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TREE CARE INDUSTRY – AUGUST 2006

The second weekend in July I thought I was going to just enjoy a great weekend ofrelaxation and sport. I had no idea my plans were going to make me think of treecare companies yet again!

After getting all the family business things taken care of on Saturday, I was looking for-ward to my day of rest. I started the morning by joining a worship service, which was

followed by one of the best gospel concerts I have ever seen in my life. (Yes, my Southern roots are showing!) What cap-tivated me, aside from unbelievable vocal talent, was the way that the group worked together. These guys were HAPPY.They enjoyed each other’s company. This was not just a performance. It was who they are. They supported each other dur-ing each song. They high fived each other. They joked and kidded with each other, and they got the job done. Theyengaged a huge audience, but they also individually engaged each other throughout the entire concert. There was an atti-tude from the moment they walked on the stage that they were going to deliver something of value; they were going tohave a great time doing it; and they were going to make sure that they supported each other the whole way through. It real-ly made me think about tree care crews.

If each time our crews arrived in the morning, they brought and found an attitude of “Heh, it’s going to be a great day.We’ve got some really exciting work to do together. Our company has provided us with terrific, safe equipment to get itdone. We’re going to look after each other all day long, and we’re going to have a great time getting it done.” Can youimagine what a fantastic company that would be to work for every day? The harmonies of a gospel quartet would havenothing on the energy and passion of a tree care crew.

After the morning’s inspiration, I indulged in my annual passion of watching the Wimbledon finals. Individual cham-pions have a totally different quality about themselves than in team sports. You see the individual struggles of nerves thatare self-defeating and have absolutely nothing to do with the talent that is on the other side of the net. Once you’ve gotthe world class skill set, it’s all about internal self-talk. Ever wonder what your people are saying to themselves in theirheads every day? You may respond, “I have no idea.” On the one hand, you’re right. You can’t possibly know what some-body is thinking. On the other hand, sure you can. If you watch someone who is confident, take charge, has a smile ontheir face, and is all about “how can we?” – you can be pretty sure that they woke up in the morning saying things like“It’s going to be a great day. I’m capable of doing the work that has been assigned to me. I’m looking forward to the chal-lenge; it’s going to be fun; and I’m going to do everything I can to support my teammates.” You can come up with thedialogue on your own that is running through the head of someone who has a negative attitude. What’s more, you can feelit, and you can see the results on a daily basis of where that gets you and your company. It is the opposite of the champi-onship mental attitude required to win Wimbledon.

If you watch the doubles players, they may have all the skill in the world, but there is something else that allows themto win. First, they know their partner’s strengths and weaknesses; they have a clear delineation of roles and, more impor-tantly, they have an agreement to have each other’s backs. The only way the championship is won comes from a criticalbehavior decision on both of their parts – to communicate constantly. Watch next time – after every point, they talk to eachother. They keep each other’s winning attitude up; they high five after every won point; they encourage each other whenthey’re down; but most importantly, they’re constantly talking strategy.

From Wimbledon, I finally decided after a month of unceasing reports on the World Cup in my 50 percent British house-hold that I finally just had to join him for self-preservation. So yet again, in watching the World Cup final, tree carecompanies reared their heads in my thoughts. After a full 90 minutes of regular play and 30 minutes of overtime, the gamewas decided on the skill of a few seleet players’ abilities to make penalty kicks. On the one hand, you could say brilliantdefensive play, which resulted in a tied game, only one goal each, and the coaching ability of selecting the right playersto bring the game home. On the other hand, you could say, for crying out loud, what happened to the offensive play?Couldn’t you bring the game home in normal time and get the job done in the world’s most celebrated international sportafter four years of practice leading up to this moment, without having to go to penalty kicks? This made me think of ourbusiness lives; how we strategically plan, build the resources, and work to have all the dominoes fall into place; and yet,how often the environment shifts, a resource contracts unexpectedly, or we miss a key variable in our planning. We haveto adjust, adapt, and sometimes, it takes us longer to get where we hope to wind up.

However, with the right players on our team, exhibiting the right attitude, who agree to have each others’ backs everyday, work in harmony, and are determined to deliver a great performance, we have the majority of what we need to winthe championship of operating a terrific company.

So, now you know what the World Cup, Wimbledon, and a gospel concert have in common with tree care companies.

2

Cynthia Mills, CAEPublisher

The World Cup, Wimbledon,and a Gospel Concert ...

Outlook

TCI's mission is to engage and enlighten readers with the latest industry news and information on regulations, standards, practices,safety, innovations, products and equipment. We strive to serve as the definitive resource for commercial, residential, municipal andutility arborists, as well as for others involved in the care and maintenance of trees. The official publication of the non-profit TreeCare Industry Association, we vow to sustain the same uncompromising standards of excellence as our members in the field, whoadhere to the highest professional practices worldwide.

Tree Care Industry

Publisher

Cynthia Mills, CAE

Editor

Mark Garvin

Managing Editor

Don Staruk

Technical Editor

Peter Gerstenberger

Art Director

Richard May

Advertising Sales

Sachin Mohan(516) 625-1613

Classified Advertising

Suzanne Blanchette(603) 314-5380

Accounting/Editorial/Sales Offices

3 Perimeter Road, Unit 1Manchester, NH 03103Phone: (603) 314-5380Fax: (603) 314-5386

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Circulation

TCI, PO Box 15907 North Hollywood, CA 91615-5907

Fax: (603) 314-5386

Tree Care Industry Association

Officers & Directors

Thomas J. Golon, ChairWonderland Tree Care, Inc.

Oyster Bay, New York

Jeanne Houser, Vice ChairMcFarland Landscape Services, Inc.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Scott Packard, Senior DirectorWright Tree ServiceDes Moines, Iowa

Tom TolkaczSwingle Tree Company

Denver, Colorado

Randy J. OwenOwen Tree Service, Inc.

Attica, Michigan

Terrill CollierCollier Arbor CareClackamas, Oregon

Tony GannAltec Industries, Inc.

Birmingham, Alabama

Erich SchneiderSchneider Tree Care

Taylors, South Carolina

Ron KeithArbor Masters Tree & Landscape

Shawnee, Kansas

Benjamin G. Tresselt, IIIArborist Enterprises, Inc.Lancaster, Pennsylvania


The Official Publication of the Tree Care Industry AssociationTree Care Industry Volume XVII Number 8

AUGUST

Tree & Shrub Insect Pest Management UpdateBy Dr. David Shetlar

Brush Cutters: Cutting a Clear Path to ProfitabilityBy Rick Howland

EPA Outlines IVM Guidelines for Rights of WayBy David Rattigan

The Growing Business of Tree and Plant AppraisalBy Janet Aird

Lessons Learned from Accident ResearchBy John Ball, Sam Kezar and Shane Vosberg

OutlookBy Cynthia MillsWith the right players on your team, you will have the majority ofwhat you need for a championship of operation.

Cutting EdgeNew products and services, and news in the tree care industry.

TCI EXPO Brochure & Registration Form

Features

Departments

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16

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42

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(Continued on page 6)

4 TREE CARE INDUSTRY – AUGUST 2006

Copyright 2006 by the Tree Care Industry Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. The Tree Care Industry Association is dedicated to the advancement of commercial tree care businesses. Reference to commercial products or brand names in editorial does not constitute an endorsement by Tree Care Industry magazine or the Tree Care Industry Association. TreeCare Industry (ISSN 1059-0528) is published monthly by the Tree Care Industry Association, 3 Perimeter Road, Unit 1, Manchester, NH 03103. Subscriptions $30 per year (Canadian/International orders $45 per year, U.S. funds; $2.50 per singlecopy). Periodicals postage paid at Manchester, N.H., and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Tree Care Industry, PO Box 15907, North Hollywood, CA 91615-5907.

Pest Management

8

Brush Cutters

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TREE CARE INDUSTRY – AUGUST 2006

The Official Publication of the Tree Care Industry AssociationTree Care Industry Volume XVII Number 8

AUGUST

Industry AlmanacImportant regional and national meetings and activities.

TCI EXPO Exhibitor ListingHere’s your first look at who will be exhibiting what equipment andservices at TCI EXPO in Baltimore in November.

Washington in ReviewBy Peter GerstenbergerStay on top of those I-9 forms to keep the Immigration and CustomsEnforcement at bay.

Branch OfficeBy Wayne OutlawAs rising fuel prices hit your business and your customers’ pocket-books, you may have to remind them of the value of your services.

Classified AdvertisingYour source for jobs, equipment and supplies.

TCIA ReporterSafety and training products, news, commentary and benefits of membership with the Tree Care Industry Association.

Letters

Advertiser Listing

From the FieldBy Adrian JuttnerCould Formosan termites have undermined New Orleans’ levees, andmight they still threaten the future of the city?

Departments

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TCI EXPO Brochure

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Part I: PHC vs. IPM, andproviding sustainable environments

By Dr. Dave Shetlar

Iwould like to challenge you in thisindustry to think about some ideas andconcepts. To begin with, we need to

understand that urban landscape manage-ment, of which tree care is a part, ischanging worldwide. What goes on here inNorth America is going on elsewhere in theworld; whether you like it or not.

I joke that we have our eco-terroristfriends saying we are doing terrible, nastythings to the environment. The reality isthat urban habitats in North America areway behind the Europeans. The Europeanshave already figured out that they have

destroyed their entire natural environment.There are no natural environments left inEurope. When you go to a forest in Europe,that forest is probably in its fourth or fifthcutting because they have been there solong and there are so many people therethat they have modified those habitats. Butwhen scientists decided to take a look atthe urban habitat, guess what they found?They found that the urban habitats are actu-ally more diverse in the numbers of speciesof plants and animals than the so-callednatural habitats.

We need to be reassuring our customersthat it is the same here in North America.Yes, we have some pristine habitat, butongoing studies indicate that the popula-tion diversity in our urban habitats stillexceeds the so-called natural environment.

For example, everybody says that a lawnis a monoculture. It is not. Yes it is grass,but it is grasses. There is a considerableamount of genetic diversity in those grass-es. I call it the backyard rain forest. What

happens to turf virtually every day? Youget a dew event or guttation of water thatnot only supplies moisture, but more


High maintenance landscapes are commonly plantedbecause the plants are inexpensive or attract the atten-tion of new home owners!

Insects, arthropods and other invertebrates found in asmall sample of turf and underlying soil. Because theseare small, most people don't realize the biodiversity thatis present!


importantly there are nutrients in thatwater. Take a look with a microscope atwhat is going on in that turf grass. I have astudent studying that right now and he istaking soil samples from typical lawn areasand in a typical sample he finds more than300 different species of arthropods out ofeach little four and a half inch square. Mostof us don’t understand that we have thisgreat diversity.

However, things are changing and one ofthose things is that we need to be thinkingabout less chemical input. Canadianprovinces have already banned certainchemicals in many of their municipalities.The industry that doesn’t understand thisand hasn’t figured out how to change andwork with their customers to provide serv-ices and take advantage of that aredisappearing. Those who are learning totake advantage are making money. No mat-ter where you are, I challenge you to thinkabout how you are going to change andmorph into this new system.

Emphasize your expertise. Homeownercustomers don’t even know what type oftree they have. You have the expertise. Youknow what the trees and shrubs are and youknow what the plant materials are and youknow what it takes to grow them healthilyin an urban environment. You need to beselling more than just applications of mate-rials – sell your expertise.

We also need to pay more attention tolong-term solutions versus short-termremedies. Again, that comes down to yourexpertise. If you have a customer with aEuropean white bark birch in the frontyard, you need to be honest with them andtell them that it is a short-term plant fortheir landscape. You need to tell them thatthey could pay you every year to take careof this thing and you may be able to keep itfor 10 years, but sooner or later somethingis going to come in and kill it. On the otherhand, if the customer likes white bark, youcould put in some other white-barked treethat won’t be as likely to succumb toinsects or diseases. We need to be thinkingand selling our customers long-term, sus-tainable solutions.

We are also going to find that the new

categories of insecticides coming down thepipeline are quite different than what wehave dealt with. We have had the luxury ofdealing with organophosphate and carba-mate insecticides, which, when youapplied them, the bugs died quickly. Therewere no ifs, ands or buts about that, but theproblem is, those same organophosphateand carbamate insecticides are deemed bythe Environmental Protection Agency to betoo dangerous to use in the urban land-scape. Whether you agree or disagree, thatis the reality. We are losing those materials.I consider them “tools,” but we are losingthese curative tools. The replacement tools,the new insecticides, actually work betteras preventive materials. They have muchlower toxicity and they have much lowerimpact in the environment and have almostno effect on human beings, pets or the birds

in the landscape. But to maximize theirefficacy we have to use them in a preven-tive mode and not in a curative mode.

