From the armchair in Texas...what about removing the 15' stem, at least to the part you'd brace? I don't know how well doug firs compartmentalize, but it would reduce some pressure on the taller fork in the long term. It sounds like the two stems are really close together and you'd need the...
I have used PHC tree fert products in the past with good and expected results. The BioPak is a great product in their line too in the right application. It's a powder, so it can be difficult to mix large quantities. Recently, we started using Autumn Care by Growth Products. The jury is still...
Specifically for oak wilt, I've heard the heavy hitters at the Texas forest service say that they see no biological reason for the fungus to survive on pruning tools and the friction alone is likely to "sanitize" the equipment enough. Though it still a widely accepted mitigation practice, it's...
Our main concern where I'm at is oak wilt, and sometimes fire blight. Lysol has been our main sanitizer for saws and pruners. I've found a bleach mixture rusts some of the saws and hand pruners more than I'd like. We don't take the lysol off after we spray, either; just start cutting. I haven't...
I think you're right. I've seen those spec'd in some plans before. I think it's a good deal, but they got revoked because it was in a park and they were concerned about little Timmy tripping over them.
Have y'all had any luck with the underground staking systems like Tree Stake Solutions or Arborstakes? They pin the root ball down and leave the trunk to flex and not hinder the formation of reaction wood. Not a cure all treatment, but has a lot of applications. I've used both and like them, but...
I've used a rear handle EGO version I believe to be similar. I didn't have high expectations, but was still surprised at the power. The battery didn't last long, but the saw cut what I asked of it. It felt solid, not ergonomic or easy to get leverage on the bigger cuts. I'd consider one for...
All the good property owners will be concerned about liability. Even in state parks where they allow rock climbing, they are reluctant to allow tree climbing because they don't know what they don't know. When I was a city forester, I allowed recreational tree climbing with a permit, maybe go...
I worked for a large tree company that was bought up by a huge landscape maintenance company. It was super difficult but paid off in a lot of ways.
The landscape guys want to measure the work and plug it in to their matrix to spit out a price and have a difficult time understanding why each...
My chiropractor told me to also stretch after the work, when your muscles are still warm. Makes an huge difference in how stiff they get in the evening. I'll even do it at lunch.
My question was sincere too. I understand trees well, but grasses are for landscapers. I like the idea of a climbing hunting stand. I'm surprised there's not something geared up like that for arboriculture. That could be your million dollar plan!
Tearing healthy palm fronds is a workout...
I'm suggesting relying on some fronds to keep a rope centered on the stem for a basal anchor. I do trust it with it centered in the crown. What do you suggest if you had to climb a palm tree without spikes?
You may could save your favorite rope a little more by using a false crotch type rig for climbing palms. Pull up one least favorite rope through the fronds with pulley or biner on the end that your most favored climbing rope can anchor to. The first rope would then have to be basal anchored. You...
Very few people get to do something they truly enjoy and make money with it, you should let that be your focus. I have this day planner that gives hokey advice every month, but this month's was pretty good and VERY true- "A friendship founded on business is a good deal better than a business...
Several years ago, I was working for a small municipality north of Houston and we had some really odd patterns of trees uprooting. The clay content in the soil was really high in the area and we had just gone through a long dry spell followed by some very thorough soaking rains. Trees were...
I agree with a cherry. Almost looks like black cherry, but the fruit is weird. I bet that bark texture changes with age of the tissue making a match a little more difficult.
It (the first picture) looks like a desert willow. Well-suited for Midland. The others look like some variety/cultivar of black willow that will probably always have issues over there. Tree Loving Care in Midland is a great company that has a guy that can coach y'all on other varieties that may...