At just 24, this nature-loving techie is helping shape some of the Western Cape’s most iconic landscapes – one tree at a time.
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/