What are my pest management options? Ihereby give you permission to do nothing!

I know that seems bizarre, but I amamazed at the times that we go into land-scapes and we figure we have to dosomething. Remember, if you are sellingyour expertise, what the customer reallywants to know in most cases with theirplant is if their plant going to be OK or not.It is OK for us to tell them that the plant hashad a temporary setback; that there weresome caterpillars that ate some of theleaves, but the plant will put out newleaves. The plant is not going to die or suc-cumb to a little defoliation, and next year

TREE CARE INDUSTRY – AUGUST 2006 9

The bronze birch borer is most damaging to European birch while native American canoe birch is relatively resistant, how-ever canoe birch doesn't attain its white bark until several years after transplanting!


we will prevent the damage. To give you anexample, if you have mugo pines withEuropean pine sawflies, the sawflies willbe back the following year. We can preventthose by making an imidacloprid or neoni-cotinoid application in November andeliminate them next spring. That way wedon’t have to worry about them because wehave infused that plant with this materialand when the sawflies take their first littlebite they will be gone.

Preventive action

As I noted above, many of these newpesticides have preventive action and actu-ally work best in a preventive mode. I havesome of my landscape people tell me thatthey understand what I am saying but theydon’t like making applications in Octoberor November to protect plants for the nextyear because the customer may cancel onthem this winter. If that is the relationshipyou have with your customers, then youneed better customer relationships. If youare afraid of losing a customer over thewinter, then you probably didn’t do some-thing good during the year. If you have agood long-term relationship with your cus-tomer they are not going to cancel out. Asa matter of fact, tell them that you are mak-ing preventive applications this fall so thatthey will not see any pests next year.Remind them of that in June or July whenyou send out the bill. Jot down a littlereminder that you previously put materialsdown for prevention and it worked. Youwill look super.

There are always going to be pests thatshow up unexpectedly for which you haveto take curative action. The one that I don’tlike is what I call the “rescue action.”When you discover that a tree has borers, itis at risk of dying. You have to apply somehigh-end rescue treatments, but again youneed to communicate that with the cus-tomer. Tell them that no matter whatmeasures you take, there is a chance of los-ing the tree or shrub.

PHC vs. IPM

The term we see most academics nowusing is plant health care, or PHC. What dowe mean by PHC? In integrated pest man-

agement (IPM), we were always puttingthe emphasis on the pest. In reality, what isit that you are trying to maintain? You aremaintaining plants. Even those of us in thepest management area, whether it is plantpathologist or weed scientist or entomolo-gist, we are now turning to this otherconcept of what we call plant health care. I,as an entomologist, need to understandwhat it takes to grow a “healthy” plant!

We need to understand what plant healthcare is. Plant health care is really not muchdifferent than human health care. Ashuman beings, if we take care of ourselvesand give ourselves just enough nutrients tosurvive and live, we live longer lives thanthose of us that eat a lot. The same thinghappens in plants. When you give a plantsufficient nutrients to survive in that habi-tat, it starts making decisions. One of thedecisions a plant has to make is to find outhow to defend itself. Plants that are fed toomany nutrients feel that they do not need todefend themselves because they can out-grow anything that happens, but plants thatare under just a little bit of stress say,“Wow, I better produce some protectivechemicals in order to protect myself fromdiseases and insects because I don’t have



European pine sawflies are easily controlled with neoni-cotinoids, but some neonicotinoids don't controlcaterpillars that look like sawflies!


anything extra to spare.” I know it is coun-terintuitive, but that is what science isshowing us.

In implementing PHC, notice that wealso have to deal with the owner of theplant. I know, and I get those calls all of thetime from the sweet little old lady who hasthis purple leaf plum in her front yard thathas wilting leaves (from borer attack) andthe Japanese beetles have skeletonizedeverything. They ask me, “How can I getrid of these bugs on my purple leaf plum,”I tell them, “Cut it down!” She could notpossibly do that because they planted thepurple leaf plum when her spouse died twoyears ago. The owner will pay anything tohave it taken care of. As arborists, you dohave to deal with her as the client owningthat plant, and you need to evaluate thatplant.

How many of you “read” plants whenyou go into the landscapes? It is very easy

and we do this all the time. Closely inspecta tree in a landscape, observing the yearlygrowth over the last five years. It only putout a little three-inch growth three yearsago, and the next year it put out a four-inchgrowth. But, this year, it put out a 10-inchgrowth. It is now putting on good growthand two years ago it only produced threeinches of growth. You think about what

happened two years ago and rememberthere was a drought. You can read plantsand figure out from that plant evaluation ifthe plant is in trouble and if it is in troubleenough for you to have to do somethingabout it. Do I have to intervene? As part ofthat intervention, do I need to relieve thestress on the plant or is there a pest associ-ated with this plant problem? If a pest isinvolved, we implement IPM.

Remember all trees and shrubs and plantshave organisms feeding on them. It is onlyif those organisms start causing damage tothat plant that we really need to intervene.The terms that are often used with this are“key pests.” Borers are key pests. Aphidsare a nuisance but they are not going to killthe plant. If I had a tree with aphids in theback of the landscape and nobody is wor-ried about the honeydew dripping out of it Iwould let it go. There will be predators andparasites that will come in and take care ofthose aphids. On the other hand, if I have a



Goldenrod aphids are easily controlled with soaps, oils orjust letting biological controls take care of them!


client who has planted a Norway mapleoverhanging the driveway and I have moremaple aphids that are dripping honeydewall over the cars, then I will probably haveto take care of it for the nuisance factor, nota damage factor.

We must consider all our options. In thiscase, we cross over with plant health care.Remember, in IPM, we always have cultur-al controls which include using resistantplants and maintaining plant health. ShouldI tell the customer that they just picked apoor plant, and can I help them or encouragethem to change this plant early on in myrelationship with them and put a plant in thatis more suited for their particular landscape?

New terminology

Environmentally Based. Sounds greatbut what the heck is it? What do we meanby environmentally based? There are suchthings as sustainable environments, andwhat we mean by sustainable environmentis resilient environments. These are plantenvironments that we have created that canwithstand years of wet weather, such assome parts of the country had in 2003 and2004, and then go right back in 2005 andhave a hot dry summer. We would like to

establish landscapes that can deal with thatand we need to select the correct type ofplants.

To be honest, I am not a big proponent ofusing native plant material. We have nativeplant material that is horrible for our land-scapes and there are some excellent foreignplants that work well in our landscapes.What is the difference between Americanflowering dogwood and Kousa dogwood?Kousa dogwood almost never gets borersand never succumbs to insect damage, butour native plant does. Sustainable environ-ments involve picking plants that haveperformed well in particular areas andusing them.

Reduced Toxic Risk. How many peopledie from our applications of pesticides peryear? According to the poison control cen-ter run by the federal government, onaverage, we have about 12 deaths docu-mented in the United States per year frompesticide usage and 80 percent of those aredeliberate suicides. This means that twopeople die from accidental exposure out of300 million. The reality is that we reallydon’t need reduced toxic risk. We arealready using reduced risk materials, butwe have new things, new pesticides andnew application methods to consider.

We need to be selling that we are pro-ducing sustainable environments. Thismeans modifying what we deliver andwhat we give to the customers.

In Part II of this article, which willappear in next month’s issue of TCI, we’lldiscuss toxicity, the new pesticides andwhich ones to use for various pests.

Dr. David Shetlar is an associate profes-sor of Urban Landscape Entomology atOhio State University, where he is knownas the “Bug Doc.” He earned his BS andMS Degrees in Zoology from the Universityof Oklahoma and his Ph.D. in Entomologyfrom Penn State. He was an assistant pro-fessor at Penn State from 1977 through1983, a research scientist with Chem LawnServices from 1984 through 1990. Herecently co-authored a book, DistinctiveTurf Insects, Second Edition, with Dr.Harry Nimchex.



Spill Responder Kits When working with pesticides, fertilizers and commer-cial motor vehicles, minor spills and drips occur.When surprised by a leak, your preparations willdetermine the extent of the incident. Training is notenough. Preparedness involves having the rightequipment at hand when needed. For service vehicles,equipment needs usually occur in the field. TCIA hasconfigured spill responder kits that will fit behindtruck seats for easy access and storage. Kit compo-nents provide both tools and PPE that will be neededto begin taking action as a first responder. AnInventory Maintenance and Restocking Guide isincluded to ease administration and maintenance.

Pesticide Spill Responder KitPrice: $129.95 (TCIA Member price: $110.95)For vehicles transporting or applying pesticides.Absorbs approximately 65 gals.(Please call for custom configurations or fleet prices.)

Call 1-800-733-2622 or order online atwww.tcia.org


Envirometrics opens TreeBand U.S. distribution center

Envirometrics Systems has made it easi-er and less expensive to stop climbing andcrawling with its BugBarrier Tree Band®.Environmetrics has established a U.S.warehouse and distribution center inCharlotte, N.C., to reduce border costs forsmall orders.

“Customs feesare less per kitwhen we ship atruckload ratherthan smallerorders,” says BrianP a n c o a s t ,Envi rometr ics ’commercial salesmanager. “Thiswill make it moreattractive for our distributors to fill one andtwo kit orders without incurring high ship-ping costs. Multi-pallet orders will continueto be shipped to distributors directly fromthe London, Ontario, factory.”

The BugBarrier Tree Band is effective,clean, easy to install and remove, and con-tains no pesticide. The band consists of adense, flexible, fiber barrier, which iswrapped around the trunk to fill barkcrevices. An adhesive film barrier isintalled over the fiber, with the adhesivefacing the tree. The band will continue tobe sold through distributors, and orderswill continue to be processed through theNew York sales office.

TBEI buys Hardee Equipmentto expand truck offerings

Truck Bodies & Equipment International(TBEI), a manufacturer of dump truck body,hoist, and related equipment, has purchasedHardee Equipment of Lakeland, Fla.

The fusion of Hardee with TBEI’s port-folio of quality brands – Crysteel, OxBodies, and Rugby Manufacturing –

strengthens TBEI’s position as in thedesign, manufacture, delivery, and servic-ing of a broad portfolio of high-precisionand high-performance truck body and hoistequipment.

Hardee Equipment, founded in 1965 andheadquartered in Lakeland, Fla., producessteel and aluminum dump bodies (classes5-8), flat beds and flat bed dumps, roll offhoists, cranes and service bodies, and arange of other truck mounted equipment.

“Hardee’s strategic location in theSoutheast, and its excellent manufacturingcapabilities, make it a great fit for TBEI,”comments Dale Pilger, TBEI CEO. “Withnow 8 high-performing production facili-ties, and a broad portfolio of top-notchproducts, we can continue to improve ourbreadth, reach and speed in serving ourvalued customers, across North America.”

New U.S. marketing directorat Dow

Monty Bayer has accepted the role ofU.S. marketing director and will managethe marketing specialists for the U.S.Crops, Specialty and Turf & Ornamentalbusinesses. A 16-year veteran of the com-

pany, Bayer hasserved as regionalcommercial unit(RCU) leader forJapan and Koreasince 2003. He is anative of MedicineHat, Alberta,Canada, and holdsdegrees from theUniversity ofAlberta andQ u e e n sUniversity. He

replaces Doug Vail who has taken anotherposition within the company.

Dow AgroSciences LLC, based inIndianapolis, Ind., is a wholly owned sub-sidiary of The Dow Chemical Company.

Becker Underwood movesfour in Landscape Coatings

Becker Underwood, producer of special-ty bio-agronomic and colorant products forturf management,wood recycling,vegetation man-agement, forestry,and other indus-tries, has promotedfour employees inits LandscapeCoatings Division.

Kenny Van DerPol is the new col-orant systems coordinator. He will providetechnical support and value to all colorantsystems users.

Matt Steward will serve as national salesmanager of the division. Steward will beresponsible for the supervision and expan-

sion of all salesterritories and helpensure the divisionmeets sales goalsand customerexpectations.

M i c h e l eMcCammon willserve as controller,responsible for thesupervision of allfinancial reporting

as well as strategic management and budg-eting of company finances.

Rebecca Listerhas been namedthe new productd e v e l o p m e n tchemist. She willaid in the develop-ment, expansion,and improvementof colorants formulch, sand,aggregates, rubber,and other land-scape products.


