols mean crews that operate with predictable procedures and a stronger emphasis on protecting public right-of-way and private assets.

Mayle’s CTSP places Key West among municipalities investing in professional development for arboriculture management. The credential identifies leaders who promote a culture of safety across climbing, rigging, equipment operation, and crew communication. The City frames the move as part of broader commitments to public safety and environmental stewardship, ensuring that urban forestry work supports both community well-being and canopy health.

Looking ahead, residents can expect to see a phased rollout of training activities led by Mayle and the Growth Management Department, as City tree crew members pursue their own certifications. That progression should improve response times for hazardous tree situations and increase the consistency of routine maintenance. For a community that relies on its shade trees for storm resilience, tourism appeal, and neighborhood character, the certification signals an investment in safe, professional tree care that benefits everyone.