Too Hot!

Getting warm around here, take precautions for your trees and yourself. Plenty of water, work during the cooler parts of the day and don't forget the sunscreen.

An Air of Discontent

Long time no post! Lately been reactive not proactive, just laying back and taking the blows like a man. Maybe too long, passion has died! All the talk about the new economy, what economy? Working for free is no way to make a living, better to go out of business than give it away. The folks who are out there cutting and undercutting prices are the problem not the solution. If folks are not buying, change tactics and find out what they really need! The fly by nighters will fade away due to a lack of a business plan, poor quality, property damage and poor customer service and relations.
When the new economy finally does come be ready. The things that made for success will be an integral part of that economy; customer service, expertise, responsiveness and quality will always be a part of that. It's said that "what's past is prologue", learn from the past and build a new future. That my friends will be the new economy.

The Scent of Pine

That smell that is present every spring this time in the woods, that pine scent. That's what I'm talking about, fresh clean soothing smell. Or is it just getting outside after a long winter that frees the soul and sets things straight. No matter, spring does have way of setting things straight.
Out in the woods you get natures remedy; quiet and soothing, some curious deer or watching swallows over a stream picking off mayflies. All for the mind and soul. Suddenly the busy world slows down and the important and unimportant stuff fall away. Leaving only the important stuff, the real important stuff. We are just part of a bigger world and around us is the marvel of nature and in spring we get this reassuring renewal.

A Good Day's Fishing is Stll Better

The old saying about a bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work, I disagree a good days fishing still tops the list!

So What's the Connection to Trees

Sometimes it's funny and sometimes it's really sad but being surrounded by people with agendas can be interesting. Most of the time it's just plain frustrating, so when some bonehead does something or is trying to coverup something and I discover the truth anger not contriteness is the usual response. My agenda? Simple get to the truth, provide the correct solution and not allow those who guess to spread their guesses like it is gospil.
The other day was a good example. I was told of a problem, instead of just agreeing I investigated. The more I probed the more I got" let me tell you whats going on" and " your theories ". Not to bore you with the rest. The sure sign of advanced bull shit is that the bull shitter doesn't stop talking and the more you probe the more they talk and then talk turns into threats. In a few days the apology will be presented, I know it's disingenuous and is more bull shit. The bull shitter will think that I am stupid and have now believed his bull. The truth is what I seek.
So what does this have to do with trees, plenty. The need not to guess on a problem with trees is critical. If you start believing your own bull shit after a while you'll think it's the truth. Never stop probing for the truth, the answer is usually not just lying around near the surface. Telling people it's overwatering afterba week of rain, or wind burnt after a cold winter ( and it's really just natural seasonal browning) is a disservice and just prolongs the findings the true cause and real solution. Snap answers services no one.

Suddenly

Yea, suddenly it's finally looking like spring. Nothing renews the spirit like a beautiful warm spring day. The green never looked so crisp and vibrant after a drab white winter. Go out, better yet get out!

Ten Years Later

Sometimes the news grabs you and brings back bad memories, today is a good example. They got the bad guy, and he's gone, doesn't bring those who we lost back, ease the painful memories, maybe. But it does bring new meaning to the expression you can run, but you can not hide.

Ten years ago on the day after my birthday (47), the skies got suddenly quiet, a plume of smoke could be seen rising of to the west. The news cracked in the word over the radio and a few frantic calls from crew working within spitting distance to ground zero. I was sent to retrieve a crew working in queens as I drove down the GCP I could see the smoke coming out and suddenly they were gone all gone. As I drove on other drivers were pulling over, women getting out of their cars falling to the ground in uncontrollable sobbing. A sight I never want to see again.

In the aftermath an strange atmosphere of apprehension overtook everyone. Simple sales calls were dreaded with so many missing and cars left at train station parking lots. Never in our history was something like this felt. The events of my lifetime have been something else; Viet Nam, Earth Day, Draft card burning, Woodstock, the Kennedy's, MLK, the list goes on. The old Chinese proverb or curse "may you live in interesting times". Another chapter has closed or has a new one opened? Time will tell!

Time Seems to Fly By

New month, just seems like yesterday it was new years day, gotta figure a way to slow down the spin of the earth.

Reading material

Just received two huge manila envelopes full of boring depositions! Ugh! Is someone paying me tonread this stuff?why can't people just get along?

Satisfaction

I can't get no satisfaction, so the song goes? Really, try harder, be persistent, work at it. Right now feel pretty satisfied, now to work on the rest of the stuff.

Facebook, recently got sucked into a group from high school. Realize this is a bunch of middle aged guys and a real mix of Americana, some of the guys I don't recall, some I wish I would forget and some have never changed. A few now use it to take on 40 years old complaints. Again, I repeat myself, but get over it! It was high school, mostly good times. What does it matter now. So what if brother what's his name was gay, or that teacher was an asshole. Their probably dead now and who cares. A few friends I did have I hope they have had happy fulfilled lives. If I never heard or saw them again it's okay. In the intervening 40 years so much has happened and honestly I am a different person than I was now. Hopefully a better man, if not one who at least tried. So to those who harbored 40 years of anger, sorry dude! For those who've had great lives full of great memories I say" great" , enjoy your lives, family, children, grandchildren, wives, lovers and all those things that bring you satisfaction. I can't get no satisfaction, yet I try.......

Take a Deep Breath

End of a stressful day, week, month, year,hour or minute? Chest pounding, head throbbing, stomach churning? Yea, been there, often. Medical advice, make some time and relax. What's the worst that could happen? Oh! My that could be a problem. On second thought try fishing or wood carving or a quick trip to the rifle range to blow up a couple hundred rounds, now doesn't that feel better!

One Step at a Time

How does one get started? Jump up zero to a hundred in a breath, no one step in front of another gathering steam and momentum until a willful purpose and drive takes over. Then try to jump off, centrifugal force holds you in place until all energy is depleted and you coast to a stop.

So the question for the week is, where in the process are you? Along for the ride, gather steam or coasting? Something to think about on this Monday morning!

Angling for Trout

My favorite form of frustration in fishing. Here I can try to out wit a creature with a brain the size of the head of a pin. I am woefully unarmed, always the wrong fly, forgot to bring this or that or it was incredible ____________. fill in the blank, there is no correct answer. Yet a poor day of fishing is better than a good day at work. So now I am bone tired, windburned and need to get some sleep. Never felt better.

Decay

Inner and outer decay, not as easy as it appears. In trees or people can be difficult to detect and even harder to determine the extent. Just sounding with a hammer may indicate the presence but not the extent. Confused?

In trees you can drill test, use a resistograph or tomography. Decay in a person none of those techniques are valid. People usually hide the symptoms from everyone, but the change in behavior, moodiness, complaining and other outburst are sure signs. The more dangerous sign is complacency, giving up and accepting mediocrity are signs of severe decay. Most turn to drugs or alcohol to mask the decay. True does help but at what cost?