JOIN TODAY

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MEMBER BENEFITS:• Increase Your Customer Base and Profits

• Access Industry Trends, Rules, and Regulations

• Lower the Cost of Training Employees

• Influence Lawmakers and Protect Your Business

• Expert Arborist Advice and Consultation

• Business Distinction with TCIA Accreditation

• Brand Name Supplier Discounts

• 24-Hour Accident Injury Line

Over 60 years of tree care business and safety education is only

a phone call away! Throughout the evolution of TCIA (formerly

known as National Arborist Association), we have compiled a vast

number of Business Management and Safety resources to help your

company grow and keep your employees safe.

Your TCI Magazine subscription is not an indication of TCIA

membership. In fact, you might be missing out on all the other

great benefits that TCIA has to offer our members.

For a $270 investment, your company will receive a comprehensive

package of business management and safety resources (valued at

over $500). Your colleagues have been part of TCIA’s past – now

is the time to become part of TCIA’s future.

To learn more, call TCIA today at 1-800-733-2622 or

visit www.tcia.org.

Tree Care Industry Association 3 Perimeter Road, Unit 1 Manchester, NH 03103 www.tcia.org

JOIN FOR $270 AND RECEIVE A NEW MEMBER KIT VALUED AT $500

JOIN FOR $270 AND RECEIVE A NEW MEMBER KIT VALUED AT $500

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Tree Watering Banks: ensure adequate tree irrigation The large landscape rocks pictured here are actually Tree and Shrub Watering

Banks. This feature rich product is decorative and durable to the extreme. Theseproducts provide deep soaking water and/or liquid

fertilizer to trees and shrubs via drip tubing posi-tioned over the root area. Watering Banks are

designed with three internal water tank cham-bers which are individually turned on and off.Once a week, simply open a valve to allow asingle chamber of water to slow soak into thesoil over the roots. Refilling the unit only

once for every three watering cycles is a significant budgetsavings – not to mention how beautiful trees and shrubs will

look as they are properly watered every week or as necessary. Contact RZI [email protected] or via www.RZIproducts.com.

Cutting Edge - Products




Starhill Jawz Grabbing toolThe new JAWZ grabbing tool is a patented attach-

ment developed for use with small tractors, skidsteers and mini skid steers. This tool grabs objectsvia two hydraulically activated pincers that operateon a horizontal plane. This arrangement allows fortrees and invasive brush to be pulled out of theground (root ball and all), boulders can be moved atwill and fence posts removed in seconds. Quick-attach functionality is paired with stout constructionand heavy-duty materials capable of lifting up to3,000 pounds. JAWZ was designed for the very purpose of clearinginvasive brush and small trees. Contact Starhill Solutions, Inc. at www.starhilljawz.com.

Fecon stumper attachmentfor hydraulic excavators

Fecon, Inc. recently introduced theStump Hog SH340 for reaching up anddown slopes and other area’s that can’t bereached by traditional stump grinding

equipment. Excavator-based stumpgrinders can be more productive than tradi-tional stump grinders. They are able to

move from stump to stump more effi-ciently. The SH340 has 90 cuttingtools with large, thick carbide tips

that are patterned for maximum cut-ting action while protecting the wheel andeach other from wear and foreign materi-als. The 33-inch by 4-1/2-inch widetip-to-tip cutting wheel utilizes a SandvikDURA DiskTM II Stump Cutting System.Tools are easily independently changedwith an impact wrench. The SH340requires as little as 40 gpm when poweredby a 20-ton excavator and can accommo-date up to 100 gpm when powered byFecon’s self-contained Power Pack. It alsofeatures complete plumbing with built-inhydraulic motor protection for plug-and-goinstallation. Contact Fecon at 1-800-528-3113 or via www.fecon.com.

Compact Power’s redesigned Boxer 526DX diesel mini-skidCompact Power, Inc.’s newly released track-driven Boxer 526DX is an update of their

Boxer TD-327 model mini skid steer. The 526DX offers an integrated track system that retracts from a fully extended 43.5 inches to a width of 35 inches and

is easily controlled by a joystick lever on the control panel.The variable track design makes it simple for the operatorto maneuver through tight areas, then extend back to fullwidth for increased stability while in operation. The Boxer526DX offers a Best-In-Class operating capacity of 1,050pounds. Tip capacity has been increased to 2,100 pounds,and a hinge pin height of 77 inches and dump height of 60inches improves dump capability. Powered by a 26.1 hpPerkins liquid-cooled diesel engine, the 526DX has a two-pump, 3,000 psi hydraulic operating system that develops

14.5 gpm of hydraulic flow to run the machine’s auxiliary and propulsion systems, and isbuilt to handle a full complement of over 50 universal compact utility attachments. ContactCompact Power via www.boxerequipment.com or call 1- 800-476-9673.


Send your Cutting Edge Productinformation to:Don Staruk at

[email protected]




RedMax trimmer/brush cutterRedMax’s new EXZ2401S-BC, powered by a

23.6cc stato-charged engine, is a commercial trim-mer/brushcutter equipped with RedMax’s durablePT104 Plus head. The engine meets emissionscompliance by introducing fresh air into the enginebetween the exhaust gases and the fresh chargeof air/fuel mix. This pure two-cycle engine hasfewer moving parts, requires no valve mainte-nance and uses less fuel than traditionaltwo-cycle engines. The PT104 Plus is a heavy dutytap-and-go head. A metal insert in the nylon tapknob extends the head’s life by reducing wear andabrasion to the nylon. The EXZ2401 has a splitshaft and both the upper and lower drive shafts aremade of solid steel, which allows the trim-mer/brush cutter to be interchanged withRedMax pole saw, edger and long reach hedgetrimmer attachments. Contact RedMax. at 1-800-291-8251 or visit www.redmax.com.

New Cambistat ratesRainbow Treecare Scientific

Advancements has updatedthe rate card for Cambistat.Cambistat is a tree growthregulator that can reduceshoot growth by 40 to 70 per-cent over three years andenhances stress tolerance. It isused widely for size maintenance and as part of a plant health care pro-gram for trees in stressful sites. Responses that promote stress toleranceinclude increases in fine root production, leaf thickness, leaf hairs, andchlorophyll content. Trees differ in their sensitivity to Cambistat, so hav-ing the latest rate card is critical to your success. Applications are madeonce every three years by basal drench or soil injection at the root collar.Dated January 2006, the rate card contains information about: Timing ofapplication; mixing instructions; dosing considerations for trees withmissing canopy, multi-stemmed trees, and trees that fork below DBH;and precautions for use on highly stressed or injured trees. Obtain therate card as a PDF at www.cambistat.com or call 1-877-272-6747.

Please circle 195 on Reader Service CardPlease circle 194 on Reader Service Card



Industry Almanac

Events & Seminars

August 10, 2006No Business Like Snow Business; If You Prepare Early!MGIA Summer Programs; Bingham Farms, MI Contact: (248) 646-4992

August 15-18, 2006ArborMaster Training ProgramsTwo 2-day, Level 1 modules: Climbing, Precsn FellingMassachusetts (TBA) Contact: (860) 429-5028; [email protected];www.ArborMaster.com

August 21-25, 2006ArborMaster Training Programs2-day & 3-day modules: Rigging levels 1 & 2Haddam, CTContact: ArborMaster Training, Inc: (860) 429-5028;[email protected]; www.arbormaster.com

August 22, 2006Plant Identification MGIA Summer ProgramsPlymouth, MI Contact: (248) 646-4992

August 24, 2006ISA Certified Arborist ExamAustin, TexasContact: www.isa-arbor.com/certfication

August 25, 2006PTCA Annual Seminar & Field DayProfessional Tree Care Assoc of San DiegoBalboa Park, San Diego, CAContact: (619) 443-6202;

September 5, 2006Ornamental & Turf DiagnosticNovi, MIContact: MGIA, (248) 646-4992

September 14-16, 20062006 ACTC Annual ConferenceHon-Dah Resort-Casino Conference Ctr, Pinetop, AZContact: Arizona Community Tree Council, 1-800-929-8744; www.hon-dah.com

September 19-22, 2006ArborMaster Training Programs, Two 2-day modulesLevel 1 Climbing & Level1 Precision FellingLongmont, CO Contact: ArborMaster Training, Inc: (860) 429-5028;[email protected]; www.arbormaster.com

September 22-24, 20061st New England Student Conference & Job FairNew England Chapter ISASouthern New Hampshire location tbaContact: T. Walsh (603) 867-0899; [email protected]

September 28, 2006MGIA`s 2nd Annual Snow Mgt. Conf. & ExpoTroy, MI Contact: (248) 646-4992

September 30-October 4, 2006Society of Muni Arborists Annual Conf & Trade ShowCrowne Plaza Resort, Asheville, NCContact: Mark Foster (828) 259-5979; www.urban-forestry.com

October 2, 2006Urban Forestry/Nursery/Landscape/Turf Field DayVirginia Tech/Mid-Atlantic Chapter, ISAVA Tech Hampton Roads Agr. Research & Ext. Ctr.Virginia Beach, VAContact: [email protected]; www.vaes.vt.edu/hampton

October 4, 2006ISA Certified Arborist Exam Marriot North, Round Rock, TXContact: www.isa-arbor.com/certfication

October 5-6, 2006ISA Texas Annual Tree ConferenceRound Rock Marriott, Round Rock, TXContact: Mike Walterscheidt; (512) 587-7515;[email protected]; www.trees-isa.org/events/Please circle 1 on Reader Service Card

More almanac online!

For the most up to date calendar information, visitwww.treecareindustry.org�� news�� industry calendar


October 9, 2006Tree Hazard & HabitatRisk Assessment & Ancient Tree Mgt. seminarSturbridge Host Hotel & Conf. Ctr, Sturbridge, MAContact: Safetrees, LLC, www.safetrees.com

October 10, 2006It’s All About the WaterFarmington Hills, MI Contact: MGIA, (248) 646-4992

October 11, 2006Tree Hazard & HabitatRisk Assessment & Ancient Tree Mgt. seminarWashington, D.C., area (location tba)Contact: Safetrees, LLC, www.safetrees.com

October 12, 2006MGIA Compliance 2006 and Test-n-TuneShelby Township, MI Contact: (248) 646-4992

October 13, 2006Tree Hazard & HabitatRisk Assessment & Ancient Tree Mgt. seminarThe Dawes Arboretum, near Columbus, OHContact: Safetrees, LLC, www.safetrees.com

October 17, 2006Tree Hazard & HabitatRisk Assessment & Ancient Tree Mgt. seminarThe Mountaineers Building, Seattle, WAContact: Safetrees, LLC, www.safetrees.com

October 19, 2006Tree Hazard & HabitatRisk Assessment & Ancient Tree Mgt. seminarFinley Community Center, Santa Rosa, CAContact: Safetrees, LLC, www.safetrees.com

October 20, 2006Perennial Plant ConferenceScott Arboretum, Swarthmore Coll., Swarthmore, PAContact: Longwood Gardens (610) 388-1000 x507;www.longwoodgardens.org

October 27-29, 2006NJ Shade Tree Federation ConferencePhiladelphia Cherry Hill Hilton, Cherry Hill, NJContat: Bill Porter or Donna Massa (732) 246-3210

October 27-28, 2006PHC’s Plant Biology WorkshopPresented by Dr. Donald H. Marx, Frogmore, SCContact: www.planthealthcare.com

November 7, 2006Tree Care WorkshopOklahoma State University, Stillwater OKContact: Mike Schnelle (405) [email protected]

November 7-8, 2006Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP) workshopPrior to TCI EXPO 2006Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MDContact: Peter Gerstenberger 1-800-733-2622;[email protected]

November 9-11, 2006TCI EXPO 2006Tree Care Industry AssociationBaltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MDContact: Deb Cyr 1-800-733-2622, Ext. 106; [email protected]; or www.tcia.org

January 17-19, 2007Mid-America Horticultural Trade Show (Mid-Am)Lakeside Center at McCormick PlaceChicago, ILContact: www.midam.org

February 11-15, 2007Winter Management Conference 2007Tree Care Industry AssociationHilton Cancun Golf & Spa Resort, Cancun, MexicoContact: Deb Cyr 1-800-733-2622, Ext. 106; [email protected]; or www.tcia.org

March 6-7, 2007MGIA’s 20th Annual Trade Show & Convention Rock Financial Show Place, Novi MIContact: (248) 646-4992

April 16-18, 2007Trees & Utilities National ConferenceNational Arbor Day FoundationTuscany Suites, Las Vegas, NVContact: www.arborday.org/TUconference1-888-448-7337

June 5-7, 2007National Oak Wilt SymposiumAustin Hilton, Austin, TexasContact: Mike Walterscheidt, (512) 587-7515,[email protected]; www.trees-isa.org/events/


MILWAUKEE • CHICAGO • SALT LAKE CITY • PHOENIX • PALM BEACH

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• NEW 2007 TEREX BT-5092• 25 TON CAPACITY• 146’ TIP HEIGHT W/ OPT. JIB• TWO SPEED WINCH• OPERATORS DISPLAY MONITOR

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Send your event information to:Tree Care Industry,

3 Perimeter Road, Unit 1,Manchester, NH 03103

or [email protected]



A. M. Leonard, Inc.

Tools for the nursery, landscape industry, horti-cultural tools, etc.

