Dirk spent the first 20 years of his career working in the lawn and garden center and landscape supply settings, managing everything from vendor relationships and commercial accounts to inventory control and budgeting. Since his very first job, he has been interested in trees, often running a side business cutting down dead trees and selling the firewood. In 2011, Dirk joined a tree company as an arbor consultant, which has been his focus ever since. A Cedar Grove, New Jersey, native, he joined The Todd Group for the opportunity to manage an arbor division and work with a larger landscaping team. As arborist, Dirk will evaluate the properties in The Todd Group portfolio to ensure the health, vigor and beauty of all trees and shrubs and develop treatment plans that include pruning, bracing, feeding and fungal management. Dirk is an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist.

Keeping-it-real job title
The Tree Whisperer

How did you fall into landscaping?
When I was young, I really loved chainsaws! I used to bug my dad to let me cut firewood. I started learning about tree species then and the interest grew from there. That led me to work in a garden center for about nine years after I graduated high school.

What do you enjoy about arboriculture and your job?
I love being outside. I enjoy learning about trees and introducing people to their trees. The number one thing I love is working with people, getting to know them, and making them happy after helping their trees. Being an arborist the perfect job for me.

What else are you passionate about?
I love working with my hands and fixing things. I have a side hustle making cabinets and when I retire one day, I plan to do woodworking.

Favorite trees?
Swamp white oak, red bud, and gold rain tree

Words to live by?
Fortune favors the bold.

What’s on your bucket list?
Taking a ride in a military jet fighter, watching jets fly overhead while sitting at a bar in Saint Martin, and sky diving.

Who would you like to have lunch with if you could (dead or alive)?
Eddie Van Halen, Robin Williams, or Erwin Rommel, the Desert Fox.

Any hidden talents?
I play a mean air guitar.

Where would someone find you when you’re not at work?
At one of my kids’ sports games or in my backyard working on my perennial garden and landscape.