One of the things we hear a lot is that a tree has become too big. Often sad, because if we had been here sooner, there are pruning strategies that we could have employed. Having said that, this front yard maple was rocking and rolling through the high winds of early summer. It was slatedContinue reading “Before the Storm”
Category Archives: tree work
Topping is evil
We recently had a storm event that resulted in a lot of damaged trees throughout Brandon and the Westman area. With few exceptions, the reason that these trees failed was because they had been previously topped. I am not talking pineapple on pizza (which is delicious) or sprinkles on ice cream (literally the worst) Read on to find out what topping is, why people have done it in the past, and what you can do differently to take care of your trees.
This is not a joke
I (Reta) am not really good at April Fool’s Jokes. The way that I am funny is generally funny voices, or some sort of performative type thing – I never got the hang of pranking. Maybe it is because my upbringing stressed putting myself in someone else’s shoes – it has never made sense to fill those shoes with shaving cream (see what I did there?)
Get that tree a haircut!
Generally speaking, cedars are not a great bet in Manitoba. The extremes and variability that characterizes the weather in these parts is not a good match for what cedars need. Having said that, older nursery stock that was climatized properly, and had better winters to get established can be wonderful specimens. These lovely towering (columnar)Continue reading “Get that tree a haircut!”
Precision Grinding
I say this often, but you really need the right tool for the right job. We have a big ole mini tracked stump grinding unit. And it is great. There are times when you want to (and need to) get up and personal with what you are working on. And for these specific situations, nothingContinue reading “Precision Grinding”
What I found in a tree
Being an arborist involves being prepared for many surprising things. The weather is a big one. I stopped paying any real attention to forecasts about ten mins into working outside (weirdly, because I remember the forecast being much more accurate when I was 20 and truck driving) I have frozen my buns off or sweatedContinue reading “What I found in a tree”
Why we are arborists
Tree work is difficult at the best of times. It is performed outside, in all kind of weather. We lift heavy loads, with uncertain footing. It is seasonal, and weather dependent. We deal with dogs, neighbours, physics, insurance companies, and all the challenges of small business ownership! So why the heck would we choose toContinue reading “Why we are arborists”
Why does my tree look like that?!
Trees are like us.
Pruning inside!?!?
I recently was contacted by a previous customer, where we had done work at their place of business. They needed us at their home. I could not have guessed that I was in for such a treat! They have a giant two-story ficus tree. Words nearly escaped me. Things we learned – ficus tress dripContinue reading “Pruning inside!?!?”
Renovations in the yard
While we are cozy behind windows, and underneath blankets, is a great time to dream about how we want to change our yards next spring. It is an excellent time to assess the shape, growth, and some aspects of the health of trees – when they are naked without leaves! We like to ask whatContinue reading “Renovations in the yard”