ACRT, Inc.

Training for beginning and experienced treetrimmers. Emphasis on safety, procedures andprofessionalism. English and Spanish. Aerialrescue. Line clearance certification to meetOSHA requirements.

Adams Business Media/Arbor AgeHorticultural magazines serving vertical mar-kets: Arbor Age, Landscape & Irrigation,Outdoor Power Equipment, Sports Turf.

Aerial Lift, Inc.

Manufacturer of Aerial Lifts of Milford, Conn.,since 1958. Lifts range in height from 38 to 80feet.

Agape Designs

Beautiful copper sculptured trees and custommanufactured wooden belts and jewelry.Uniquely designed tree T-shirts.

Air-Spade®/Concept Engineering

Manufacturer of the genuine AIR-SPADE®

product line, which can uncover roots withoutdamaging valued trees, shrubs and plants. AIR-SPADE® uses powerful supersonic air jets thatexcavate root area soils.

All Gear, Inc.

New for 2006: Prolite 24, a 24-strand neonarborist line. The first to offer a high visibilityneon, 16-strand arborist line – Safetylite™,Neolite™ and Forestry Pro-16™. Also 16-

strand Prusik line, Tech Cord™; high tenacitythrow line, Fling-It™; high strength bull ropes,Husky .5 thru IV; 12-strand arborist line,Forestry Pro™, 1/2-inch and 5/8-inch; doublebraid winch line in 60, 90, 100 & 120 feet.Come see us for splicing instructions.

Alliance Equipment Company, Inc.

Fiberglass replacement buckets, polyethylenebucket liners and accessories for aerial lift trucks.

Altec Cranes

Exhibiting one of their truck-mounted cranesseries.

Altec Industries, Inc.

Exhibiting the LRV Series of aerial devices.

Alturnamats, Inc.

Super tough polyethylene drive-on matting sys-tem for easy accessibility over lawns andground that needs to be protected.

TCI EXPO 2006 Exhibitor Listing

Join Us at TCI EXPO in Baltimore this FallThe tree care industry is buzzing

with excitement about TCI EXPO2006 – and we want you to join us

there! If you have never attended a truetrade show for the tree care industry, youshould check out TCI EXPO in Marylandthis fall.

The Baltimore Convention Center willhost TCI EXPO November 9-11, 2006.This is not a conference with a few piecesof equipment on display but the world’slargest tree care industry show, with almost200 exhibitors – and 700 booths –to visit. All of the major vendorswill be there with great deals ontheir latest products.

TCI EXPO offers the ideal venue forcompany owners to check out the latestcommercial tree care equipment, and it alsooffers managers and working arborists non-stop opportunities to learn from experts.This year’s theme is “Bring Together thePower of Your Team.” Truly, companyowners will have the chance to learn how toadvance their businesses while harnessingthe power of their technical team. We areoffering “buy four, get one free” trade-show-only passes and Gold Cards toencourage you to bring the entire team.

TCIA has really expanded educationalofferings this year, offering more than 28sessions – more than ever before – onThursday, Friday and Saturday. The semi-nars are specifically directed at companyowners, while offering even more CEUscovering safety and tree care practices forworking arborists. Our PreConferenceWorkshops on Wednesday November 8give you the opportunity for even morehands-on learning. TCIA’s ElectricalHazards Awareness Program will provideparticipants with most of the formal

requirements and will be offeredin English and Spanish. In addi-tion, we are offering an intensiveSales and Marketing Workshop.

On November 6 and 7 we will offer aCTSP Workshop. The Certified TreecareSafety Professional (CTSP) is a new certi-fication program offered through TCIAdesigned to improve worker safety. CTSPworkshop registration is separate fromEXPO registration. Please [email protected] or go to the TCIA Web sitewww.treecareindustry.org for more infor-mation on CTSP.

Attendees who take advantage of a frac-tion of the opportunities available will walk

away with valuable strategies they can putto work the next day. Sessions cover a widerange of hot topics in the industry. For thefirst time ever, TCI EXPO will have threeconcurrent seminar tracks to choose fromthat focus on:

1. Business and Leadership2. Safety3. Arboriculture

No other event brings together tree careand green industry owners and managersfrom around the world with the manufactur-ers, distributors and dealers that supply theirneeds like TCI EXPO. This is not a confer-ence but a buying bazaar with education.

For more information or to register, call1-800-733-2622, or visit www.treecarein-dustry.org.

By mid July, the following businesses were planning to exhibit at TCI EXPO in Baltimore. Exhibitors can sign up through October.

TCI EXPONovember 9-11, 2006


American Arborist Supplies Inc.

The professional’s source for everything thatmakes the job easier and safer. Come by ourbooth to see the latest in rigging and safetyequipment, reference books, diagnostic tools,saws, pruners and power equipment.

Amerisafe/American Interstate

Hazardous workers’ compensation insurance.

Arborjet, Inc.

The Arborjet Injection System is a revolution-ary tree and plant injection system designed topreserve and protect the natural and urban for-est with minimally invasive methods andenvironmentally safe products.

ArborMAX Insurance Program

Provides a comprehensive property and casual-ty insurance program specifically designed tomeet the needs of the tree and landscape indus-try. ArborMAX also provides unique coveragessuch as Workmanship Error with a $1 millionlimit that includes coverage for consulting.

ArborSoftWorx

ArborSoftWorx™ suite of business manage-ment software specialized for the commercialarborist (ArborWare®), and municipal/campusarborist.

ArborSystems

Tree injection solutions.

Arbortech

A leading manufacturer of chip bodies, utilitytree vehicles and toolboxes for the professionalarborist. With a variety of body sizes andoptions, one will fit your needs.

Arborwear, LLC

The original tree climbers’ gear: Arborwearclothing designed by tree climbers, for treeclimbers. Pants, shirts and belts combine com-fort and function.

Asplundh Tree Expert Co.

Our company provides a full range of safe, cost-effective line clearance and vegetationmanagement services to the utility industry.

Bailey’s

The world's largest mail-order woodsman sup-plies company, featuring arborist equipmentand the famous Lucas Portable Sawmill, etc.Call 1-800-322-4539 for your free catalog.Established 1975, California and Tennessee.

Bandit Industries, Inc.

The industry’s leading supplier of hand andloader fed chippers, stump grinders and wastereduction machines.

Barnel International, Inc.

Professional pruners, saws, loppers, polepruners, grafting knives, etc.

Bartlett Arborist Supply & Manufacturing Co.

Provides tools, climbing, rigging, safety andcabling supplies for the professional arborist.Come see what’s new at Bartlett!

The F. A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company

The world’s leading scientific tree and shrubcare company. Services include pruning, inte-grated pest and disease management, soilanalysis, cabling and bracing, tree lightningprotection systems and tree inventories. Guidedby the scientists at the Bartlett Tree ResearchLaboratories in Charlotte, N.C.

Bayer Environmental Science

Turf and ornamental insecticides and fungicides.

BBA Fiberweb

Biobarrier Root Control and Biobarrier IIPremergence Weed Control. Long-term, slowrelease technology incorporating a proven her-bicide with a geotextile fabric.

Beaver Squeezer Grapple, LLC

Universal hydraulic rotating grapple attachmentfor either a skid-steer or tractor. Optional 9,000,12,000, or 15,000 pound. Warn hydraulicwinch. Outstanding performance and versatilitythat has been designed to last.

Becker-Underwood, Inc.

Mulch colorants and mulch coloring systemstechnologies.

Ben Meadows Company

Distributor of root feeders, climbing equip-ment, pruning supplies and general arboristproducts. Call 1-800-241-6401 for a FREE500-page catalog.

Bishop Company

Presents a complete line of arborist supplies forthe professional. Phone 1-800-421-4833 for thenewest product innovations and industry cata-log. 54th anniversary serving arboriststhroughout the world.

Blue Ox Equipment

On-road, multi-functional log loader trailers.Straight body or dump, 5th wheel, gooseneck orpintle. Top-of-the-line loaders with a variety ofoptional attachments. From tree service tosawmillers to loggers to hurricane clean upcrews, we fit your needs.

Buccaneer Rope Co.

Manufacturer of premium climbing and lower-ing ropes.

Buckingham Manufacturing Co., Inc.

The leading manufacturer of climbing equip-ment and related accessories for theprofessional arborist. Stop by our booth to seemany new innovative products to make your jobsafer and easier.

Carl Neutzel Services

Silva Hill road legal forest trailer and loader,Peavey and Gransfors Bruks tools, Timberwolfand Timberharvester products, Mericrusherreclaiming equipment, Nokka loaders and grap-ples, Brush Blazer tree and brush cutter.

Concept Products Corp.

Manufacturer of portable equipment for woodwaste reduction and recycling.

Corona Clipper

Since 1920 we have manufactured the finestquality tools including hand pruners, hedgeshears, loppers, saws, shovels, rakes, brooms,striking tools and specialty utility tools. This iswhy we have been “First choice for generations.”

Creative Sales, Inc.

ACECAP® & MEDICAP® Systemic Implantsfor trees. A closed system for delivering fertiliz-ers, micronutrients or systemic pesticidesdirectly to the tree being treated.

Cutter’s Choice

Professional’s catalog of arborist supplies –chain saw parts and climbing gear – mail orderdirect business.

Dave Leonard Consulting Arborist/

Supersonic Air Knives

We manufacture Supersonic Air Knives that areused to dig holes and trenches in one-third thetime with no danger to roots, wires, pipelines,fiber optics or operator! Out tools are used toperform vertical mulching and radial trenchingwithout root damage. With the Supersonic AirKnife, removal and replacement of contaminat-ed soils is quick and safe.

Davey Tree Expert Co.

ArborGreen Tree & Shrub Fertilizer, tree indus-try consulting and software services.

DICA Marketing Co.

Outrigger pads, ground cover mats and wheelchocks.

Doggett Corporation

Manufacturer of speciality tree fertilizers, soilamendments and supplements. Slow releasespecialty formulations, trace elements for spe-cific deficiencies, Ph correctors, organics forsoil injection and vertical mulch. Doggett is alsoa clearing house for information and researchdealing with tree health and nutrition.

DuraTech Industries Int’l. Inc.

Manufactures a complete line of reclamationand green waste reduction equipment, including


Get answers to all your questions.


tub and horizontal grinders, trommel screensand compost turners.

Dynamic Manufacturing Corp.

Cone-Head wood chippers; Stumpro self-pro-pelled riding stump grinders.

ECHO Incorporated

Manufacturer of hand-held power equipment –chain saws, power pruners, trimmers, blowers,shred-n-vac and other arborist equipment.

Electronic Solutions of Harrison, LLC

High-quality, reliable electronic controls for thetree care, construction and forestry industries.

Eliet USA, Inc.

Manufacturer of commercial lawn and gardenequipment: shredders, de-thatchers, edge dress-er, edge cutter, blowers, overseeder, truckloaders, lawn combi seeders. Innovative tech-nology and highest quality!

Enginaire

Precleaners that save on engine maintenance,lower cost, extend air filter life; full line of airpre-cleaners to meet full line of engines.

Engine Center

Gas and diesel industrial engines

Envirometrics Systems, Inc.

BugBarrier Tree Band System – New non-pes-ticide method of protecting trees against insectinfestation. It operates against a variety of insectspecies.

Fanno Saw Works

Manufacturers of the world famous FannoPruning Saws since 1921. Made in the USA.Also featuring Fanno International Tri-Edgesaws. Quality and unique saws for the profes-sional. Help us celebrate over 81 years in thetree care industry.

Fecon, Inc.

Product line includes: Bull Hog® mulchingattachments, FTX track carriers, tree shears andsaws, grapples and stump grinders for reforesta-tion and vegetation management.

Forestry Equipment of Virginia

Seller of forestry equipment such as buckettrucks, chip dump trucks, wood chippers etc.

Forestry Suppliers, Inc.

Climbing and rigging equipment and supplies,clinometers, tree corers, soil penetrometers,diameter tapes, pH meters, sprayers, GPS, laser-pointers, soil testing suppliers, tree/log scalesticks. Free 648-page catalog.