The real cure for decay is to get out of that comfort zone, experience new things, read a book, walk in the woods, paddle that kayak to that unreachable spot, challenge yourself to do better, work smarter and compartmentalize the negative elements out of your life. Just start living and stop worrying. Worry never fixed anything. When a tree has decay, what does it do? It grows to wall of the decay. We have a lot we can learn from trees!

Shaking Off the Shroud

Like removing a burial shroud, the past winter full of bad weather and discontent is hanging in there like a bad dream. Just can't wake up from it and can't escape it. Everywhere you turn more bad news, nuclear this and oil that, rebels forces etc., it goes on and on without end. The topper is the government shutdown, like it was working anyway!

So what to do, hide under the bed is a viable option? this shit is getting old, starting tomorrow in my first conscience moment only positive thoughts, good deeds and avoid the news, the gloomy people and the doomsayers. Maybe a little positive thoughts and actions can turn things around. Start with one person, then maybe everyone one by one will get with the program. After all enough is enough!

Awash in a Sea of Incompetence

An old school mate of mine posted yesterday that an outbreak of stupidity has occurred. Boy did he get that right, surrounded by poor decision making and helpless to alter it, has left me feeling very frustrated. What is happening, has grown men and women turned into drooling fools and stumbling idiots overnight. Guess so!

The standard excuse is "no one told me" or "this is the way we always done it"! Am I the only person who sees this and why am I the only person held accountable for his actions? Kind of hard to do and act perfect all the time! And God forbid I make a mistake, it's run up the flag pole, posted on the Internet and newspapers are calling me for a response. Enough is enough, get a life and be responsible for yourselves people, and quit looking for someone to blame, I'm tired. Broad shoulders yes, impenetrable no. "Transfixus sed non mortus". Fits!

A General Sense of Dissatisfaction

Leave it to me to find the bad amongst the good. Not very happy with the way things are going, so either I become the institute of change or I just change? Can’t decide, but the status quo is not working!

Every once in a while you reach that point. The point at which a decision needs to be made and as we all know, no one likes to make that decision. Maybe I can just ride this one out and it will wash away.

April Showers...

Working on this years garden. My compost pile is disappointing, vey little compost most undigested leaves looking pretty much the way I left it last fall? Back to the drawing board.

Up and Running

My new website www.urbantreeconsultancy.com , still a few wrinkles to iron out but not bad for an amateur. Now after a few days of cold weather, a nice sunny day and maybe out for a walk.

Opening Day

After a long winter its finally here, trout season's traditional start on April Fools Day. How appropriate, only a fool would stand in waist deep water, with snow or rain to fish. Sounds like a plan, rivers and ponds will receive their annual supply of sacrifical fish to encourage the meat fisherman out for a free meal. Not really sporting, but as the old saying goes " give a man a fish he eats for a day, teach a man to fish........

fishing boats Killarney, Ireland

Being Truthful

Seems that truthfulness has gone the way of all the old virtues. In the rush to give an answer, a cure, fix a problem or just to make a buck, lying or not being completely truthful has become the standard. Today I looked at a tree, from the car window I could tell there was a big problem. Top showed signs of decline, at the base a massive girdling root and surface roots chipped and scalped with visible decay. The most troubling sign was two yellow signs signifying a pesticide application and numerous holes filled with an unknown substance which I think was fertilizer.

I poked around and decided to ring the bell and speak with the homeowner, she opened a window and leaned out to engage me in a brief conversation. Her gardener treated the tree and assured her it would live, trying not to laugh I told her the truth and she realized that the treatment was a waste of money and told me of the steady decline in her tree. After thanking me for my honesty she disappeared inside to continue getting ready for work. So she can enjoy another spring with her tree before it needs to be removed and not waste any more time and money on a fools errand. Telling the truth even if it's bad news means more today, the quick buck artist eventually wise up or go out of business.

The Prolonged Winter

Extended by popular demand for those who always say" this isn't cold, when I was ...", you recognize that guy? Five days into spring we still are cold, had a few snow showers and not on day we could hang our hat on and say spring!

Giving Back

Today is the day I do my time and give back to nature why I greedily take whenever I can. Clean up day at my favorite trout stream, picking up other peoples crap they left behind! Opening day is Friday so I'll be ready!

Upswing or Up-sell?

Had to replace the tires on the old truck today, so went to the tire store and the old guy was gone. No surprise, but the new man worked his butt off trying to get me to spend more than I wanted! Bad move, ok maybe I need some work done but not all that stuff. He rolled one of the worn tires out, yes the one with the side worn bad and said it was a result of the need for this thing and that thing. So I let him talk and just said that's a battle for another day. The wear was due to the fact I take the turn a little too fast and don't rotate them tire very other week.

All salespeople today are taught right out of sales school to up-sell the bejesus out of every customer. Like this may be the only time they every come in! Be real, if you want a one timer act that way, if you like steady customers try not picking their pockets clean when they do come in. So the end result is one set of new tires, balanced, mounted and a wheel alignment. An old adage "find out what the customer wants and give it to them", doesn't mean give them the "business" when they come in. Have a nice day!

Done Sprung!

Dark early mornings are unfair,spring ahead came too early and it's a bad idea to fool around when things work! Anyway, dark and cold spring mornings no hint of warmth. Too early to plant, and cleaning up gets old quick. Where's the light?

Gun

Gun! Beat the gun into a plowshare! 30 round clip, what's the purpose? Want to make the news, 15 minutes of fame? Prove something? Live in fear? Give me a clue! You stupid bastard, who gave you the right to bring fear to my life? Go ruin your own life, leave me and mine alone, someone did you wrong? Someone insult you? You coward! Gun? Go find another answer, go find a better way, go away.

Basking in Brilliance or Cowering in Obscurity

Hard to say, everything has it's ups and downs. Raging from fear to elation , moment by moment! Go figure out why, there's a gun on the loose in the hands of a child, pretending to be a man. Somewhere a man is wondering why he was so careless! So now a child has a gun and someone is gonna pay. The child sees it as power I see it as a quick trip to hell.

Someone's gonna pay or is everyone gonna pay in the end. Who's turn is it to lose their life just because a man didn't act like a man and a boy who things he's a man may act out without thinking like a man. There's a gun out there! Be careful, the boy knows no difference!

The brilliance is knowing the difference between right and wrong. The obscurity is hiding it! There's a gun on the loose, do you know where, can you tell right from wrong? Are you a man or just a boy pretending to be a man? Do you know right from wrong? Can you be a man, not just act like one? There's a gun out there!

Dawn's Early Light Part 2

Its all about attitude, yesterday was winter, this morning it's spring. So in our heads, alls well! So it's time to get that garden cleaned up, start some seeds inside and spend more time outside.
A visit to the local home center (hate that term, big box everything store is too long),people were grabbing bags of grass seed, crabgrass killer and fertilizer. Picking at the flowers and longingly checking out those new grills. Suddenly those prized snowblowers were pulled off the shelves to hide till next year. The paint dept. was full of folks looking to spruce up the house, why they wasted the entire winter to do that is anyone's guess?
So this morning I'll do the same, fix up, cleanup and despite the cold, get outside and enjoy the sunshine.

