The international arboriculture community is mourning the loss of Mike Dirksen, a respected arborist, longtime City of Springfield forester, and influential mentor whose decades of service helped shape modern urban forestry practices. Dirksen passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at the age of 67, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of environmental stewardship, professional excellence, and dedication to the tree care industry.
According to tributes shared by colleagues and members of the arboriculture community, Dirksen died while engaged in the work he loved. His passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from fellow arborists, friends, former coworkers, and industry organizations across North America.
A Career Dedicated to Urban Forestry
Mike Dirksen devoted 36 years to the City of Springfield, serving as City Arborist and Operations Coordinator from 1979 until his retirement from municipal service in 2015.
Throughout his career, he played a significant role in managing Springfield’s urban forest, helping oversee tree maintenance, storm recovery efforts, disease prevention, and long-term canopy preservation. His commitment to public service earned him the respect of colleagues and residents alike.
While advancing his career, Dirksen also pursued higher education at Lincoln Land Community College, graduating with high honors in Landscaping and Groundskeeping and earning recognition in Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges.
Following his retirement from the city, he joined BRANDT® as an Urban Forestry Consultant and enTREE Distributor, where he continued sharing his expertise with municipalities, growers, and forestry professionals throughout the United States and abroad.
A Respected Leader in Arboriculture
Beyond his professional roles, Mike was widely recognized as one of the industry’s most respected tree-climbing experts and educators.
He was a familiar presence at Tree Care Industry (TCI) conferences, regional competitions, and International Tree Climbing Championship (ITCC) events, where he was known for mentoring young climbers, promoting safe climbing techniques, and encouraging continuous learning within the profession.
Friends and colleagues remembered him as someone who freely shared his knowledge, welcomed newcomers into the industry, and treated fellow arborists as members of an extended family.
Tributes following his passing have described him as a mentor, innovator, and passionate advocate for professional tree care whose influence reached generations of arborists.
Remembering Mike Dirksen
Those closest to Mike remember him not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his generosity, humor, and genuine kindness.
He was known for building lasting friendships throughout the forestry community and for his enthusiasm both on and off the job. Whether teaching advanced climbing techniques, discussing tree health, or spending time outdoors with colleagues, Mike inspired others through both his expertise and his character.
Friends have reflected on his lifelong passion for trees and the natural environment, noting that he remained actively involved in the profession throughout his life.
Family and Legacy
Mike is survived by his devoted wife, Linda Dirksen, along with a loving family, lifelong friends, former coworkers, and countless members of the arboriculture community whose lives he influenced through his mentorship and friendship.
His legacy lives on in the healthier urban forests he helped cultivate, the professionals he trained, and the lasting impact he made on the tree care industry over more than four decades.
Celebration of Life
The Dirksen family is currently making arrangements for both private and public celebrations of Mike’s life. Details regarding memorial services and any charitable contributions will be announced by the family at a later date.
As friends and colleagues continue to honor his memory, many have encouraged others to celebrate Mike’s legacy by caring for their communities, supporting one another, and preserving the trees and natural spaces he spent a lifetime protecting.
Mike Dirksen will be remembered as a pioneering arborist, dedicated public servant, trusted mentor, and loyal friend whose passion for trees and commitment to others will continue to inspire generations to come.
May he rest in peace.