OVERLAND PARK, KS, September 28, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Rick "Professor PlantRight" Spurgeon has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Spurgeon, known professionally as Professor PlantRight, currently serves as a consulting arborist, a role he has held since 2021. In this capacity, he consults with clients on tree health, structural integrity, safety and management strategies. His expertise encompasses the assessment of tree conditions, diseases, insect infestations, cultural practices and site-related issues. He advises property owners on matters of tree safety, construction impacts and potential hazards while also preparing for and participating in legal depositions involving arboricultural concerns. Mr. Spurgeon regularly visits clients to evaluate tree concerns and recommend appropriate actions, monitors tree-pruning crews and oversees tree work near infrastructure projects. He develops land-management strategies that address trees, wetlands, silvopasture and forestry practices. Additionally, he mediates conflicts involving homeowners, construction projects, municipalities and other stakeholders. His guidance on evaluating tree-related risks is sought after by a range of clients. Drawing on decades of municipal arboriculture and field-based experience, Mr. Spurgeon applies his knowledge to diverse tree-management challenges.

From 1982 to 2020, Mr. Spurgeon served as the city arborist for the City of Olathe in Kansas. During his nearly four-decade tenure, he developed the municipal arborist program from its inception, despite having no formal training in municipal operations. Through organic innovation and determination, he established a broad and comprehensive internal operation that managed all tasks without outsourcing. It included nursery production to feed a tree spade operation that could transplant hundreds of trees per year at up to 6" caliper. This approach resulted in superior efficiency and quality control compared to typical municipal programs. One of his most notable achievements was the unique total program he established during this period—one that distinguished itself from others in the field and continued to thrive after his departure. Rather than simply adhering to existing guidelines, Mr. Spurgeon forged his own path, infusing the program with his distinct vision and direction. Overseeing the planting of more than 100,000 trees, he confronted the challenges of traditional planting methods and developed a more efficient approach that reduced both the time and physical effort required for successful planting. As he shared this method with landscapers through training sessions, they quickly embraced it for its effectiveness and long-term benefits.

Earlier in his career, from 1980 to 1982, Mr. Spurgeon operated as a private timberland consultant and managed logging operations independently. He handled a wide range of responsibilities related to timber management and land stewardship during this period. Prior to that, from 1979 to 1980, he worked as a forester at Ridgeland Forestry Services, where he gained valuable experience in timber management practices.

Throughout his career, Mr. Spurgeon has become recognized as an expert in tree assessment and consultation, as well as client education and guidance. He is an active member of the Kansas Arborist Association and the International Society of Arboriculture — organizations that reflect his commitment to advancing industry standards. His innovative approach helped establish a national certification program for established landscapers looking to improve their success rate. Municipalities across various regions have sought his expertise for preparing arborist reports for federally funded construction projects, further underscoring his reputation within the profession.

Mr. Spurgeon's educational background includes earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Management from the University of Missouri-Columbia in Columbia, Missouri. This academic foundation provided him with the technical knowledge necessary for success in forestry and arboriculture. His upbringing amid rolling farmland with expansive woods behind his childhood home inspired an early connection to nature that guided his decision to pursue forestry rather than farming or factory work — paths commonly chosen by others in his community.

In addition to his degree, Mr. Spurgeon holds several professional certifications: Certified Arborist through the Kansas Arborist Association, Tree Risk Assessment Qualification from the International Society of Arboriculture, and Board-certified Master Arborist (BCMA) designation from the International Society of Arboriculture. These credentials have enabled him to provide high-level guidance on complex issues related to tree health and safety and to elevate industry standards.

Mr. Spurgeon attributes his success to a genuine passion for his work — a philosophy rooted in enjoyment of one's craft and dedication to improvement through time and attention invested. He believes fulfillment comes from loving what one does rather than solely pursuing financial gain.

Beyond his professional roles, Mr. Spurgeon has contributed extensively to civic-minded organizations within his field. He served on the board of the Kansas Arborist Association for 24 years and served as president for one year. Additionally, he was a board member of the International Society of Arboriculture's Midwestern Chapter for eight years and served as its president for two years. His volunteer efforts include supporting nonprofit organizations and participating in projects such as removing trees where needed.

His achievements have been recognized with honors, including the State Forester Award from the Kansas State Forester.

On a personal level, Mr. Spurgeon was born in Excelsior Springs, MO and is the father of five children whose careers span fields such as forensic pathology, aeronautic science focused on satellite design, esthetics specializing in laser skin care, large crane operation and community-focused service roles. He values spending time with family, enjoys outdoor activities such as backpacking and traveling, and cherishes his role as a grandfather to grandchildren ranging from infancy to adulthood.

Looking ahead, Mr. Spurgeon aims to further enhance his skills as a consultant so he can serve clients more efficiently while promoting a positive image of arboriculture — advocating for professionalism within an industry sometimes misunderstood by the public due to negative associations with reckless behavior by others outside its core values.

Throughout every phase of his life and career, Mr. Spurgeon's dedication to education, innovation, and stewardship has left an enduring mark on those he has trained or advised, as well as on communities that have benefited from healthier urban forests under his guidance.

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