Shock and Awe

Yes, why I understand! The need I get, the rest is over the top!

Some Crazy Irish Stuff

Out of the closet all you Irish! Can't hide it on St. Patrick's Day, time to drive the snakes out of wherever you are. Get a Guinness and revel in what was once reviled! Good people once crossed the street to avoid you, now your the best friend to everyone. Oh, you hide, didn't wear the green, nor did you say "top o'the morning"? Too bad you missed it then. So put it away for another day, better luck next time.

Last Day

Kind of sad, end is here! What happens next is anyone's guess, but gotta move forward. Time has now come for change. Change of season, finally winter is over!
No more endless cold days, sure it may still snow and have a few cold days, but it won't last. Flowers, green grass and time to spend outside getting fresh air and sunshine. Just remember to put on the sun screen.

Beating Plowshares into Weapons?

Peace through nuclear energy? After some some sixty five years since we invented the bomb it's odd or just fate that the worst nuclear disaster occurs where the first one happened. Kind of ironic that a country so affected turns to nuclear energy knowing how dangerous it really is. Building plants on fault lines and active ones at that. Something to ponder, all the talk about alternative energy that ebbs and flows with the price of oil and now the true cost of doing nothing is apparent. When will we ever learn. People are more important than that and we need to develop clean safe sources of energy that's not gonna kill us, cause cancer or make our little blue planet completely unlivable. Get with the program big oil.

Still Crazy After a Long Winter

Hibernation over! People are calling and in their winter rest became more demanding. What I find most peculiar is that no one is ever home, now I know most people love not to work and complain that they need to be home more, but call and say your coming over- no one is ever home. Surely they aren't working, but the thing that most people love to do the most stay home and do nothing is just not happening when someone needs to come over to do something. I always wonder what is so important? Most cases they are doing nothing somewhere else! Odd, yet bears the question then when you give a time range they retort can you call me. Jeez lady that's what I'm doing now! You can stay put for two hours in one place, even an hour? can you give me 15 minutes before you have to abandon ship and go shopping?

Dawns Early Light

Patriotic, no just an observation on the time change. Sun gets to sleep in, not me! This is a day of confusion for most, tomorrow will be an ordeal for the truly disoriented.

Daylight Savings?

A curious thing, light. We need it, complain when we don't have it and again if we have too much. Face the facts, when we wake up tomorrow disoriented it will be by act of Congress! So you know whom it blame, not the innocent clock, nor the sun! Just a bunch of well meaning people we elected.
So I have to ask the question the daylight we save, who has it and if it's in savings is it at least paying a good rate of interest? Final question is that interest taxable?

Spring Ahead

Yes indeed it is! Less than a fortnight away, and what will change? A few minutes more of daylight each day, slightly warmer days, more rain less snow? What will really change is attitudes and the way we feel. More daylight improves moods, getting outside in the fresh air helps your brain work. So enjoy the coming of spring and the flowers soon to be seen.

Time to get out that fishing gear and dust of the bike.

The Countdown!

5,4,3,2,1 weekend!!! You see it all around you, TGIF, putting all your hopes and dreams into one night and two days. Then Sunday evening the big letdown, Monday looming! Careful not to live in the moment or vicariously through other lives, how about looking forward to tomorrow as a chance for something new? Why waste a perfectly good week worrying about the weekend and start living each day as it comes? Makes perfect sense to me!

Every day I look to accomplish something could be simple stuff or finish a major project doesn't matter. I live each day in a day tight compartment and when the day is over it's over. Look forward to stuff, you betcha, but never lose sight of today. Tomorrow is another day and yesterday is over can't change it if I tried.

Keeping Safety in Mind

Our lives are little bits of time linked together by major events; birthdays, vacations, births, deaths. In those other bits when we are rushing around or relaxing it's always important to keep a sense of presence. Mindless things we do if we don't think can be tragic.

Take fore instance people who smoke, certainly bad for your health as well as those around you. Lighting up in the wrong place at the wrong time could be deadly. Never smoke inside, in bed, near flammable liquids. Still some people still think  "aah never happen to me", just a word to the wise, thinking is always required. It doesn't matter if you have walked down those steps a thousand times or hundreds of showers or I always make a left turn here- all it takes is one time.

Tenant Refuses to Leave

Kind of like a news story on page 30 of the local paper, landlord evicts tenant. Local wildlife will use trees for habitat and around here the habitat is shrinking. This is good if the tree with the cavity is in the back forty, but if it's next to your house. The tree may have to be removed. Then you gotta deal with HIM! Call an animal removal expert to deal with this guy, rabies is at an all time high so let the pros deal with the squatters!

The Calm Before the Storm

Quiet Sunday morning, I love them! Pancakes, coffee, that large empty newspaper waiting to be read (and recycled). But that quiet will soon be invaded by the awakening crowd and later the grandchildren will arrive. That part I like!

The storm is the arrival of the busy season, the calls, the stupid questions, those who will doubt the very sound advice I will dispense and argue like they know better! As I get older my patience grows thinner, so I need to be ready and realize that it's not that bad.

So another cup of coffee and grab that empty paper and enjoy the quiet of Sunday mornings!

Home Stretch

Last leg of winter, time to break that hibernation. Doesn't mean winter is over but as Churchill once said " This isn't the end but the beginning of the end".
So snow, ice, cold winds will continue, but the end is in sight and for that we all can look forward to my favorite season Spring!

Happy Walsh Day

Today is the 163rd anniversary of the arrival of James Walsh, my great 4x grandfather to the country. Thank you James for getting on the right boat and not the one to South America or Australia. Because of some quick thinking and more likely having only enough money for passage for five to New York here we are today. When you think of all the happy accidents that happened through history that make our lives possible it blows your mind.The Black Death, the Plague, numerous wars, battle of Cork, battle of Hastings (not to leave out the Verity side of the family ot the McDermotts or McCue's), it's small wonder we are here at all.

Awoken Suddenly

Can't tell you how I hate to be woken up in the middle of the night. A sudden noise, someone downstairs making a feast, a honk of a horn doesn't matter. Don't they know that I am asleep and need to be fresh in the morning. Or, they just don't care!

As one of the bill payers around here maybe punitive action can be taken? Shut off the power to their rooms? Lock up the kitchen? Order a ban on all their favorites? Maybe just tell them to cut the shit will work. Really making 1600 calorie snack after midnight is a little over the top!

Being considerate of others is a problem, not addressing it is a bigger problem. Time for everyone to put on the big boy/girl pants on and start acting like responsible adults. After all it's a big burden for one person to be responsible for so many.

Peace and Serenity has Returned

For the moment at least! Could this be a lasting peace or the calm before the storm! Who knows, will find out any day now. For now I will enjoy it, because you know all hell will break out.

