Tag: arborist

Our man, Andrew Cheney, just passed his rigorous ISA Certification test--on his very first try! This is quite an accomplishment since only 6% pass it the first time.

Drew has been with Blooma Tree Experts LLC since February 2008, learning the ropes, literally! Drew had years of experience as a landscaper, so tree and shrub identification was a breeze, but he had not worked in the tree care industry before. Blooma owner Martin Macauley saw potential in Drew immediately,  and he began to encourage Drew to prepare himself for the ISA exam.

ISA Certification means that Drew is now a highly trained professional in all areas of tree care. He knows the biology of trees, he knows which diseases and pests attack trees, and he knows proper pruning techniques, among many other areas of essential tree care knowledge.

ISA Certification is valid for three years; Certified Arborists must continue their education by earning 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) by the end of each three-year period.

We are proud of Drew and his great accomplishment.

Notice how the limbs abruptly end in a blunt cut: improper pruning.

While out and about making bids on tree service jobs, Martin and I often see evidence of poor pruning practices. These trees not only look bad, but the indiscriminate hacking done to them leaves them vulnerable to rot, fungi, and insects (see previous blog on "How to Prune a Tree Part I).

The only way to fix these limbs and preserve the health of the trees, is to remove the remaining stub entirely. To do this properly, you can see our instructions in blog "How to Prune a Tree Part I," or go to www.treesaregood.org, the educational website of the International Society of Arboriculture. There you will find all sorts of helpful tips and information for maintaining and improving your trees' health and safety.

Martin Macauley, ISA Certified Arborist, spotted this Hemlock in Lynnwood, WA while giving an estimate. Martin was chagrined to see that a tree service employee—from another company—had used spurs to climb the tree. Spurs should NEVER be used on a living, healthy tree for pruning.

What are spurs?

Spurs are steel shanks that attach to a climber's boot and calf to allow him to easily ascend a tree. Essentially, he climbs by jabbing the spikes into the tree as he climbs.

What do spurs do to the tree?

Spurs make holes through the bark, the tree's protective layer, into the cambium. The cambium is the living tissue of a tree. The way it works is water and elements flow up through the root system through the cambium, which then distributes the sugars (food) from the leaves throughout the tree. It is essentially a pumping system. When the cambium is compromised, the tree is compromised. Spurs compromise a tree.

How does spurring harm the tree?

The holes left by the spurs allow an avenue for pathogens (disease-producing agents). If the spurs were used previously on a diseased tree, those diseases will be passed into the next living tree. This is equivalent to someone inserting a dirty needle into your body. Chances are, you will get the disease, too. Yikes!

When can spurs be used?

For tree removal only! Any other use of spurs is harmful and negligent.

ISA Certified Arborists are trained to understand the circulatory system of trees and the harmful effects of spurring a tree. Be smart: hire a tree service who has ISA Certified climber on the job (like Blooma Tree Experts). You will be happy you did, and so will your trees.