Fred Marvin Associates

Manufacturers of pole pruners and pole sawssince 1943.

Fresco Arborist Supplies

Supplier of high quality arborist supplies for themodern arborist including a wide variety ofclimbing equipment and rigging supplies. Shoponline at www.frescoarborist.com.

Future Forestry Products Inc.

Manufacturer of equipment for safe andergonomic high pruning, selective forestry har-vesting and virtually zero impact log moving.

G & A Equipment, Inc.

Used bucket trucks, cranes, chip trucks andchippers.

Giuffre Brothers Cranes

A leader in the boom truck industry with morethan 40 years of experience. We offer a widerange of boom trucks from 8- t0 40-on capaci-ties and 50- to 165-foot reach. These boomtrucks can also be equipped with man basketsand remote controls. A unique tool for the pro-fessional.

Good Tree Care Company

Introducing a simple new tool for complex rig-ging. This device can be used with a winch or arope break interchangeably.

Green Manufacturing, Inc.

Manufacturer of Greenteeth stump cutter teethand pockets. For orders call 1-888-814-7336 orGreenteeth.com. Call (517) 458-1500 for tech-nical information.

Green Pro Services, Inc.

Sprayer units and sprayer parts and services

Growtech, Inc.

Professional quality, ergonomically designedpruning and horticultural tools: ARS & GTbrand hand pruners, shears, saws, pole saws,long-reach pruners, loppers, flower knives andscissors.

Gyro-Trac, Inc.

The Gyro-Trac Brush Cutter – high mobility,able to stand up to difficult terrain, fully hydro-static, operates in all weather conditions. Tracklog skidder and 10,000-pound payload carrieralso available.

The Hartford

Provides business insurance solutions specifical-ly for the tree care industry. With more than adecade of underwriting experience, our in-depthknowledge enables us to offer key coveragessuch as pesticide & herbicide application, tools& equipment, and workmanship error.

Husqvarna

Chain saws and tree care equipment.

Hydra Drive Technologies Inc.

Residential mechanical tree trimmer.

IML - Instrument Mechanic Labor, Inc.

Featuring the Resistograph, a mechanicaldrilling instrument providing a true picture ofthe defect zones within a tree; and, Fractometer,measuring bending movement, angle of fractureand compressive strength.

Independent Protection Company

Lightning protection equipment and systems fortrees. Also for golf-related structures, recre-ational areas and buildings.

Insight Direct, Inc.

Software for tree care businesses – scheduling,dispatch, estimates, work orders, inventory andequipment management.

International Society of Arboriculture

Stop by the ISA bookstore to check out the lat-est industry publications, videos and more!Learn about ISA Arborist Certification, ISAUtility Specialist Certification and membershipbenefits at ISA Info Central.

J. P. Fuller Inc.

Chain saw and arborist products distributor.

J.J. Mauget Company

The time-proven micro-injection system thatpromotes tree health and protects the environ-ment. Mauget’s pharmacy of cures includesthree fungicides, four insecticides, seven fertil-izers, two combinations, and one antibiotic.

J.P. Carlton Company, Div. DAF Inc.

Professional stump grinders ranging from 25 hpself-propelled to 125 hp turbo diesel; highestquality, most advanced machines available today.

Jameson

The professional arborist’s choice for tree caretools: Fiberglass poles, pruners, pole saws, Tri-Edge saw products and aerial bucket toolholders.

Jarraff Industries Inc.

For more than 20 years Jarraff Industries hasbeen manufacturing the tallest and fastestmechanical tree trimmer. Stop by our booth tosee what we are all about and check out the lat-est in brush mowers as well.

John Bean Sprayers

High pressure sprayers and accessories suitablefor all tree spraying needs. 50 to 1,000 gallon,capable of spraying 100-foot trees.Compartment tanks. Skid-mounted or DOTapproved axle assemblies.


TCI EXPO provides an opportunity to take a close-up lookat the equipment.


Karl Kuemmerling, Inc.

Mitts & Merrill brush chippers; Bean sprayers;Timberwolf wood splitters, processors and con-veyors; Husqvarna chain saws; ropes, safetysaddles, tree trimming equipment, outdoor workclothing and boots.

Kershaw

Involved in tree care related to the utility indus-try for more than 25 years, Kershawmanufactures the SkyTrim Tree Trimmer andthe Klearway 800 and 1200 Model brushcuttersas well as the Klipper Tree Trimmer for sale,lease or rent. Demo units can be made availablefor serious inquiries.

The Knifesource, LLC

Manufacturer of brush chipper knives

Kraft Power Corp.

Specializes in clutches and power take offs forthe tree care industry.

Leonardi Manufacturing

Three new items: Tomahawk ™ Teeth, UltimatePocket ™, Bolts with newly-designed head andthreads. All built to give you the highest per-formance on the market.

Liberty Financial Group, Inc.

Providing commercial lease financing alterna-tives to those in the tree care industry purchasingnew and/or used business equipment, offering avariety of programs and services.

Lift-All, Div. of Hydra-Tech, Inc.

Manufactures a full line of aerial devices,including the LSS overcenter tree-trimmeravailable in heights of 42 through 60 feet. TheLSS can also be elevator-mounted for heightsup to 70 feet. All Lift-All aerials are covered bythe industry’s only 5-year parts warranty.

Loader Div. of NMC-Wollard Inc.

Designs, manufacturers and markets Swingerarticulated loaders/tool carriers. Swingers turnwithout creating ruts – ideal for work in yards,turf and other sensitvie surfaces. Our productscarry a reputation of high quality, durability,versatility and dependability.

Loftness/US Attachments

Loftness Specialized Equipment, Inc. providesa full line of tractor 3-point mounted or skid-steer mounted tree and brush fhredders, orchardand vineyard fhredders, flail mowers, rock pick-ers, sod roll-laying, and snowblowers. Theproduct line is known for state-of-the-artdesign, durability and workmanship. Loftness’Web site includes a complete listings of productpricing, product videos, literature, by state list-ing of dealers and sales representatives.

Logan Clutch Corp.

A leader in SAE PTO clutches for auxiliary anddirect drive applications introduces a self-adjusting, heavy-duty power take-off assemblyfor diesel and gasoline engines. Clutch is fluidor air actuated; mounting to a gasoline or dieselengine’s flywheel. Retrofits with existing Twin

Disc and Rockford Style PTO. Visit booth 204for product Demo.

MAT-3, Inc.

Manufacturer of aerial devices for the arboristindustry, featuring the unique extendable upperboom for easy access to the work area.

McDonald Equipment Company (MECO)

Sales, service and parts distributor for enginesmanufactured by Deutz, Lombardini, VDO,Donaldson, Kohler, Tecumseh, Katolight,Elliott Magnetik, Gillette Mfg. and Plamac;stand-by, home-portable generators.

Midwest Arborist Supplies

Tree care equipment, micro-injection and fertil-izer supplies.

Mills Truck Sales

Trucks for arborists – new and used equipment.

Minnesota Wanner Company

Manufacturer/distributor for IPM/Plant HealthCare sprayers, pumps and accessories.

Morbark, Inc.

Delivers heavy-duty equipment solutions,including professional grade brush chippers,grinders, coloring systems, bagging units andmore – all designed to process and add value tothe waste wood stream.

Nationwide Auction Systems

Specializes in the sale of used forestry and aer-ial equipment on behalf of tree servicecompanies, utilities, contractors, distributorsand manufacturers throughout the U.S.

New England Ropes, Inc.

Rope manufacturer – spliced goods, braidedand three-strand climbing and bull ropes for theprofessional arborist. Available at finer dealers.

New River Equipment

Sandvik Dura Disk II stump cutting systems,available for any stump cutting application.

NiftyLift, Inc.

Manufacturer of a complete line of trailermounted aerial lifts. Range is from 24-foot plat-form height to 63-foot platform height.

Northeastern Arborist Supply

Carrying a complete line of professional treeand turf equipment such as climbing gear, saws,ropes, safety supplies and brush chippers.Inventory includes the latest in rigging supportsand lowering devices. Also manufactures cus-tom and standard built tree and turf sprayersdesigned to suit your company’s PHC needs.

Northern Atlantic Financial, LLC

Specializes in financing new and used equip-ment for the arborist industry, with affordablefinancing options available.

OMNEX Control Systems, ULC

Established in 1986, dedicated to the design,manufacture and application of trusted wirelesssolutions.

Oregon Cutting Systems Group

Advanced cutting products: cutting chains,guide bars and drive sprockets for chain saws.Chain saw related accessories and maintenancetools. Visit www.oregonchain.com.

Payeur Distributions Inc.

Distributor of The Wheeler log loaders and TheForester – all to help arborists be more efficientin the operation of their commercial tree carebusiness. Stop by our booth today.

Performance Capital Corporation

A full service lending institution offering leasesand loans geared to the arbor industry. We have10 years of dedicated industry experience. PCCcan put you in the equipment you need todayand be there for your needs in the future.

Petzl America

Provides tools, techniques and ideas that mini-mize risk and increase efficiency for arborists andtree climbers. Petzl’s product line includes state-of-the-art saddles, helmets, carabiners, ascenders,descenders, pulleys, lanyards, and ropes. Formore information, log onto www.petzl.com.

Plant Food Company, Inc.

Offers a broad range of liquid fertilizers.Manufacturer of Adams Earth organic soilamendment; 16-4-5 50 percent SRN premiumliquid fertilizer with minors; and 6-12-12 60percent SRN.

Plant Growth Management Systems

Helps you use TGRs by providing competitivelypriced products, up-to-date arborist rates, market-ing expertise and materials, hands-on-training,and application techniques and equipment.

Plant Health Care, Inc.

The world technology leader in research andcommercial development of products usingbeneficial mycorrhizal fungi and rhizospherebacteria, and has developed more than 30 pro-prietary products for improving plant, soil andwater quality.


There is so much to see at this show that you’ll feel like alittle kid in a toy store.


Plastic Composites Company

Replacement booms, buckets, bucket liners andbucket and boom guards for most bucket trucks.Also, safety and efficiency accessories forbucket truck tree workers, including saw hold-ers, floor mats and bucket covers.

Precision Manufacturing

Aerial HyReach Clipper-Tree Shear. Attaches tomost aerial equipment including bucket trucks,telehandlers, skid steers, excavators, back hoes.Add-A-Grapple turns bucket into a grapplebucket.

Precision Tree Experts, LLC

Rear-mount log loader/chip truck combo unit.

Preformed Line Products

Specialized cabling and bracing equipment forthe tree care industry: TREE-GRIP™ dead-end,TREE-CROTCH™ grip and safety guy-wiredispenser.

Prime Source, Inc.

Decals, labels, fleet/vehicle graphics, safetydecals, vinyl-cut letters, metal nameplates,overlays, P.O.P. displays, screen printing, flexo-graphic printing, digital printing.

Quest Products Corporation

Manufacturer of Agri-Fos Systemic Fungicidefor SOD, collar rot and various other diseasesthat affect trees, and of the pioneering patentpending technology Pentra-Bark, bark penetrat-ing surfactant system designed for basal barkapplication of pesticides to trees and shrubs.

Rainbow Treecare Scientific Advancements

Scientifically proven treatments for oak wiltand Dutch elm disease, and the tree growth reg-ulator Cambistat.

Rayco Manufacturing, Inc.

Dedicated to the design and production of theworld’s most innovative and complete line ofstump cutters, brush chippers, compact crawlersand environmental equipment.

RDK Truck Sales and Service, Inc.

New, used and rental grapple trucks, roll-off trucksand garbage trucks, and a full parts department.

ReachMaster, Inc.

The world’s most adavanced and efficient seriesof indoor and outdoor atrium lifts, ranging from75- to 180-feet working height.

Redmax/Komatsu Zenoah America Inc.

Komatsu Zenoah manufactures a complete lineof RedMax brand trimmers, brushcutters, hand-held and backpack blowers, edgers, short-reachand long-reach hedge trimmers, as well as top-handle and rear-handle chain saws, poles saws,and an exclusive gasoline powered scissorscalled a reciprocator.

Renegade Marketing Systems

Tree care marketing information.

Rotochopper, Inc.

An international manufacturer of wood wastegrinders, mobile bagging systems and wood

chip processor/colorizers. Rotochopper Inc. isunique in that it is the only U.S. company thatmarkets a mobile bagging system and the onlywood waste grinder that can grind and colormulch in one pass.

Royal Truck & Equipment, Inc.

Heavy forestry trucks.

Ryan’s Equipment

Skidsteer attachments: 14-inch branching shearwith an accumulating capacity of 350 squareinches with heavy duty cylinders and RB60grapple with 360 degree rotation with 2-inch to60-inch opening.