Perfection

Every once in a great while you run into someone who is perfection. Yes, hard to believe! A perfect person who makes no mistakes except one. Claiming to be perfect? No! Acting perfect? No! The mistake is going out of their way to point out a mistake you made or some small oversight. In that regard their perfection is diminished for the failure to recognize that no is perfect, we are all human. The simple act of having someone else check your work is not a weakness but a strength. We are all human after all, mistakes happen, how are we to learn but through our mistakes.

So one (less) perfect person bites the dust! Remember the golden rule (Dale Carnegie's) "Never condemn, criticize or complain" for the butt you kick today may be the butt you have to kiss tomorrow.

Trees and Wind

Don't mix too well, particularly bad trees full of decay, weak crotches and poor architecture! Saturday's winds revealed a few more or should I say a few less defective trees (now that they have been removed by nature). Simple prevention can reduce damage to property when good trees turn bad. Still it seems as soon as the leaves drop in the fall, everyone quits looking at their trees and forgets the need for an inspection.

Winter is a good time to have those trees looked at, no leaves to obstruct ones vision of the branching. The defects are easily spotted and when the work is done not missed because of the covering of leaves. The last thing I want to do is go out on a Sunday because a tree fell on your house! So quit procrastinating!

Holiday on Ice

Best of all is Presidents Day, a day off in midwinter, has arrived with a fresh coat of white. White is the color of the season. It comes in all shades, dirty to pristine to pure. This morning it's pure white, another winter storm after last weeks thaw. I can hear the collective groans across the area.

One thing I can say, we have a few more weeks of winter and as winter winds down you do get more storms. Philosophically you could say that better now than next summer! Still most will say keep your philosophy let's have some warm weather and now! Don't rush the seasons, no point. Winter still drags no matter what the weather so no matter if it's 50 or 25, rain or snow. Winter will always be winter.
30 days till spring!

Welcome to America!

Next week an important day will occur, the 163rd anniversary of the arrival of the my great,great, great great grandfather to this country.

He was a widower from Tipperarey,Ireland. Sailing from Cobh aboard the S.S.Effingham (John Hudson Captain)he landed in New York. He came with his four children, good chance with little else and carved out a life in the new world. Leaving behind the pain and death of the great famine for the promise of a new life. So on friday the 25th, I will sit down and reflect on what a great life we all have because one man made a decision to start a new life.

Know wonder the family motto which dates back to 1173 "Transfixus sed non mortus" Pierced but not Dead! Speaks volumes about some of the attributes seen in various family members over the years. It's in the DNA, it's what makes us who we are. I am sure he would appreciate what we all have done with the opportunity and for those who wasted the chance he would say "Pog mo thóin!"But being a true Irishman he would just ask "Pionta Guinness, le do thoil". Slainte!

So remember when you talk about immigration, where would you be today if someone said "send them back". So unless they take the words off the Statue of Liberty "give my your tired,your poor,your huddled masses yearning to be free". Think first! Those words send a chill down my spine, it's the reason we are a great country, maybe not always a good one! So to those who have forgotten where their roots are and the fact they are descendants of immigrants, I say Pog mo thóin!

A Little Breezy Out There

Seems like yesterday while I was busy working in the garage, the wind picked up and a few trees were damaged. The national Christmas tree snapped at the base. One quick look at a picture online shows a very thin wall of good wood holding the tree together. Snapped and exposed no more tree. I then looked at an email from my bro, his dead tree snapped a big branch. Should have removed the tree last spring. Didn't tell me till I was there for a BBQ during the summer. So the morale of the story, trees have a finite lfe span, have your trees inspected periodically. Suspect areas may need further testing, internal decay may be masked. Look for signs, bulge in the trunk, flat or sunken spots. Sounding and drilling test may reveal what may be hidden. So before you get surprised by a tree on the car or house, have an arborist look at that tree!

Longer Days Shorter Nights

Haven't noticed yet, have you? Sun's up early this morning and seems to be lingering around later and later in the day. In another four weeks the spring equinox will occur as the sun continues it's march toward summer. Not to rush it on it's journey, just a comment on what at one time seemed hopeless, this endless winter, that spring is closer than we thought.

Although it will get cold again, I am getting outside to soak up the rays and look for little signs of life that will be springing from the ground!

A Well Deserved Midwinter Break

Last two days have been nice and warmer than the previous cold winter days. Tomorrow winter will slowly return and back to cold. But for now enjoy the day, I certainly did!

Days like this starts the sap rising in those Maple trees, sounds like pancakes for breakfast tomorrow.

They are Watching You, Yes You!

A recent drive around I see that red light cameras have sprouted up like corn all over the place. Epidemic proportions, the ugly monsters attach themselves to the corners of busy roads waiting to snare their target, your wallet. The powers say you have their money and will now stop at nothing to get it. Taxes aren 't working, no one is buying enough to make that pay. So let's cast the net for the carless drivers how may get impatient waiting for some fool to make a left turn and then gets trapped at the light as it changes. One spot I regularly visit, I note the monster feed indiscriminately flashing at cars passing on the green. Who's the genius how came up with this money maker?

Think about it, it cost millions to put this stuff up, then some out of state company tends the system and administers the dispensing of the fines. No local geniuses to work this deal? So now you have a choice when the light turns yellow, risk a fine or slam on the brakes and pray no one hits your rear! Either way, safety wasn't the purpose, getting the green is. So far, I have evaded the monsters, luck has everything to do with it.

Oh! Forget about absently answering your cell phone, they want to give you jail time soon.
After all, you shouldn't be talking or eating or listening to loud music when you drive. The list goes on and on and on!

The Jobs Not Done Until the Paperwork is Finished

Under full assault by the paperwork police, it's funny how everyone likes to point the finger when mistakes are made.  A common refrain is " we always do it that way", gets old. To them I say you are allowed to make mistakes, just don't make the same mistake twice! "If your not making mistakes, then your not trying" or better yet "ask the question, the only stupid question is one you didn't ask"!

So in the end avoiding the dreaded paperwork always catches up with you and pointing the finger backwards always ends up pointing back at you! Time to go look at some trees, getting spring fever and I know the cure!

The Warm of the Sun

Some days you get a reward for being a trooper, well today was that day! After many weeks of frozen weather, today it went over 50, all the way up to 60. The sun on my face, the warmth hitting the top of my head through the open sun roof! Ahhh! Nice for a change, shedding the parka, my step quickened as I strode up Columbus Ave into the building, up to the roof and exiting the elevator to go through the door marked " Sun Terrace", I was in no particular rush to come down and get back in the car for the ride back to the office. Just wanted to find a place to sit, enjoy a cup of coffee and the warmth of the sun!

It's Official, Were Broke!

Thank you Mr. Speaker for that profound news, maybe a pay cut for Congress would help or perhaps instead of issuing tax refunds give everyone an IOU. Enough of the cute stuff, the winter has gotten to us and has made us all silly. The snow has killed business for most and the anxiety of the great unknown is creeping into our everyday lives.

