Meet Your Local Tree Care Experts

KRIS BIRCH
PARTNER AND PRESIDENT

As a second generation business owner of Birch Tree Care, I’ve been in the green industry for as long as I can remember. After completing a biblical and theological degree and a minor in entrepreneurship from Bethel University, I joined Birch as part of the leadership team. Starting Birch Tree Care was a sensible next step as we continue to grow and develop our company, our brand and our team.

On the weekends, you’ll find me trying the newest ‘foodie’ restaurant with my wife, cooking dinner for friends & family, participating in triathlons, playing hockey or chasing after my daughter Peyton & son Lucca.

TONY SYLVESTER
PARTNER AND VICE PRESIDENT

My father started a tree care company in 1976, which became a major part of my life growing up and into adulthood. Watching his passion for this industry along with his attention to detail towards every customer, taught me the importance of customer relationships and business.

I began working in the tree care industry for my father’s company over 20 years ago splitting firewood. During the summer, I was on the crews, dragging brush and doing yard clean-up. In 1998 I went through climbing certification school to learn the proper pruning and climbing techniques for industry standards. In 2006, my brother and I became owners of our father’s company where we grew to gain national attention; we sold the business in 2012.

Partnering with Kris and Birch Tree Care was a very easy decision for me. Everyone at BTC has the same work ethic, passion and attention to detail—we all care very much about our customers and the services we provide.

Outside of work, my wife Jackie and I enjoy spending time watching our son Joey play hockey and baseball and our daughter Bella in soccer and gymnastics. We also spend a lot of time outdoors hunting, fishing and being at the lake.

Steve Burslie
Consulting Sales Arborist

I have been in the Green Industry for over 20 years and have my B.S. in Natural Resource Management from the University of MN- Crookston.  I am an I.S.A. Certified Arborist along with being a licensed pesticide applicator.  One of my biggest joys is meeting property owners and walking their landscape explaining the different insect and disease issues along with formulating a management plan that works best within their budget.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending a majority of my time with my family.  The weekends are spent with sporting activities while finding time to enjoy the area lakes for fishing.

PAUL ASLESON
CONSULTING SALES ARBORIST

With 22 years of experience in the green industry, I am an ISA-certified arborist with a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Minnesota. I am also a Minnesota-certified tree inspector and commercial pesticide applicator.   

I started my tree care career during college as a tree crew ground technician and have worked through the years as a turf and plant health care technician, plant health care supervisor, plant health care division manager and consulting arborist.  I have been blessed to be able to work at a job that I love and help neighbors, friends and clients grow their appreciation for trees and their benefits.

Outside of work I enjoy creating new adventures with my family, coaching my daughter and son’s youth sports teams and playing golf and volleyball.  I also find time to repurpose trees into tables, benches, mantles and snowmen and women.

Tyler rose
CONSULTING SALES ARBORIST

My green industry career began as a turf management intern 12 years ago on the grounds crew of a local golf course. I have an undergraduate degree in horticulture from the University of Minnesota and have worked in every corner of the green industry since 2012. My passion lies in trees, and I have been in the tree care industry for 7 years. I have gained perspective on the industry through working in both plant health care as well as pruning and removal.

I love identifying trees and everything associated with them, including pests and diseases. My management strategy is one that combines fertility and disease control products with proper cultural control and pruning practices. I look forward to educating people on creating an integrated approach to maintaining trees and shrubs in their landscape.

I live in Saint Paul with my wife and two dogs. In my spare time I enjoy playing hockey, golfing, visiting the arboretum, and playing with the dogs. Whether I am at home, in a car, or walking around, I am constantly admiring the trees all around me.

Erick Lopez
CONSULTING SALES ARBORIST

I am an Illinois native, an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point where I received my B.S. in Urban Forestry, and an ISA Certified & Tree Risk Assessment Qualified Arborist. At my time in Stevens Point I was a student academic adviser, vice president of the Student Society of Arboriculture, teaching assistant of soils and forestry for our summer field experience (Treehaven) and participated in the inaugural Urban Forestry Design Challenge in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. I have experience in multiple aspects of the green industry, ranging from landscape maintenance/building, nursery operations and plant propagation, tree inventorying and arboriculture (pruning/removal and plant health care). In my free time I enjoy attending concerts, watching movies, playing disc golf, and enjoying the outdoors.

Mitch Bauer
CONSULTING SALES ARBORIST

In 2001, I embarked on my career in the tree care industry as a grounds man, gradually advancing to the roles of climber and crew leader. My dedication led to the attainment of my I.S.A. Certified Arborist certification, alongside a pesticide applicator license, which enabled me to serve as a Plant Health Care Technician. In 2015, I transitioned from the production side of the business to become a Consulting Arborist. My passion for this industry remains strong, and I am enthusiastic about contributing to the growth and success of our team.

Outside of work, my wife and I enjoy exploring the Pacific Northwest, raising our two sons, and spending time with family at the lake.