About GFASTI

What GFASTI is

Georgians for a Safer Tree Industry (GFASTI) is a professional and trade association recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(6) organization. It brings together tree care professionals and businesses in Georgia around a shared goal: a safer, more professional industry.

Why tree care safety matters

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has identified tree care as among the most hazardous occupations in the country. A 2017 report by the Tree Care Industry Association indicated that Georgia had the third-highest rate of reported incidents in the industry, behind only California and Florida.

Industry challenges in Georgia

When Georgia lawmakers created a House study committee on the subject in 2024, the resolution noted that the industry operates without mandated training, equipment use standards, or insurance requirements. Those gaps affect both workers and the property owners who hire them.

Professional standards and consumer protection

Clear standards help qualified companies compete fairly and help consumers know what to expect. GFASTI supports training, responsible business practices, and licensing initiatives that raise the baseline for everyone in the industry.

Advocacy and collaboration

GFASTI participates in public discussion of how Georgia should approach tree care safety and works to give practicing professionals a voice in it. Collaboration among tree care companies is central to that effort. Read more on our advocacy page.