So the question has to be asked, is the glass half full or half empty? Is it just a bad winter and life will take us up on the first warm day? Is hope lost or have we all lost our passion? The answer is inside all of us, some deeper than others. Inside in our soul we all have it so why do we let something like a bad winter get us in such a deep funk? Any ideas?

So what do we have to do to make things seem better? A nice week off in a warm sunny place may give temporary relief, or perhaps find something new to stir the passion inside. Hey what consenting adults do is none of my business. But really life is about attitude. In other words you are what you think! Wrap your head around that concept.

You are what you want others to see you as. Everyone has four separate personalities, more correctly four parts to their being. A public face, a private face, an unknown face and a very dark face. Yes there is a scary person that hides inside all of us. It's the reason people kill and do other inconceivable things. But that's not the point! The public face is what we project to others and that's what we can adjust to show others how we feel. The private face is the one we all need to adjust, that's the secret place where we reside all the time. The place where mediocrity hides and self doubt runs and plays. That's the place we need to work on!

Bugs and Stuff

Spring will come and we will have bugs. Bugs everywhere we look, some on the ground, some hanging from trees, some eating foliage and others giving bites and stings. Sounds really bad!

Not all bugs are bad, we live in a complex ecosystem and insect life is just a part of the big picture. So before you feel the need to squash that bug think it may be performing a valuable function in that ecosystem. Some are predators and eat others keeping the balance, some are pollinators and are needed for food production. Others are just a part of the food chain and as members of the top of that food chain you can appreciate the need for an unbroken chain. Everything in nature has a purpose, were things really go awry is when man steps in to make changes.

Well we are in control aren't we? Planting exotic invasive plants alters the ecosystem and may cause a ripple effect all the entire system. Newly imported invasive insects brought to your door step by the shrinking world we live in alters our natural ecosystem. Our artificial home landscapes imitate nothing in natural world but came from our own misaligned view of what nature is.

I feed birds in my yard. It gives my wife and I some pleasure watching them and the diversity of the species present. Today we had a new bird, a small owl, a predator doing some hunting. My wife was upset, she felt that we should protect the song birds from the bad bird. The should not be serving a hot lunch in our yard. Ok but it's real,the natural world the way nature intended. Eat or be eaten. A sly smile came over my face.

Passion and a Lack of It

Know what separates successful people and those who settle for less? It's passion, either you have it or you don't. Is it human nature to try to be mediocre? Oh, I what to just be a failure! That way no one will notice me!

What I am witnessing now is beyond belief, the fine art of trying to be a failure. It makes me crazy, makes me angry and is frustrating. How can anyone how breathes be so lazy? Is it fear of being successful? Is it not wanting to put out any effort? Is it fear? Come on help me out here, I am at a loss for such behavior. I refuse to accept it, I will not condone it and I will give no sympathy and will not tolerate excuses for it.

So to those how are trying hard to be a failure I say " GET OF YOUR BUTT AND GET WITH IT". It's your life and no one except yourself can determine what the outcome will be. So try at least try!

Find your passion, please.

Simplicity

Once upon a time we lived in a simple world free of technology, electricity, automobiles, TV, radio, newspapers and credit cards. Boy that must have been boring! To the folks who pine for yesterdays simpler times I say "what's stopping you!"

It's been a long boring week in mid-winter and I need some down time to recover from having nothing to do. So go figure how one can become exhausted by doing nothing? It's a lot of work, looking busy!

Something to Ponder

Worry and anxiety is part of life on the 21st century, can't get away from it. Someone told be that it's not getting rid of stress but how well you deal with it that counts. With worry, you have to ask yourself " what's the worst that can happen?". as you go through the list you eventually come to the conclusion that the worst is really as bad as you imagine and somewhere in the middle is just fine. So deal with it, what's the worse that can happen?

Yesterday we had an accident, embarrassing but not the end of the world. Yes I said we, it wasn't me but someone I work with and the accident had potential to adversely affect me. It may yet, but the reality is that there is nothing I can do now , it's done. The truth is there was nothing I could have done then either.

A number of years ago, we had a man die as a result of an accident, maybe there was something we could have done, but we weren't there and it was the worst that could happen. So we keeping learning new lessons everyday, you can never be too safe. Be safe!

Know it All!

A common complaint amongst fellow arborist is that at various times someone will come up and ask a question about a house plant. Go figure arborist- arbor Latin for tree a large woody plant that grows outside. We are not herbaciousist! We are ARBORIST, we are knowledgable about TREES, not house plants. So let's get over it, we normally grimace, smile and come up with a wild answer we pull out of the air. Still we are guessing, my own experience with house plants is that eventually they die because we did or didn't do something right. So off to the store and buy something new and hope it will live.

When I was a teenager I took a few cuttings from a Jade tree at a greenhouse on an estate where we were building a green house. In a few years the cuttings grew to a great size. Proudly watering and tending it gave me great satisfaction. One day while it sat on the windowsill it caught a cold and died. Oh well, it did give me some joy for a few years. No arborist nearby to ask what happened, if there was one he (or she) would probably roll their eyes, grimace look up to the sky then smile and pull some wild answer out of the air.

Arboretum

Went to the arboretum today, sounds silly of course arborist go to arboretums why not? Gotta see trees, well I see enough trees, but a conference was held there and they served lunch. A good lunch at that!

It was nice to look around the room filled with (what else)arborist, a note how old everyone has gotten. I feel a little better when I peer at that old guy every morning in the mirror. A few new faces and a few fresh faces. The more things change the more they stay the same. Everyone has the same problems, that's reassuring not the only one. It was nice to reconnect with old friends, adversaries, competiors and collegues.

Winter returned by afternoon and I left I had a sense that spring will come and all will get back to work. You can sense the boredom, fear of the uncertain future and anxiety brought on my idleness. The first nice day most will bolt out of the gate like a bunch of race horses at the derby.

Mid-Winter Crisis

We all look forward to our mid-life crisis for men that's getting a convertible, trying to cover the bad spot and looking cool or trying. For women, maybe I shouldn't go there. It occured to me that everyone is having a mid-winter crisis. Too much togetherness, too much TV, too much food and snacking.

Yesterday took the wife out for some air, she needed it. Sunlight hasn't seen her face for sometime, well after awhile  she was bored no good places to take pictures, flooded roads and huge snow banks have made many places inaccessible. So back home we went. I suggested a walk, but the ice on the driveway created an obstacle. So we chopped ice together, and it was fun.

Today's message is if you have lemons make lemonade. Make the most of what you do have. Have a nice day, no matter what the weather or season.

Feeling the Heat

Okay, it's a little late in coming but the last storm fizzled out due to warming trend. Yes, it rained not snowed and last night the temperature never went below freezing. So the mid-winter thaw is officially here, at least for a few day anyway! So enjoy the sun is out and looks like a nice day to get some sunshine, by Tuesday it will be back to winter abiet less snow. Take the victories no matter how small.

Now is a great time to get out and look at those battered trees, snow, wind and ice has taken it's toll. Time to prune those trees before spring gets here, the entire branch structure is exposed so good branch selections can be made, deadwood visible, crossing and rubbing limbs out. So get busy before winter returns and delays the work again!

