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Roots in Novato: Our Approach to Safety, Care, and Community

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To our beloved Novato community,

I’m Jason Pech, co-owner of Mayan Climber Tree Service Inc. When people ask how long I’ve been in the tree business, I usually say longer than my resume shows. Officially, I’ve been doing this work for years—but really, I grew up in it.

My dad is going on nearly 40 years in the industry. He started with Black Point Tree Service here in Novato as a groundsman, then became a climber. That’s where everything began for our family. I’m actually named after the owner’s son, which shows how strong those roots are. Black Point is a big part of our story, and we’re proud of that.

For me, it started around age seven—just tagging along on jobs, learning by being there. I grew up immersed in tree work. Back then, climbing relied more on rope techniques, skill, and experience. Now the industry has evolved, but that foundation is still what we rely on today.

Mayan Climber Tree Service Inc. officially became incorporated in 2022, but we’ve been building toward this for much longer. For me, it’s come full circle—growing up around it and now running a full-service tree company with my family, including being awarded the 2025 Large Business of the Year through the Novato Chamber.

What really matters to us is that we’re from Novato. I grew up here. My brothers and I went to Our Lady of Loretto, played Pop Warner football, and built connections throughout the community. So when we work on someone’s property, we treat them like a neighbor—because they are. That shows in how we approach tree care. We focus on keeping trees natural. We don’t do harsh, boxy cuts. Instead, we make thoughtful cuts that protect the tree and keep it looking the way it’s meant to. There’s an artistic side to what we do, and we take pride in leaving trees both healthy and beautiful.

Right now, one of the biggest things we’re focused on is fire safety. After years of drought followed by heavy rains, vegetation across Novato has grown quickly. Everything is heavier, greener, and more overgrown than usual, which increases fire risk—especially as fire season continues to get longer each year.

That’s where defensible space comes in. We stay up to date with fire department requirements, which are always evolving. Recently, the recommended clearance has increased to around 8 to 10 feet from the ground. Creating that space can make a big difference in protecting your home and your family.

So what should homeowners look for?

If you’re seeing tall grass, overgrown brush, dead debris, or trees with heavy limbs, those are signs it’s time to take a closer look. If your property hasn’t been maintained in a while or you’ve received a notice from the fire department, that’s another indicator. Even if you’re not sure, that’s where we come in. We offer free estimates and will walk your property with you, point out hazards, and help you understand what needs attention. For larger properties, we can create phased plans to make the process more manageable.

At the end of the day, our goal isn’t just to remove trees—it’s to care for them, protect your property, and help keep our Novato community safe. Because this isn’t just where we work—it’s home.

Jason Pech is co-owner of Mayan Climber Tree Services, a family-run business rooted in Novato. With decades of combined experience, his team specializes in tree care and fire-safe defensible space. Call today for a free estimate and keep your home safe, healthy, and prepared for the seasons ahead.

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