Safety First

Driver monitoring safety hotline service, drivertraining and coaching series, online safety andcompliance reporting systems.

Salsco, Inc.

Manufacturer of 3- to 18-inch capacity,wood/brush chippers, 8 to 200 hp, gas, diesel,electric and PTO. Chipper/shredder/vacuum –25 hp, gas.

Samson

By applying the latest fiber technology to ourdesign and manufacturing process, we produceropes that increase safety and enhance produc-tivity for the professional arborist. For moreinformation contact samsonrope.com for aproduct guide and a dealer near you.

SavATree

Providing environmentally sensible tree, shruband lawn care to residents, communities, busi-nesses and historic properties for more than 20years, specializing in plant health care, generaltree care and lawn care services that includeartistic and maintenance pruning, historic treepreservation, construction damage prevention,storm damage prevention, organic lawn careand integrated lawn care.

Save Edge

Ultra sharp chain saw files and file resharpeningservice.

Schodorf Truck Body & Equipment Co.

Manufacturer of Silver Knight forestry bodyfor more than 50 years. Get the advantage ofDRS (dust release system). Options includeremovable aluminum roofs, liftgates, cranesfor all applications, and more. Completepackages with chassis and demo specials.Attractive lease/purchase programs anddelivery available.

SDM Tools

Specializes in quality machine parts at thebest prices. We also provide OEM productsfor manufacturers and distributors. Our cur-rent product lines for the tree care industryinclude stump grinding teeth/pockets, pocketbolts and chipper knives. SDM Tools is dedi-cated to providing the best products for ourcustomers.

SePRO Corporation

Provides plant protection and plant manage-ment products for turf, ornamental, andlandscape markets, including fungicides, insec-ticides, herbicides and plant growth regulators.

SherrillTree

Dedicated to providing the highest qualityequipment, unbeatable customer service, cuttingedge products and the SherrillTree PriceGuarantee. To contact SherrillTree for informa-tion about any of our quality arborist supplyproducts or to receive a free catalog, please call1-800-525-8873, or visit www.SherrillTree.com.

Sierra Moreno Mercantile

Work proven tools for tree health professionals.Our company leads the industry in new productinnovation.

The Silky Store, LLC

Complete line of straight, curved, folding andpole Silky saws for each and every application.

SilkyUSA

Exclusive importer and sole distributor of pre-mium quality Silky hand and pole daws for theUnited States.

Voice for Trees PAC gaming night was a winning bet – and will be again this year, too!



Simonds International Corp.

Manufacturer of Limb-inator brand brush chip-per knives for all types of machines.

Southco Industries, Inc.

Forestry chip trucks.

Spyder Manufacturing U.S.A.

Manufacturers and importers of arborist andlawn care products for your work day. Climbingspikes, carabineers, rope grabs, lanyards, ascen-ders, desenders, pulleys, loppers, pruner poles,rakes, truck tarps and lawnmower bags.

Stihl Inc.

The number one selling brand of chain sawsworldwide. See the MS 361 and MS 361Cchain saws, featuring low vibration and extremedurability. A full range of Stihl chain saws, out-door power equipment and hand tools will alsobe displayed.

Stokes Ladders, Inc.

Aluminum tripod tree care ladders

Stump Removal, Inc/KAN-DU

Kan-Du Stump Grinder: fast, efficient, econom-ical and proven reliability – hydraulicallycontrolled, self-propelled, easy to operate,grinds 24-inches deep, 48 inches working widthyet will pass through a 29-inch opening.

SUPERTRAK, Inc.

Proudly displaying our extensive product lineof custom mulcher/shredder carriers for all yourvegetation management needs and applications.

SVE Sales, Inc.

Ground cover mats, portable roadway systems.

T. H. Glennon Co., Inc.

Manufacturer of colorfast colorants for land-scape mulch, and producer of the mulch colorjet equipment used to inject colorants directlyinto the grinder.

Terex Utilities

A leading manufacturer of tree care equipment.We manufacture the Hi-Ranger XT Series, pro-viding aerial devices to help you get the jobdone. We have an aerial device to meet all yourtree trimming needs.

Tilton Equipment Company

Jonsered power products including chain saws,brushcutters, grass & hedge trimmers, protec-tive clothing and the Iron Horse log, brush &materials transporter.

Timberwolf Manufacturing Corporation

Professional firewood processing equipment;splitters, conveyors and processors.

Top Notch Treecare

Quality treecare service in the Minneapolis/St.Paul metropolitan area since 1982.

Tree & Landscape Equipment Trader

Publisher of Tree & Landscape Equipment Trader.

Tree Care Industry Association, Inc.

Since 1938, the Tree Care Industry Associationhas been providing high quality products and

services to member companies. We concentrateon what matters most to you – increasing safetyand lowering the cost of training employees,increasing your customer base and profits, keep-ing your company up to date with the latestindustry trends, translating regulatory issues, pro-viding expert arborist advice, and helping yourcompany implement sound business practices.

Tree Health Management, Inc./Rootgrow

Compost tea brewers, compost food sources,live biostimulants and soil inoculums.

Tree Management Systems, Inc./Arbor Gold

Software

Management software designed specifically forthe tree care companies. Features include:phone center, proposals, scheduling, workorders, invoicing, directions, maps, built-inlandscape CAD designer, and most importantly,a 100 percent synchronizable database formobile offices.

Tree Services Magazine/Moose River Publishing

Magazine for professionals who are maintain-ing, restoring trees and who are interested inleading edge arborist techniques and technolo-gies. Subscriptions are free.

Tree Tech Microinjection Systems

Pesticides and fertilizers for tree health careadministered by plastic microinjection units.

TreeRadar, Inc.

Portable radar inspection instrument for internaltrunk decay detection and imaging, and subsur-face structural root mapping.

Trucks & Parts of Tampa

New and used grapple boom trucks and dumptrucks always in stock. An excellent selectionimmediately available for both sale or rent.Visit us at www.trucks.com and see our entireinventory of trucks as well as our large selectionof new, rebuilt and used truck parts.

TrueTimber Tree Service, Inc.

A full service tree care company structured tomeet the tree-related needs of homeowners, andto protect the urban forest.

U.S. Auctions LLC

Specializes in the sale of used bucket trucks,chip dump trucks, chippers and related forestryequipment on behalf of tree service companies,utilities and rental/leasing companies. Absolutepublic auctions are held at permanent sites on aregular basis.

Vermeer Manufacturing Company

Scheduled to display several environmentalinnovations from our proven line of brush chip-pers, stump cutters, horizontal and tub grinders,and tree spades.

Versalift, Time Manufacturing Co.

The complete line of Versalift truck-mountedaerial devices, from 29 feet to 65 feet, includesarticulated overcenter and articulated non-over-center aerial devices, telescopic andtelescopic/articulated aerial devices.

Waste Handling Equipment News

Monthly trade publication for the wood work,composting, aggregate recycling and scrapindustries. Sponsor of the WHEN RecyclingExpo in York, Pa., August 2006.

Weaver Leather, Inc.

Arborist supplies including positioning saddles,climber pads, straps, guards, pruner pouches,sheaths, holsters, scabbards, axe guards,replacement pads and more.

West Coast Shoe Co.

From the company’s single location inScappoose, Ore., Wesco boots are manufac-tured using a meticulous 155-step process,employing time-honored craftmanship for thepast 88 years.

Wood/Chuck Chipper Corporation

Superior chippers since 1969. Wood/Chuckcombines years of manufacturing experiencewith the latest technology to produce qualityequipment for the tree care industry.

Woodsman Chippers

Manufacturer of a complete line of industrialhydraulic-feed, drum-style wood chippers, withmore than 10 models to choose from.Woodsman offers 10-inch up to 22-inch capac-ities with 56 hp up to 500 hp available.Woodsman product line is supported andbacked by a global dealer network.

Zenith Cutter Co.

Chipper knives for all makes and models ofbrush chippers and other industrial knives.

New this year:

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You will have the opportunity to attend arborist skills ses-sions on the trade show floor.



By Rick Howland

There’s a region just above generalarbor care that deserves the atten-tion of a tree care specialist whether

he or she is a small, one-person operation ora multi-crew operation looking to get evenlarger. Call it brush cutting or right-of-waymaintenance or land clearing.

Not so long ago, land clearing meantgreat expense – largely crews whose job itwas to bring down small trees and brushand make clear spaces either for pure aes-thetics, safety (as in fire lanes) or for

development. But in recent years, theemergence of specialty and multi-purposeequipment have made it so that, in somecases, even the smallest operation can getinto the lucrative act.

Mike Slattery is the vice president atFecon, which offers a full range of power-ful options not usually seen with smallertools. For example the compact side of theFecon mulching line features three models– 50-, 60- and 70-inch cut respectively -each delivering a mulch-type finish. Hesees a need by the industry to better differ-entiate the classes of brush cutters.

“The industry has yet to fully define the

brush cutter,” Slattery says. Generallydefined, “Mulchers can be used for anything from brush to mulching completetrees. The rotary and swing flail types typ-ically handle materials of 3 inches indiameter and smaller and don’t really“mulch” the material, while machines likethe fixed-tool Fecon Bull Hog, mounted ona skid steer, can process 6- to 8-inch treeswithout abusing the equipment. Peoplehave even cut 12-inch trees, although thisis not recommended due to time and safetyconsiderations in the skid steer application.

Equipment

The power and agility of the Fecon’s FTX140, a new, morepowerful version of the FTX 130 shown here, enables it togive big-machine production with low ground pressure,and easy mobility for the smaller contractor.


The limitations are horsepower (of the toolcarrier), not durability of the head,” hesays, adding that the Fecon cutters will fitvirtually any brand of skid steer with suffi-cient power and lift capacity.

Fecon also offers 2 compact completemachines, the FTX-90-L skid steer/loaderwith steel tracks designed for severeforestry duty, and the FTX-140. Accordingto Slattery, “The FTX90-L has lift heightand versatility like other skid steers, butwith features tailored specifically to thedemanding requirements of mulching. TheFTX140 is a purpose-built compactmulching machine which does not have thesame lift (height) as a loader, but has themost power of any compact machine in theindustry. The power and agility of theFTX140 enables it to give big-machineproduction with low ground pressure, andeasy mobility for the smaller contractor.”

On the excavator side, Fecon offers sixmodels with a duty range of medium tosevere duty and intended to run on any-thing in the 12-ton or larger classes.Slattery says an operator can add a Feconpower pack onto an excavator to givesmaller machines more “oomph.” Forexample, adding a 250 hp Fecon powerpack onto the back of a 20-ton excavatorresults in the same performance as a 45-tonfactory-built. Fecon also offers the StumpHog stump grinders for excavatorsfor contractors wishing to alsostump grind with their excavator.

“The nice thing about cutters forskid steers and excavators isgreater, improved versatility for thecontractor,” Slattery says. Toolssuch as the mulcher and maybe theadded use of Fecon’s shears, frontrotating grapples and stumpgrinders can make for a “true one-man land clearing operation for$125,000, turnkey,” he says. “Thinkof it – equipment that makes oneoperator commercially viable han-dling up to a 10 acre job.”

“To a higher degree than otherindustries I have seen, the TCIA group hasindividual contractors who are typicallywell-educated in their businesses, some-

times self-taught but always striving tolearn more about their craft to becomeexperts in the field. They’ve grown theirbusinesses logically, perhaps starting bycutting grass as a youngster, getting a chainsaw, and constantly growing the businessin a logical manner, eventually getting intotree care and small land clearing operationsof half- to 3-acre lots. Maybe they alreadyhave a stumper, skid steer and chipper andneed to take the next step to profitability,

say, with a mulcher brush cutter.”

Giorgio Carera is CEO of FAE USA,Inc. The Italian-based FAE offers a slew ofattachments, from forestry and high-pro-ductivity purpose-built mulchers tofull-scale groomers favored by the con-struction industry for mulching woodresidues, thus reducing volume, or forclearing rights-of-way. Of greater interestto the tree care specialist are the mulchers.

FAE offers three types of itsUniversal Forestry Mulchers: theUML, UMM and UMH lines.

Carera explains that UML is fur-ther broken down into two subsets.The first includes three hydraulic-powered skid steer models withworking widths of up to just under7 feet. Second is a PTO-driven linethat features 11 models with work-ing widths up to 6 feet 4 inches.Equipped for 60- to100-hp unitswith PTOs of 1,000 rpm capacityand capable of mulching stumps,options for this part of the UMLline include a pushing frame,hydraulic top link, special skids anda hydraulically adjustable hood.