44 Days till Spring on The Wall

Knock one down and pass it around 43 day till spring.... Enough complaining about winter it happens every year this time, it's always the same length no matter what the ground hog says (as if he can talk) and nothing you can do or say will change that.

So what can you change: first spend more time getting outside for fresh air, exercise and sunlight, two should bought that snow blower guaranteed if you don't want snow buy one it will never snow again. Develop new hobbies and interest. Take that winter vacation and go somewhere and do something.

Yesterday out looking at trees spotted a pilated woodpecker and a retailed hawk, in fact we got to within 6 feet of the hawk before he flew off. Made for an interesting day!

Work

Yes, work! We have some work to do and the crying about being slow and the bad weather is on hold. The same bad weather that created the no work also brought the opportunity for new work. Things never seem to be what they appear to be. So off I go mounted in my gray chariot of to look at trees bids to do, broken trees to view and a promise of something to occupy my mind and time other than the emptiness of this winter.

But first, coffee! Coffee the drug of choice for most adult Americans. Tried to get a cup yesterday, but the shop I went to had no parking, except one small spot in front of a liquor store. The owner of that shop had strategical place a 15 min liquor store only sign. For a moment I was ready to defy the jerk, but he peered out his window so I went elsewhere. Short sighted to say the least, I'll be getting coffee somewhere else from now on and one thing is for sure I will not be making purchases at the liquor store ever. I don't drink! So for the want of a parking space bad will was developed for two shops and bad business if you ask me. Never turn down a customer, and decisions you make may have an adverse affect on others.

On the other hand the place I got my coffee, I was greeted, light conversation about the weather and a goodbye was all appreciated. Their parking lot was plowed and salted and they made sure that the customers had a safe place to park.

Ice Dancing with 4000 lbs SUV'S

Well the ice arrived on schedule leaving a coating on everything. Opening the garage and peering down the driveway, the newspaper seemed like a lost cause lying there at the end. Fear not put on the chains on the old boots and retrieved it no problem.

The drive in was even more interesting creeping along like an old lady going to a church social, I really didn't care who I pissed off. Slow down was the word of the day. Safely at work and awaiting the calls of broken trees, fallen limbs and other emergencies. Work safe is the buzz word today. No time to rush! Slow down!

A Good Icy Morning

Roads like skating rinks after a light dusting and now freezing rain. Predictions of 1/2" of ice will break a few tree limbs later. Tire chains for the boots and rain gear; for the foolish who venture outside the next 24 hours.

Winter has been tough here, so working outside has come to a halt an ice storm will change all that so you need to be prepared for going out in the elements to deal with downed trees and broken limbs that are sure to follow. Sharpen up that chainsaw, get the sand and salt ready for those footpaths, be prepared.

Time to Stop Digging That Hole

You gotta know when to stop digging and stand up! How true a statement, this has been the first real winter that I can remember and everything has come to a screeching halt. The wringing of hands and nashing of teeth can't change a thing. Time for action. Tomorrow will be the start of another bad winter storm and yes all the pain that comes with that. Can't change that one bit, but with 45 days till spring you can make an impact on what will happen in the future.

One certainty is that spring will come, trees will have damage from the winter that will need to be addressed, grass will grow and will need tending and the annual pest will attack living plants. Be ready.

A Small Leak

A small leak, turned into a big deal today. No shut off for the water so off went the main. Two trips to Home Depot to get it right( I do miss that small hometown hardware store). Repair success, leak stopped but that missing shut off still bothers me. So with wet feet off to dinner with my wife. Birthday dinner and time to celebrate even though her birthday was last week(dinner postponed due to football playlets, her ideas not mine).

The morale of the story next time you go to visit the grandkids bring your tool box. You know that something will always need attention.

Which brings me to the next subject, whatever happened to being handy. You know that knowledge that's passed down from father to son on how to! Seems like these days no one can do anything. Change a washer in a faucet or sweat a pipe (solder a joint, pipe joint that is), change a flat. Basic home repairs arena mystery to so many. What happened? I am completed at a loss tom explain this phenomenon! So I guess grandpa has a place and a purpose. Need to pass this old knowledge on.

Longer Days

In case you haven't noticed the days are starting to get longer. In this coming week we will have Groundhogs Day either way roughly six more weeks or so till spring. The longer days means more mood altering sunshine a chance for some solar radiation to reach the ground and warm up the earth. This will trigger a genetic response in trees that will start the rise of sap carrying vital amino acids to the tips of the branches awakening dormant buds.

It's the warming days and cooling nights that starts the flow, up north it's time to tap the Sugar Maples trees and gather the sap for that traditional brew of maple syrup. Sticky goodness that will adorn pancakes, waffles and French toast. Mmmm, time for breakfast!

Quiet Mornings Reflection

Any time you get a chance for peace and quiet, grab it, savor it, enjoy it! It's only a moment in time and will quickly pass. Don't waste it on useless stuff, that paper will wait, enjoy that morning coffee, catch that sunrise, fresh air and find that peace you seek. In the next moment the craziness will start, a horrible story in the news, demands of others, traffic on the way into work, an angry call from a customer, the boss will say something or bad news will arrive in a miriade of forms. For now enjoy this moment. Deal with the crap to come later when the sh** hits the fan. Now breath deep and enjoy the quiet.

Sitting in a hard chair

Listening to speakers who spend more time reading their power point. Some talk too fast, some talk too slow. A few know what their talking about some are winging it.
After awhile you end up with a sore a***, and a headache. The quality needs to come up, but the info is good.

The next grievance is the lack of coffee and the speed at which the sticky buns disappeared. I heard one landscape architect complain that coffee should never run out. Then came lunch, okay I picked the wrong table (for the fifth straight year), never sit with tree men, they are boring and in the midst of a boring winter well you get my point. Everything was going smooth after lunch until an old colleague announces that he " has to take a dump"! Well that was it time for this arborist to go! Sore a*** and all.

Horticulture

Today, I am going to the first conference of the new year. Sounds exciting, probably not. I go because I want to show my support for Cooperative Extension and the work they do. Budgets are being slashed across the board but the services they do provide are a valuable resource.
I don't expect an ASCA type conference, but I am sure i'll gleam some tidbit for later use.

News Report

"Snow has killed business" as reported on the news tonight. Mmmm, who writes this stuff? I know it's been slow and kind of tough getting stuff down. Killed is an overstatement.
So we had a little snow. News worthy not sure, next week, next month things will be different. We all hope.

The When

When? Or the timing of pruning a tree. Pruning should be performed when there is a need. An accumulation of deadwood or interference to a structure are good indicators. A large shade tree should be inspected periodicly by an arborist. The frequency depends on the overall condition of the tree.
Oh! That when! Snow when will it stop? Can't answer that one. Time to shovel out again.

