The name "Sylva" is rooted in the Latin word "silva", meaning "forest" or "woodland," reflecting a deep commitment to the health and preservation of our island’s natural landscape.

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OUR MISSION & PHILOSOPHY

As land owners and managers, our clients have the unique opportunity to leave Salt Spring’s trees in better condition than they found them. While trees are a valuable resource, without appropriate management, they can cause harm or reduce the enjoyment of your land.

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Our mission is to care for and preserve trees for our clients while ensuring safety and maximum enjoyment of your property. We pride ourselves on three core pillars:

 ● Honesty in every consultation.

 ● Reliability you can count on.

 ● Hard Work until the job is done.

 

THOMAS WILSON OWNER/LEAD CLIMBER

Owner Thomas Wilson brings an incredible breadth of knowledge to every project. His journey through the world of arboriculture is comprehensive:

 ● Nursery Cultivation: Growing trees from their earliest stages.

 ● Urban Forestry: Planting and managing trees throughout various cities.

 ● Consulting: Providing expert advice as a Consulting Arborist.

 ● Woodland Management: Overseeing trees through sustainable forest practices.

 ● ISA Certified Climber: Mastering the technical art of climbing to provide hands-on care.

 

Thomas is deeply passionate about his vocation, he finds immense satisfaction in the beauty of our environment and working with the land.  For Thomas, seeing a client thrilled about a completed project is the ultimate reward.

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When he isn't viewing Salt Spring from above the canopy, Thomas is active on the ground as the Head Coach for the Salt Spring United Under-18 soccer team, a role he finds incredibly and uniquely rewarding.

 

ROSS LEACH ARBORIST APPRENTICE 

Born in the lower mainland of BC. Ross has lived on Vancouver Island and Salt Spring Island since 2014. First moving to Vancouver Island where he studied Earth and Ocean science at UVic.

 

COVID brought Ross to Salt Spring Island where he has spent the last 6 years working in landscaping, fencing, deliveries, community development, farming, and arboriculture`. He deepened his passion for Rock climbing and sport climbing Route development on Island. This lead him to be interested in becoming a Climbing Arborist. He has been apprenticing and learning the trade and skills since 2025. He hopes to go to school to further refine his Arboriculture craft.

 

Outside of work Ross has been to India many times where he has a teacher. He has spent many hours in meditation based practices leading him to see the beauty in most all things. The presence found in meditation has translated well to meeting what is needed at heights as a Climbing Arborist.

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