(After making a first pass at brush cuttingwith the hood open, a second pass with itclosed makes for a well groomed path.)


Rayco’s C130 and C140 will mulch underbrush and trees up to 6 inches in diameter In almost any terrain.

Loftness’ Timber Ax now has patented, sharpened, chip-per style blades, which, according to Loftness’ BillSchafer, picks up material and runs it through a shearbar, leaving the job site looking nice.


The heavier UMM line, for 80 to 220 hpunits, has working widths of up to nearly 8feet. “ST” models are equipped with a sin-gle transmission, the “DT” models withdual transmissions.

At the top end, the UMH line (110 to 350hp) has very heavy duty machines withworking widths of about 5 to 8 feet. Theseare rated severe duty.

“The entire fleet leverages FAE’sadvanced shredding technologies, whichresult in a clean and groomed area andmaterial that also helps maintain optimumground conditions, namely moisture reten-tion,” Carera says.

Bandit Industries has long been knownfor its chippers and stump grinders, but ismaking a major statement in the right-of-way clearing marketplace this summerwith the introduction of its 4000T. This isbuilt on a 275-hp, diesel-powered



FAE's super heavy duty mulcher requires 250 -to 300 hp. It has a 95 inch cutting width for heavy and difficult applicationsand operates with double carbide teeth. Here it is on a Barko 930. Released as a wheeled version in February, a track-mounted edition of the Barko 930 – a loader strictly purpose-built as a mulcher – is to be released later this year.


Caterpillar track chassis and comescomplete with creature comforts such asan enclosed cab, air conditioning andjoysticks. Expected to be released bylate July, the 4000T will accommodateeither a mega stump grinder or a 7-foot-wide mower, according to Travis Lint,regional sales manager. We’ll keep you posted as this product reaches themarketplace.

Barko Hydraulics is the maker of StrongArm forestry equipment, forestry loaders,material handlers, feller bunchers, har-vesters, processors, mulchers and relatedaccessories. On the mulcher side of thebusiness, according to Jeff Larson, vicepresident of sales and marketing, “We dolarger, rubber tire 305 horsepower units.These are prime movers. What we did for-merly was conversions, but last year weunveiled a ground-up, purpose-builtredesigned carrier capable of accepting vir-tually any cutting head.”

He explains that the Barko Model 930305 hp diesel-powered machines(Cummins or John Deere power plants) aredesigned for overall tool-head perform-ance, delivering 270 hydraulic horsepowerto the tool head, in this case the mulcherattachment (though it will accommodateany type of hydraulic attachment requiringor capable of demanding extreme pressureand flow). As Larson reiterated, it’s largelythe available power of the tool carrier (thehydraulic skid steer or the PTO) that deter-mines the tool head’s performance.

What Barko did with the Model 930,Larson notes, is to work on the frame andfront arms of the unit, taking out much ofthe weight yet maintaining structuralintegrity. The end result is a unit withincreased ground pressure, which is one ofthe major issues for a mulcher to be mosteffective.

Released as a wheeled version inFebruary, a track-mounted edition is inprocess – a loader strictly purpose-built asa mulcher – to be released sometime in thethird quarter. This 400 hp machine, theModel 640, will be the only machine of itskind in the class, according to Larson.



Fresh off the line – BanditIndustries will join the brush cut-ter fray this summer with theintroduction of its 4000T. One ofthe first ones off the line is shownhere, still only half painted. With a275 hp diesel engine on aCaterpillar track chassis, the4000T will accommodate either amega stump grinder or a 7-foot-wide mower.


Lee Boyum is president of both JarraffIndustries and its sister company, the Geo-Boy line of brush cutter tractors. He says

Geo-Boy brush cutters are available in stan-dard- and heavy-duty models and designedfor clearing brush and small trees in espe-

cially difficult areas. Boyum describes theGeo-Boy units as self-contained and engi-neered to be highly maneuverable. TheGeo-Boy line is powered by Cumminsdiesel engines and features Fecon cutterheads, he adds. Other features and optionsinclude rearview camera, forward and rearlighting, climate control and roll-over andfall-on protection.

“The Geo-Boy can take on heavy brushand trees up to 12 inches in diameter, leav-ing a clear 8-foot path of mulch in itswake,” says Boyum, adding, “It is avail-able in standard and heavy-duty versionsand two relatively new additions – lowground pressure (all track driven) and afour-wheel-drive version.”

The heavy-duty model is rated at 3.5 psiground pressure and comes with either a250 hp or optional 300 hp Cumminsengine. A hinged mounting system allowshydraulic tanks to swing open and awayfrom the machine. By removing a fewbolts, the cab can be tilted, making for easyaccessibility to all hydraulic components.The standard is rated at 3.0 psi groundpressure and is said to be effective inboggy, marshy, swampy areas. Engineoptions are a 200 or 250 hp diesel. TheLGP (low ground pressure) Geo-Boyboasts all-terrain mobility and a toughundercarriage. The four-wheel drive ver-sion is aimed at matching maneuverabilitywith raw brush cutting power and lowground pressure in a compact, efficientdesign – accomplished with an articulatedundercarriage.

Loftness product manager Bill Schaferhad another take with respect to brush cut-ting. As with any other major undertaking,“Routine cost-effectiveness is a big deal, asit is in any business,” says Schafer.

“The understanding is this: that brush cut-ting is a brutal application, so companieslike Loftness have to overbuild equipmentand to make it rugged to take a regular beat-ing as well as to handle things you run into.”These unpredictable challenges start withwood and roots and unforeseen things suchas junk engine blocks or car wheels thatmight damage equipment. “We’re used tooverbuilding,” he says.



Gyro Trac’s GT25, a 230 hp brute, uses the Toma-Ax 700HF planar, fixed-tooth head for chipping even the hardest of woods.


“The idea is to have equipment that’swell-balanced, runs smoothly, and doesn’ttake vibration to the power unit and rob itof power,” says Schafer. “All Loftnesstools are balanced at full speed after beingcomputer-designed, laser cut and true bal-anced. Exclusive of debris or wornknives, they will not go out of balance ifthe rotor is not damaged. Replacing cut-ters will bring the Loftness cutter intolike-new balance.”

One of the best-recognized Loftnessproducts is the TimberAx, which has a newfeature. “The new things going are patent-ed, sharpened, chipper style blades – a newtechnology introduced into an establishedmarket,” says Schafer. “This fits best theapplication that needs to chop residuewhen a groomed site is needed. This newtechnology picks up material and runs itthrough a shear bar, leaving the job sitelooking nice.”

He explains that the company recognizeda problem, namely the time it takes tosharpen a blade in the field, and addressedit. “By experimenting with knife materialswe found one alloy that stood head andshoulders above the rest, with operatorsmaking claims of longer blade life and vast-ly reduced sharpening time.” Right now, hesays, that knife technology is in limited dis-tribution partly to gather more and betterdata in real-life applications.

Loftness expanded its product line inabout nine months ago to introduce acarbide cutter with an alternate design.“The drum and shear bar setup reducesthe power requirement, hamming effectsand wrapping and binding,” saysSchafer. “When the carbide cutter passesthe shear bar, it tends to clear off materi-al held by the shear bar in area to bechopped up before it goes through thedrum. This leads to another innovation –no moving door.” He explains that theychanged the machine’s geometry bychanging the hitch angle, which alsodrops the heel of the machine closer tothe ground, so that it throws materialstraight out. Altogether, the design elim-inates the need for some hydraulics andmaintenance, and the burdensome accessdoor.

Shafer says the company designs theTimberAx and carbide technology for“extreme size and duty versions,” scaled-up of for PTO and hydraulics powered upto 300 hp – typically dedicated brush cut-ting prime movers.

Rayco is another super-duty brush cuttermanufacturer. Erika Harwood pointed to

three of its three-track, compact crawlerunits, each of which will accommodate amower or tree shear attachment.

The C87FM is an 87 hp, Deutz-poweredforestry mower, one of the more recogniz-able units, that mows (shreds to a mulch)up to a four-inch diameter tree with a 52-inch wide cut. The cutter head is a




rotary-type with a ground pressure of 6.4psi. The loader version, the C87L, similar-ly powered, accommodates various tool

options, including a 47-inch cut mowerattachment, she says. Rayco also offers theC87SM strictly for mowing shorter or

small diameter brush. The company recent-ly beefed up the C87, enhancing it with apowerful, liquid cooled 131 hp Deutz tur-bocharged diesel engine.

The FM7260 is a mower/mulcher sys-tem aimed at transforming previouslyunmanageable tracts into prepped acreagefor reforestation or development. This is anextra-heavy duty mower featuring forwardrotation of the cutting tool to distributeprocessed material down as the push bardirects fallen trees in preparation ofmulching.

One of the newest additions, introducedwithin the last year, is the C130 SuperCrawler. This is a “prime mover” devicewith 130 hp that accepts the company’smower and stump cutter heads. Harwoodsays the stumper attachment can take onlarger stumps, up to 80 inches, and can takedown larger trees. There is also a 140 hpversion.

Gyro Trac is known for single-purpose-built mulching equipment and its new lineof low-flow skid steer cutting head attach-ments. The GT-13 is a light to mediumduty, compact mulcher cutting a 64-inchswath. It’s powered by a 125 hp turbodiesel, and the design allows for moreaggressive use on inclines. The patentedToma-Ax 500HF features a spiral toothdesign, individually mounted for quickreplacement.

“The flagship of Gyro Trac is the GT25,a 230 hp brute,” says Santo Ilardi, GyroTrac marketing manager. The Toma-Ax700HF planar, fixed-tooth head is a GyroTrac exclusive, chipping even the hardestof hardwoods, he says, “like a series ofwood planes mounted on a giant chainsaw.”

Want more? Look at the GT50, a 600 hpmega-mulcher, said to be ideal forgroomed site prep where roots and stumpsneed to be raked and mulched.

As Loftness’ Bill Schafer says withrespect to brush cutting,.routine cost-effec-tiveness is a big deal. Now your challengeis to figure out which of these machinescan best provide that for your business.



Jarraff’s Geo-Boy line is powered by Cummins diesel engines and features Fecon cutter heads. Other features and optionsinclude rearview camera, forward and rear lighting, climate control and roll-over and fall-on protection.



TCI_Mag8_06_Backv2.qxp 08/01/2006 2:45 PM Page 41


By David Rattigan

Amemorandum of understandingbetween the organization that rep-resents utility companies, the

Environmental Protection Agency and fivefederal agencies may make clearing rights-of-way on federal lands easier and moreeffective.

The Edison Electric Institute, whosemembers serve 71 percent of all electricutility customers in the United States,helped develop the agreement signed bythe EPA as well as the Forest Service, theBureau of Land Management, Fish andWildlife Service, and National ParkService.

According to a press release, the memo-randum “will support these federalagencies by providing practical, sustain-able, and cost-effective policies,procedures, and practices that will reducerisks to the environment and the public,while ensuring safe, reliable, and uninter-rupted electrical services to customers.”

Those who helped draft it say that byacknowledging best practices for utilityvegetation management, the memorandumwill help them address some of the diffi-culties that come with working on federalland. That’s a particularly important issuein the western United States, where theutility lines travel over hundreds of milesof federally protected parks and forests.

Specifically, those in the electric indus-try are hoping to create consistency fromland district to land district by educatingdistrict managers on the benefits of inte-grated vegetation management methods.

The memorandum is a tool that many in

the industry and the federal governmenthave been working on for several years.

Clearing the rights-of-way for utility

companies is an important component inproducing energy safely and efficiently.Trees or other vegetation that have comeinto contact with power lines have long

Industry Trends

Responsible right-of-way (ROW) management requires routine treatment of tall-growing trees in proximity to overheadutility lines. Photo courtesy of Asplundh Tree Expert Company.


been identified as a primary cause of majorblackouts, and have also sparked wildfires.

“What we try to do is remove tall grow-ing trees that encroach onto our clearancedistance,” explains Michael Neal, anarborist and manager of forestry and spe-cial programs for Arizona Public Service,the largest utility in that state. Neal was oneof those who helped develop the memoran-dum.

“Of the three major blackouts that havehappened in the last 10 years, there wereother factors, but what broke the camel’sback were the trees,” Neal says. “Treestripped the lines off, and it cascaded fromthere.”

The most recent blackout was the 2003event that knocked out the power of 50million customers on the East Coast. Priorto that, in July and August of 1996, wereblackouts on the West Coast that impacteda total of about 8 million customers. In allthree cases, the blackouts could have beenavoided if the rights-of-way had been prop-erly cleared.