Not a Good Day to Work on Trees

Looks like more snow, from where I sit looks like a better day for a fire and a hot chocolate. OK, it's still winter and thoughts of warm sunny days paddling around in my kayak or wading that stream casting flies at disinterested brookies seems far off.

Sent the crews out to get some work done this morning and as soon as they pull out the snow starts, didn't expect that till later today. So a lost day and lost wages. Working outside is always a challenge that challenge is multiplied in winter. Snow, cold rains, windy days, far out number the sunny workable ones. Just got to try every day to go out and get something done. Safety is important and bad road and icy conditions means a lost day.

I've worked outside most of my life, nothing beats dropping a tool in the snow and never finding it till spring. The old saying "that you can always put more clothes on if it's cold and you can't take enough off if it's hot" obviously was said by someone who worked inside making up stupid sayings. Right now getting a nice pruning job in lets say Key West is pretty appealing. Stay warm.

How to Prune a Dogwood (or other small ornamental tree)

How, when or why? Are the first questions you need to ask before pruning any tree. According to A300 you need  a purpose and goal in your pruning. So I'm bored and I figured that this will kill sometime isn't a good reason. Let's examine this again:
I looked at the tree in the garden and there are some rubbing branches, suckers (correctly called water sprouts) and deadwood. So the purpose of the pruning is to clean the deadwood and unwanted growth from the tree. When is a good time, the old saw "a good time to prune is when the saw is sharp" works occasionally. A better time would be when you expect a period of growth to aid in wound closure, when the spring rise of "sap" won't run from the tree and become unsightly and when you have the time available to do the job right the first time.
Once this has been established the how comes into play. What tools are available and how do I access the tree properly and safely. PPE if you don't know what that is stop you shouldn't be doing tree work call a pro. Small ornamental think hand tools, hand pruners like Felco bypass type works great on branches under 1/2", small fine tool hand saws (plenty to pick from) works fine. A pole pruner with a good and sharp Marvin head type works nicely on the hard to reach stuff. Leave the chainsaw behind unless the deadwood is greater than 3". To access the tree a small step ladder works nice, if you have to climb remember the rope and saddle for safety.
Now develop a work plan, where to start, what branches need to be removed, where to place my ladder? Answer these before you start cutting. Now get to work. I like to start by removing all the larger dead branches working my way up bottom to top, next the suckers and finally rubbing limbs selecting those that will have the least impact on opening the canopy up first. Lastly, I look for crowded areas in the upper and outer canopy; here I can thin to improve for air and light.
The last part is always the clean up and putting those tools away for the next time.

Pick a Number Between 1 & 10

And you would have quessed this mornings temperature my pick was 4. A good number, to cold to think, look on the bright side it could have been:0). Pardon the pun! Stay warm, spring is coming!

Late Afternoon Laziness

The sun is starting it's slow sinking into the horizon, in a few hours it will be dusk. Time for a nap dozing off in an easy chair with the background of football on the TV dreaming of spring. Cabin fever is in full swing, where is that mid- winter thaw that happens every year. Not happening, this winter has decided to be a real winter. Next stop spring, global warming not sure what that really means. Somewhere like the arctic it's happening everywhere else it's the return of an ice age. At least there is sun, glorious sunshine.
Last summer when it was 100+, it was too hot. The AC broke down and restless sweaty nights until the repairman came. So maybe this is what they mean by global warming, more like global extremes.

Observations of a Winter's Morning Walk

Cold and brisk outside looks like zero is really eight, yes 8. So perfect day for a nice power walk, ok a walk. The crunch of the icy road under my boots echoing along till I hit clean dry pavement. The wind rustling the few leaves on the White Oaks as it passes through, the snow covers all the lawns and those messy areas of the neighboring houses ( some people are real pigs). Cars pass rushing to who knows where, not that important. See a few half smoked cigarette butts and still can't believe that smoking is still that popular. Don't they know the long term health risk, quess not.
I soon pass another man out walking, he's wearing a Giants coat, obviously doesn't know it's over for this season, Jets own the town...sadly! He's busy on his cell phone oblivious to his surrounding as he yes and yeas the person he's talking ( being talked too). He nods in our passing.
The rhodies are all drooping their leaves all curled up to protect themselves from the cold. I see some tracks in the snowy lawns; cats, raccoons, squirrels, some life out there. A blue and red jet passes overhead heading to the airport to deliver it's load of passengers, with a lineup of new ones waiting anxiously for their trip to somewhere warm or colder!
About this time, I realize my face is freezing, not cold but freezing. Time to pick up the pace and a hot chocolate and a warm fire would be nice. Gotta keep walking! Faster!

Dormancy

As we all know in these climes, trees and all plants go dormant starting in the fall. The leaves turn and fall off the deciduous trees and on the broad and narrow leaf evergreens what happens?
As the weather cools growth slows, evergreens due to their nature and small narrow leaves hold onto their foliage saving energy and providing less leaf area for desiccating winds. All trees will continue some metabolic function until frozen and the roots will continue to grow until the soil freezes.
A good practice on newly planted evergreens is to provide adequate supplemental watering in the fall and an application of an anti-desiccant to protect from winter drying. Tenting with burlap on smaller plants is a valid practice.
This winter, the snow will provide a level of insulation to the soil and plants, but be careful with the de-icing salts near the plants. Damage usually shows as the new growth comes in. If you over did the salt, try an application of gypsum on the soil.
Enjoy the season, tough I know. Winter days are special, when possible the quiet of the winter woods can be a tonic for the soul. Try putting out a bird feeder, you'll be surprised by the quanity and variety of birds you will attract. It sure helps these winter days pass.

Snow Again?

So what, I've already made up my mind that this is winter it will last as long as it wants and it will not stop me from doing the things I need to do. So what's your problem? Complaining about the weather isn't gonna change anything, sort of like those folks who complain about taxes, the government then proudly state they don't vote. Don't vote then shut your cake hole you lost that right when on election day you blew it off! So only worry about the stuff that will effect you, change the stuff you can change and get off your butt and do something, anything to improve the quality of your life.
Spring will come be ready!

Getting Ready for I Know Not What!

But I'm ready! Easier said, walked into our "tree shop" this morning and was completely disgusted with the filth, oily grime and assorted crap left laying around. So after I did some complaining (unsuccessfully) found someone to assign the task to. Picked up a broom and gave the place a quick once over. Looked a little cleaner, but you can't put a dress on a pig. At least I felt better, so the morale of the story is you do things for yourself to make yourself feel better. The hell with everyone else they don't live with you they exist around you. when you go home you do have that satisfied feeling that maybe the little bit you did made a difference. Good chance it didn't. Off to make a difference (in my life at least).

Some Days You Ride the Horse, and Other Days the Horse Rides You

Is it the weather or just feeling under it. Can't seem to get started. Admittedly it is tough to go out in a freezing rain and give it hell or sit at my desk and make some phone calls, but enough is enough. And as the man said in that movie " I'm mad as hell and I'm not gonna take it" . What he was gonna take was a mystery but it was good theater.
So step back re-gather yourself and make a plan to get on plan. Words of wisdom for today.

