Thursday, November 27, 2008

Before and Afters-Douglas Fir





The work of a skilled arborist can leave a tree looking more natural after the pruning is complete. It is often easy to forget what the tree was like before. I plan on photographically documenting my tree work to help keep my clients informed and up to date on the health of their trees.

As an example I have before and after pictures of a Douglas Fir that was developing a co dominant stem on the south side of the tree, right side of the picture. This co dominant stem was removed, and a more vertical stem was left. Hopefully with this cut made now will prevent a large more damaging branch failure in the future. This kind of work is what I call Pruning for Preservation.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

The Simple Things





Sometimes it is easy to forget about the simplest things. Like how to contact me if you want tree work done. The best thing to do is call or shoot me an email.

Phone# 541-461-3162

Email: CommunityArborist@hotmail.com

We can schedule an estimate, or if you know what you want we can just set a date for the work.

On a different subject, here a few pictures taken last year in Salt Lake City when I was working with ArborCraft Inc. A great crew that did good work. I miss those guys and hope all is well back in Utah. The picture in silhouette reminds me of how simple and amazing being an Arborist can be.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Early Jobs: Patty and Debs Maple Removal.

Having to remove a tree is never my favorite thing to have to do. With that said I feel it the responsibility of all arborist and tree workers to do so efficiently and with the up most respect to the tree. Driving by construction sites and seeing trees that have been ripped out of the ground and dragged through the mud by heavy equipment saddens me.

With that said, one of my first jobs was cutting down two Crimson King maples at our neighbors house that had contracted Verticillium Wilt. The smaller of the two, only about 20ft tall and 10in diameter, was totally dead. The bigger maple, 40ft tall and 28in diameter, was still hanging on. It did display classic symptoms Verticillium Wilt ie; large branches dying in a seemingly random pattern. These trees had become hazards, and needed to be removed.

I have put together a slide show to share the experience along with a short movie of me removing the to top of the large maple. Thanks to Patty and Deb for helping us out in our earliest days, before we even had our slick business cards. Also thank you to our Friend Paul for letting us use his truck for hauling brush, as you can see we really worked the old boy.

Who is The Community Arborist?




My name is Tracy Gale Brandt an arborist living and working in Eugene Oregon, and I am The Community Arborist . Tree work has become more then just a job, but a passion, and way of life for myself and the rest of my family. My wife Quincy, who is just cutting her tree climbing teeth. My little girls Iris and Violet, who are my biggest supporters, and motivation.

As The Community Arborist I want to share my passion for tree preservation with my friends and neighbors in and around Eugene. As a small business I will provide the most cost effective tree care possible. Please take the time to look up at your trees, think about the shade, and comfort they have provided, not to mention the beauty they bring to everyday life, and ask yourself; 'When was the last time I did something nice for my trees?'