Birds are singing, the snow has finally melted, and the first bits of green are about to spring up all around us – spring is here! For homeowners, spring is the time to head back out into our yards and take stock after the winter season. Because trees are one of the major features of many…
When customers invite an arborist on to their property to discuss the state of their trees, they are opening themselves up to a critique of their arboreal landscape. A common question we often receive during these appointments is our opinion on landscaping under oak trees. In the Midwest, oak trees are often the specimen trees…
When starting seeds for gardening, the first thing to do is to read the back of the seed packet for instructions. Most seed packets inform the gardener to plant the seed or seedling in loamy, well-drained soil with rich organic matter. Plants, like people, want their conditions to be perfect – plenty of sun, not…
Being a tree in an urban environment is no easy task. Threats to trees are present in every leafy neighborhood. Knowing what they are can help us make plans to avoid the loss of a once healthy tree. A tree growing on an undisturbed, undeveloped lot can attract the attention of a would-be developer…
When the question of critical infrastructure is discussed in urban and rural communities some of the first examples that get mentioned are roads, electrical and water utilities, and buildings. Roads and utilities form the connective tissue of our communities and homes and businesses form the bones. But, what categories do trees fall into? Trees provide…
Getting a new puppy can be about the most exciting and fun experience in a new dog owner’s life. They are full of energy and excited to play and run around. They are also a bit wild and tend to create havoc. Without proper training, a new puppy can develop bad habits and make more…
There are a few adages about trees that summarize their overall approach to life. One that stands out with simplified succinctness is “a hundred years living and a hundred years dying”. Many oak trees will experience 100 years of vigorous growth, followed by a very slow decline over decades. Let’s be honest, there’s no miracle…
“The care of the earth is our most ancient and most worthy, and after all our most pleasing responsibility. To cherish what remains of it and to foster its renewal is our only hope.” – Wendell Berry As the year cycles into the winter season, the landscape around us begins to transition into dormancy. This…
In our experience talking with our customers, a lot people are afraid to plant trees close to their house. They’re often wary because of the following things: Tree roots are going to destroy your foundation. In reality, tree roots are primarily in search of fertile soil and moisture. House gutters, which concentrate a lot of rain…
There’s a popular Chinese proverb that says: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” But, what do you do if “now” is the middle of summer? In most areas of the US, the ideal times to plant trees are early to mid-spring and early fall.…