Trees need love too!

Sounds corny, yeah I know. Researchers have established that tree do some communication. A tree under insect attack releases chemical compounds to help fend off the attack, what is surprising is that nearby trees also produce the same compounds although they are not under attack. How did they know trouble was on the way? Makes you wonder!
With spring a ways off, now is a good time to go through the seed catalogues, clean up the garden tools, and sharpen those hand pruners.
Great time to prune those fruit trees, ok pick a nice day to do this, who wants to work in a sleeting freezing rain anyway.

Quiet Monday Mornings!

The best and worst of winter are the quiet Monday mornings. You get up early looking to get a good  start on the new week, only to find out your the only one with that idea. Great,  thanks for the enthusiasm now go away while I sulk. How many days till spring?
To say it's been quiet is an understatement, dead as a door nail. Oh well great time to start a new project and dream of the warm green days of spring.

Bored?

Happens every year at this time, midwinter boredom arrives. The New Years resolutions have been forgotten and that diet gone bust. What to do?
No answers here! Get out and do something, better than sitting around and watching old movies. How many weeks till pitchers and catchers? Trout season is 75 days away, nice day for a walk not too cold, just dress right, check the bird feeder, had a cardinal this morning. So now is a good time to do those projects you've been putting off.

Cold

Do trees feel cold? Good question, cells do have ability to adapt to super chilling. One thing I do know is that I feel the cold and this AM it's cold outside!

Someday there will be spring?

Just ask the cows?

Aftermath

The day after a storm always leaves you with the feeling.....what was the big deal! Really, after digging for what seemed half a lifetime and getting to a main road only to see just wet pavement, what was the big deal? The reason everyone crowded into the supermarket, gas station, drug store was for naught. Fear of running out of peanut butter or was it cheez wiz? Panic over a few hours of inconvenience is becoming the norm, what the cable TV is out, no Internet. Makes you wonder what our forefathers did. "Honey could you run out and shoot a buffalo a storm is coming and we may run out."
We are spoiled in these modern times, maybe a couple of nights camping out should be mandatory for all school children so they learn real life survival skills. I was a scout leader many moons ago, the funniest incident was two brother (who are to remain nameless), who brought on a camping trip some microwaveable TV dinners. Then asked where the microwave was. True story.

Snow,again?

Some heavy snow overnight, and looking out at all the trees and shrubs covered with a thick blanket makes you worry? Will those branches break?
The trees should be okay, the wind will help shed the snow load, pines may break some branches (probably should have had an Arborist look things over last fall) and you can always use a broom to carefully remove some of the heavier snow off the shrubs.
A pre winter inspection and some preventative measures could have been taken. Arborvitaes are prone to snow damage, they can be tied up with jute cord, simple burlap covers for boxwoods and azaleas would have prevented breakage. The real damage is the winds, drying the larger leaves of the broadleaf evergreens showing up next summer as brown edges and tips.
So now nothing to do but get the shovel ready and mark your calendar for next falls Arborist inspection.
Hot chocolate anyone!

Proper Pruning

I've been seeing a lot of bad work lately. The best pruning job is not qualified by the amount of brush generated but by the subtle changes in the tree and good pruning wounds that are small, properly made and unobtrusive. Cuts made at the branch bark ridge following today's standards will heal faster than the old flush cuts. The skill of a good pruner is not the pile of brush but the careful and thoughtfulness of the work. Be sure when hiring someone to prune your trees that theybare qualified, properly educated and has the ability to get the job done without ruining your tree. Check the ISA or the TCIA for qualified companies and individuals.

Winter Woods

Went over to the banks of the Carmens River yesterday and enjoyed the sound and sights of snow covered trees. A walk(admittedly brief),in the Pines for a moment of solitude. Stopped at the Lodge and for an hour or so watched some fly tying. Taking bits of fur and feathers to fool some wary trout next spring, learned how to tie a few new patterns. Does make those long winter nights pass. One of the gentlemen reminded me that its only 81 days to the first day of the season. Back out for a walk in the winter woods, sun shining through the trees. The light reflecting off the icy branches like little jewels. Sometimes you just need to get out and enjoy the little pleasures that are all around us, can't do that from the couch. Check out Trout Unlimited for more info on stream preservation.

This is the winter of our discontent

Apologies to Tom Paine, but it's snowing again. Despite the Farmer Almanac predictions of a mild winter with less snow, snow again.

That Maytag repairman feeling!

It happens every year, the people who called you relentlessly all spring, summer and fall suddenly lose interest in their trees. They have since forgotten about all those broken limbs, dead trees and unresolved tree issues. After all no leaves; the trees are sleeping. They lost your phone number, forgot your name and only a winter storm tends to wake them up. The joys of a tree man in winter, sometimes I think customers think that all tree men go to sleep with the trees, a long winters nap!

When a storm comes up and damages your trees, don't expect prompt service. There is a price for neglect and for the dormant tree men they need sometime to gather themselves away from that warm fire and deal with your tree problems. So a word to the wise, have your trees checked before winter and if some work is recommended don't put it off till spring. You local tree man also has a family and they need to eat too!

Random rambling of a mad Arborist

Try as I might, it's hard to get moving when it's cold outside. Today was different, someone did pee in my cherioo's, but that didn't stop me. As morning turned into midday, the warm sun filled the car thru the sunroof (closed of course) and as the temperature rose so did my attitude. Life is good!
Oh, tree chat mmmm, yea I did look at some trees and gave a few opinions and remembered what Seth Kahan said about sells yourself not just time. Check out Seth

Tree update

After the snow on boxing day, checked out my trees that had bad salt damage last year(photo on previous post) well they are still piling the snow on the trees 5-6' in places. Hopefully no salt being piled, so I better plan on a new remediation plan.

Oh what a lovely day!

Nothing beats spending a day looking at trees, and defects. Better when one gets paid to do it. Nice winter day, sun coming through the sunroof.

Day 2

Once you get past all the hoopla and noisemakers, day 2 is just another day. Tomorrow is the real first day of the new year,and for those who are wage slaves time to start over at square one and get back to the business of earning a living.
After a couple of months we can all start thinking about having a life style, days are getting a bit longer and one day in the near future we will get a surprise the sun will rise when we do. So until then back to the grind, I have a date with 39 trees slated for removal tomorrow, a chance for one last reprieve.

First Light On a New Year

I am an early riser, I enjoy the quiet of the early morning. What a beautiful sunrise on this New Years Day!
After some reflecting on the old, time for some new. Make resolutions? No way, no need to, if it's not broken,no need to fix. So for those who stayed up way too late, drank way too much and over indulged a brief bit of grandfatherly advice..... GET OVER IT!!!! Don't expect sympathy for bad decisions, you made it, you own it. A little too strong you say, it gets tiresome very New Years eve dealing with drunks, so get over it, tough, too bad, not my problem.
Like I said, I enjoy the peace and quiet of these early morning hours.
Gotta feed the birds, later!