Earth Day 2012

Is it cliche yet to use the word sustainable? What do we actually mean when we say that?
Is it to continue? Carry on, keep alive? Preserve or conserve?
Or is it just a hip thing to talk about while sipping an IPA in the Pearl?

Many companies use the word sustainable to sell more of their products...how ironic.
Here are a few things we all can do to limit our consumption of items that have a direct impact on Earth's resources.

• Buy less food. How many of us have seen the oranges or bananas decompose on the counter? That food traveled a long way to rot. Go to your farmers market instead. Get only what you'll use in a couple days.

• Buy quality products that last. Or buy resale. Who really needs $300 organic cotton jeans? Buy a pair for 20 bucks at the thrift store and and take the other 280 plant a couple trees and hire me to care for them.

• The weather isn't that cold. Turn down the heat or set a timer on the thermostat.

• I like coffee, so when I drink a cup at the cafe, I use a mug, not a paper cup. I don't have any quantifiable math on this, but paper takes a lot of processing.

• Commute with a buddy. My job won't let me bike to work. It's a bit difficult to carry all my pruning tools on a Schwinn. Perhaps someday. 

So, there are a few very simple things to do to get your mind around using less.
The key is: Just Buy Less.

One final thought: if you have cared for your trees recently, no need to hire us. Your trees are probably fine. (This way you and I are both consuming and using less resources.) Annual tree pruning is not always necessary. However, now is the time to get your pest and insect control plan in place. Insect problems can lead to bigger tree problems, so let's get that handled.

Be well and have a good one.

March Snow!

Well I don't mind the weather and neither do the trees really. But Spring is a great time to get your trees inspected for winter injury from wind and weather. So put that on your home maintenance list.
And take advantage of our Redirect Guide coupon for tree huggers.
Here is the link: http://redirectguide.com/Portland_Vancouver/el.asp?listingid=1179B2&name=Matthews%20Tree%20Care

Do most trees need pruning every year? Nope.
If done correctly, and depending on the species, many trees (large or small) need little care once pruning has helped to establish their structure. Pruning to help the tree grow correctly is the objective and often less is more.

Is thinning a large tree to allow the wind to move through it beneficial? Well...not really. It too depends on the species, but research is suggesting otherwise.
The idea of pruning for "wind sail reduction" is dubious.
Keep this in mind: over thinning a tree is never good. Remember, the tree is an organism, it is alive. Pruning can be injurious and beneficial.
The best compliment I can get after pruning is that the tree looks cleaner and that it really looks like I didn't do anything. Less is More -that's the mantra.

The key thing to note is that trees have been growing long before we thought of pruning them. Can we assist them with pruning? Yes. We live under them so we need to work with them.

I look forward to hearing from you.
Cheers,

Matthew

Spring Tree Inspection

As winter fades and spring approaches, now is the time to inspect your large and more mature trees in your landscape. After winter wind, branches often take the brunt of this force. Cracks may have developed in major branches. Pruning to clean a tree of dead or damaged branches is key to reducing risk to property and people.
In this photo there is a very long crack due to a structural defect. Some species of tree are more prone to these problems. Wind can exacerbate existing defects. Nevertheless, a tree that is exposed to high winds should be inspected this spring.

Change in Lake Oswego Tree Removal

The City of Lake Oswego has deemed certain trees to be invasive. These trees are not subject to the same permitting required for other trees.
Here is an article for your interest:
Lake Oswego Tree Removal

Winter Tree Care

Winter is a great time to inspect your trees and the root area.

When the tree is without leaves we are able to better see the tree structure and identify current or potential problems. Some things to look for this time of year are:

• Low hanging branches or branches at an odd angle. They could have been stressed and cracked from wind, especially with the leaf on in late fall when there is more drag in the tree canopy.
• Soil mounding near the base of the trunk. This may indicate root failure. Saturated soils and high winds can be the problem. Recent construction near the roots may have negatively impacted the root area.
• For more information please check out our newsletter T is for Tree. 

Looking Local

I want to give spotlight to EvolTwin.
They have done our screen printing for several years now.
The reasons we choose to work with them is simple: local accountability, good craftsmanship and the opportunity to build a local relationship.
Our shirts and hoodies are USA made and stand up to the hard labor we do.
Loric and Breezy have a great little shop and we are happy to get to work with them.
Check them out and...

Keep it local.

The Gift of Giving

Every Season Is Giving Season!

And every year we like to give to those who can use a gift.
Last year our clients donated canned goods in return for 20% off tree care.
It was a great success for our clients and those in need. (That's the point.)
What a testament to the graciousness of our patrons! Thank you!
We donated several boxes of canned goods last year.
May I ask that we do it again?

All canned goods go to affiliates of the Oregon Food Bank.
Start the new year with the gift of giving.

 Happy New Year!

P.S. This offer stands alone and cannot be used with any other coupon or offer. I like to give, but I won't give away the farm. Expires Jan. 31 2012. Project must be scheduled before then. 
Cheers,
-Matthew