In an industry shaped by seasoned hands and traditional know-how, it’s not every day
you find a chainsaw-wielding arborist who also manages a GoPro camera as part of the
role. But for 24-year-old Barry Prinsloo, marrying technology with tree work is a natural
extension of the job because he says, smart equipment makes the work safer, more
efficient, and precise.
As the lead groundsman at Overberg Arborists, Barry is equally at ease behind a lens, a
Husqvarna chainsaw or a high-performance blower. “I’m the guy filming the climbs and
getting content for the team, but also the one clearing branches, bucking logs and
operating gear on the ground,” he explains.
It’s a balance that reflects a growing trend among younger professionals entering this
field: bringing a digital eye to a very physical world. And it’s exactly this blend of grit and
tech-savvy that’s helping modernise arboriculture in South Africa. Timothy Isabirye,
Marketing Manager for Husqvarna South Africa, says Barry represents the next
generation of land care professionals. “The youth of today are wired differently. They’re
tech-savvy, creative, and constantly seeking purpose in their work. At Husqvarna, we’re
proud to support this generation with innovative tools and smart technology that match
their pace and passion.”
Barry was born in Pretoria and raised in Hartbeespoort. He moved to the Western Cape
in 2016 and originally studied graphic design before discovering the world of trees. “I
never even knew what arboriculture was,” he admits. “But when I was offered the
opportunity, it sounded like the perfect mix of nature and travel. Every day is different,
and the ‘office’ is always beautiful.”
Since joining Overberg Arborists at 23, Barry has grown into a central member of the
team. His typical day starts early and ends whenever the job is done. Whether
supporting climbers, managing ropes, or documenting the action, he rarely stands still.
“It’s not easy work, but I love it. You’re outside, surrounded by nature, constantly
moving and learning.” He shares that his role has stretched him personally, too. “I’ve
faced my fear of heights, learned better communication, and developed a hunger to
keep learning… about trees, gear, species, and safety.
The youthful arborist says that one of his most memorable early projects was working
on The Oaks Farm, a production fruit farm in Greyton. They were tasked with removing
hazardous pine trees, used as a windbreak and were gifted with apples. Another
standout is The Rustenberg Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, a lush, scenic gem with
magnificent gardens, trees as far as the eye can see, and mountains in the distance.
“They are one of our biggest clients, and we regularly handle everything from pruning
and trimming, including ancient oaks that have stood as long as the estate itself, to the
removal of hazardous trees.
His advice for other young people thinking about this career is simple: “You need to
have a real passion for nature. The work is demanding. But if you care about it, it’ll grow
on you (literally!)”
Looking ahead, Barry hopes to start his own business in garden and aquascape design.
“I’d love to shape natural spaces that bring beauty to people’s homes. It’s still about
plants, still about creativity. It’s just a different way of working with nature.”
“At Husqvarna, we believe the future of arboriculture lies in young people like Barry,
grounded, driven, and unafraid to mix modern tools with timeless landscapes,”
concludes Isabirye. “Because when you place the right tools in the right hands, you
don’t just get the job done. You help build a greener, more inspired world.”
To find out more about Husqvarna’s range of power tools designed for arborists, visit
your local Husqvarna dealer, or go to https://www.husqvarna.com/za/
ENDS
WORD COUNT: 648
Press Release Disseminated on Behalf of:
Timothy Isabirye
Marketing Manager – Husqvarna South Africa
About Husqvarna
Husqvarna, a brand within Husqvarna Group, is a market leader in innovative and high-quality
products and services for shaping green spaces in parks, forests and gardens. Since 1689,
Swedish-born Husqvarna has a strong focus on research and development and is a pioneer in
robotic lawn mowers and chainsaws. Today, the product portfolio consists of the next
generation of robotic mowers, riders, chainsaws and trimmers for professional as well as private
use. Sustainable value creation, product innovation and digitalization remain important for the
journey ahead. Husqvarna products are sold in more than 100 countries. Husqvarna Group,
which also includes Gardena and Husqvarna Construction, has 13,300 employees in 40
countries around the world and net sales in 2024 amounted to SEK 48,4 billion. Husqvarna
Group is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.