Soil organic matter (SOM) is one of the most critical components of a healthy urban soil. While it is often a small component (<8%) of soil, it influences nearly every aspect of that soil’s ability to support tree health. [...]

Soil and foliar sampling are not exactly a new science, nor are they new ideas in the world of arboriculture. However, it is my opinion that they are still underutilized or underemphasized in the field. As practicing arborists, we [...]

Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans. We have all heard it. I believe it. I am an aging arborist in Iowa. Like a lot of us seasoned “tree guys,” I have followed a familiar [...]

Climbing arborists and tree workers rely on the structural strength and stability of a tree’s branches, trunk and roots to support their weight and the forces associated with rigging operations. Failure of tree parts can result in uncontrolled falling [...]

Photo 1: Removing a tarp from beneath the mulch below a struggling pine to reduce stress and increase water to the soil. All photos courtesy of the author. I’ve had a number of consultations in Pleasant Ridge, [...]