URBAN ARBORIST was founded in 1991. Founder, Chuck Schiek has a unique appreciation of trees and the pivotal role play within our ecosystems. Chuck has been working on a professional level with trees in northern Illinois since graduating from UW La Crosse in 1977. Chuck obtained his Illinois tree expert license in 1980 and has been certified with the International Society of Arborists since 1992.

As a Plant Health Care specialist since 1993, Chris Mest specializes in the maintenance of healthy trees and shrubs in an urban/suburban environment. He became a certified arborist in 1998 and holds a commercial pesticide applicator license in ornamental trees, shrubs and turf.