“Back in ’96 we had a heat wave outWest here,” says Neal. “California had aheat wave and the Northwest had a heatwave. The demand for electricity washigh.”

Transmission lines can arch or sag up to15 feet depending on the voltage flowingthrough, Neal notes, which makes it impor-tant to keep all vegetation at a distance.Otherwise, “it can make contact, and it justtrips the line off. The electricity goes toground, just like a lightning bolt.” Theincreased demand then overloads otherlines, tripping off substations all the waydown the line, and cutting off electricity.

“When that happens, it affects people’squality of life, and also affects central serv-ices like hospitals, airports, etc.,” Neal says.

Based on years of science and research,most of the tree care companies that spe-cialize in line-clearance activities useintegrated practices for maintaining rights-of-way, pruning, mowing, and in some



Transmission lines can arch or sag up to 15 feet depending on the voltage flowing through, which makes it important tokeep all vegetation at a distance. Otherwise, “it can make contact, and it just trips the line off,” says Michael Neal, ofArizona Public Service. “The electricity goes to ground, just like a lightning bolt.” The increased demand then overloadsother lines, tripping off substations all the way down the line, and cutting off electricity. Image courtesy of Fecon.




cases using herbicides to not only assureclearance but also to cut back on invasivespecies and assuring biodiversity in thesurrounding ecosystem.

Promoting biodiversity has greater bene-fits for environmentalists than for theutility, but is done as part of the job becauseof the utilities’ sensitivity to the needs of theland where the line runs. A bio-diverseenvironment is considered healthier for thevariety of species native to a particular area,and is therefore preferred by environmen-talists. Invasive species, on the other hand,will frequently out-compete native speciesfor nourishment and tend to grow more rap-idly as the native species die out.

The memorandum documents the EPA’sconfidence in integrated vegetation man-agement techniques.

“Integrated vegetation managementincreases electric reliability, reduces wild-

fires, and reduces the cost of providingelectric power while protecting the environ-ment by minimizing habitat disruption andincreasing the diversity of native plantspecies,” says Amy Farrell, deputy assistantadministrator, EPA Office of Prevention,Pesticides and Toxic Substances.

Rich Loughery is director of environ-mental activities for the Edison Electric

Institute, which represents U. S. sharehold-er-owned electric companies, internationalaffiliates and associates. He calls the agree-ment a proactive step for his industry, butsays there’s no guarantee that it alone willsolve the problem.

“It’s not a silver bullet, but it could helpfoster cooperation between the companiesand the agencies,” he says. Its success willbe determined by how – and whether – it isused by the district land managers and thecompanies.

While the standards and best practicesfor utility vegetation management havebeen long-established, the problem formany utilities and tree care companies hasbeen in securing the proper permits neededto do the work in the most effective way.Each district has a manager who needs toapprove permits for the type of work he orshe allows to be done in that district. Whilesome will give a company carte blanche to

“It’s not a silver bullet,but it could help fostercooperation between the companies and the agencies.”

Rich Loughery, Edison Electric Institute


do what needs to be done, others mayallow much, much less.

“There are inconsistencies all along theway,” says Loughery, adding that it ishoped the memorandum would create moreconsistency within the federal system.

“In Arizona, we deal with four national

forests, and there are probably 25 dis-tricts,” Neal explains. “Each districtmanager can tell you how they want you tomaintain your utility corridor and a lot ofthese folks don’t have any knowledgeabout electricity and trees. So what you doin one district, you can’t do in the other.What we are trying to do is get a consistentvegetation management approach throughall national forests as well as (other land).”

While the utilities have permission tooperate on the rights-of-way, the land man-agers frequently have other constituenciesto consider. That’s why the approvalprocess was originally put into place.

“To be fair to the federal agencies, thereare a lot of things they have to look at,”Neal admits. “They have to look at visuals,recreational use, endangered species, cul-tural resource concerns – and also, they getsued a lot by environmental groups, to bequite frank – so they tend to be cautious insome cases. However, sometimes peoplemake decisions not understanding ourneeds and our issues, because there’s also atrust issue. (They have the misconception)that we’re a big corporation and we’regoing to come in and cut all the trees down.That’s part of the educational process.”

The failure of district managers to cometo an understanding with the utility compa-nies may have serious consequences.

“I never had an outage on a transmissionsystem until last June (2005),” Neal says.“That was because one national forestwould not allow us to come in and clear.I’ve been trying to work with them since1997, and finally wrote up a letter and sentit off to D.C. saying, ‘If you don’t let us dothis work, we’re going to have a possiblecontact,’ and we did six months later. Ittripped a line, and started a fire.”

Back in 1999, 13 utility companies inArizona and New Mexico began discus-sions with representatives of federalagencies in that area to make the job ofclearing rights-of-way easier and moreeffective. One of those involved wasArizona Public Service, which supplieselectricity to more than 1 million customers

over a 50-square mile service territory.

Talks stalled at the regional level, butNeal is a member of the Edison ElectricInstitute’s Vegetation Management TaskForce, where there was also an interest indeveloping a national memorandum ofunderstanding. Neal and other membersbrought it to the institute, and the institutebrought the negotiation to the federal level.

“Our thought process was that if we hadsomething approved from Washington, itwould filter down to the local district,encouraging best management practicesand integrated vegetation management,”Neal says.

The federal Energy Policy Act of 2005gave the negotiations some additionalimpetus, says Loughery, when it recog-nized the importance of vegetationmanagement practices. One of the mainsections of the act called for reliabilitystandards, and directed the Federal EnergyRegulatory Commission to develop stan-dards for vegetation management fortransmission lines. “Theoretically, there arefines of up to $1 million for non-compli-ance,” Loughery says.

The memorandum is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but puts in writing theunderstanding of what the best practicesare for this type of work. An individual pre-scription still needs to be written for eachjob, based on the needs of each, but thememorandum educates and communicateswhat the best practices are.

The next step for the utilities, Nealexplains, will be to use the national agree-ment as a framework for developing amemorandum for other regions of thecountry. That’s something being worked onin the Arizona region, and Neal was opti-mistic that it would be signed before theend of the year (if not before this maga-zine’s publication date).

Based on that agreement, utilities will beable to chart out the work planned for thenext year, and go and do it, communicatingwith the agencies but skipping the approvalprocess because the methods have already


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been approved in the memorandum.

“It gives you all tools in the toolbox tomanage those utility corridors in the bestway possible, which is environmentallysound and cost effective,” Neal says.

If it works the way it is intended, therewill be a benefit to all of the partiesinvolved, say those who drafted the mem-orandum. Stewards of federal land will seethose corridors maintain native species andbiodiversity, while increasing the safetyand efficiency of the utility line. Utilitiesand the tree care companies that they con-tract with will save time and energy,because they'll be able to do their jobsmore efficiently, says Neal.

“If they know going in what type of pre-scription that they are going to fill in autility corridor, it helps them manage theircosts and they can turn that over to the util-ity company as savings,” Neal says.

A handful of TCIA-member companies –Asplundh, Davey, Wright, Lewis, Wolf,Trees Inc. – are major players in ROW clear-ance and will be at the forefront of carryingout the work outlined in the memorandum.Asplundh’s Jim Orr, general manager oftechnical services, expressed optimism thatthe agreement will help the utilities’arborists

as they move through the approval processof obtaining permission to properly managevegetation on federal lands.

“I think it’s very safe to say that thememorandum is a positive step. It’s cer-tainly going to take some time to see howit will play out, because we don’t know,”Orr says. “They sure worked hard putting ittogether for a long time. Prior to the mem-orandum of understanding, it was acompletely decentralized process. With thememorandum, there is at least some guid-ance from Washington, which had neverbeen in place.”

Anything that will help the utilitiesshould also help the contractors.

You can download a copy of the memo orunderstanding via www.epa.gov/pesti-cides/grants/eei_integrated_mgmt.htm, orwww.eei.org/industry_issues/environment/land/vegetation_management/.



“Prior to the memoran-dum of understanding, itwas a completely decen-tralized process. With thememorandum, there is atleast some guidance fromWashington, which hadnever been in place.”

Jim Orr, Asplundh


In an effort to show skeptics that it canenforce the nation's immigration laws,the Bush administration has conducted

a number of high profile raids on employ-ers who hire illegal workers. WhileCongress continues to debate the future ofthe more than 11 million illegal aliens, aguest worker program, and increased bor-der security, Immigration and CustomsEnforcement (ICE) has been shifting atten-tion to worksite investigations.

What can you do to ensure your compa-ny is not front page news and what can bedone if ICE does come knocking on yourdoor? One of the most critical steps is tocomplete Form I-9 accurately and followup on any relevant expiration dates.

The Immigration Reform and ControlAct of 1996 requires ALL employers toverify employment eligibility for allemployees. Here are the top 10 thingsevery person responsible for employmentverification should know:

1) Do not request specific documents toverify employment eligibility. Instead pro-vide employees with the list of acceptabledocuments attached to Form I-9;

2) Complete Section One of the Form I-9 on the first day of employment;

3) The Form I-9 MUST be completedwithin three days;

4) All new employees - regardless of cit-izenship - must complete the Form I-9s;

5) If the employee provides a documentthat does not satisfy the I-9 requirements,simply return the document and requestthem to provide another one from the I-9list;

6) Do not over document or retain docu-ments past the required date;

7) Do not accept any documents thataren't originals, except as stated in theForm I-9 directions;

8) Review your Form I-9s and develop atracking system to track any employmentauthorization documents that may expire;

9) Update and reverify information;10) If in doubt always consult counsel to

avoid exposure and liability.

Don't wait for the government to comeknocking. After ensuring that both currentand future I-9 compliance mechanisms arein place, it is important to look back. A vol-

untary, in-house audit is an excellent wayto assess your company's I-9 habits in thepast and provide an excellent opportunityto correct errors or determine potentialexposure in the event of an audit. It is alsoimportant to understand prior habits or rou-tines, particularly in an organization wheremore than one person is involved in theverification process or where there hasbeen a great deal of turnover. As theemployer you are responsible. "The personwho used to handle that is no longer withme," will not serve as an adequate excusein an audit.

Once the initial Form I-9 is completed, ifthere is an expiration date included on theform, such as for a non-immigrant H-2Bworker, this employee must be included inthe company's tickler system that tracksemployment authorization for immigrantworkers.

There are times when it seems that thebest thing to do is just start anew if we havefilled out forms incorrectly. However, fed-eral regulations prohibit destroying I-9sthat contained incorrect information. Youmust NEVER:

� shred or throw away the old versionand do a new Form I-9 with the olddate;

� request copies of specific documentsto match those originally presented sothat you can attach copies to the origi-nal Form I-9;

� make corrections on the original FormI-9 without initialing the changes andannotating that the changes are updatesto the Form made after the originalcompletion; and

� fill in data points that were previouslyleft blank on the Form without initial-ing and dating with the new date.



Washington in ReviewBy Peter Gerstenberger

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By Janet Aird

Ahomeowner returns home afterwork to find his favorite tree hasbeen cut down by a neighbor.

Another discovers that an out-of-controlcar has destroyed the specimen tree in hisfront yard. In another situation, a citywants to protect an old oak on a construc-tion site.

Tree appraisers, who specialize in deter-mining the monetary value of trees, workin the insurance, real estate and homebuilding industries as well as for individualproperty owners. They can be consultingexperts, expert witnesses, mediators andarbitrators.

Tree care contractors are in an excellentposition to expand their business intoappraisal, because appraisers need years ofexperience in the field of tree care.

Appraisers also need a wide range ofinformation, especially about the differentmethods of appraising trees, and whichmethod to use in a given situation, saysDavid Hucker, an appraiser who owned asuccessful tree care company for more than20 years. Hucker is a member of the TreeCare Industry Association, AmericanSociety of Consulting Arborists,International Society of Arboriculture, andalso is a Registered Consulting Arborist(RCA).

Scott Cullen, who began as a tree carecontractor in 1971, is a full-time tree careconsultant, and a real estate broker with amasters degree in real estate development.A member of ASCA and ISA, and an RCAas well, he spends a significant portion of

his time on appraisals.

“A good proportion of my business isinsurance claims,” Cullen says.“Frequently we’re asked to give anappraisal for a casualty loss for an incometax deduction.”

Cullen also works for municipalities,appraising trees that the municipality wantspreserved on construction sites. A recentcase was a single family property, wheresome trees had to be removed. The treeremoval permit included a condition thatother trees would be preserved. Cullenappraised the trees that were to be pre-

served and the municipality put a bond onthem with the same value. If the bondedtrees fail within two years, the constructioncompany may have to forfeit the bond, orpart of it.

“The project is almost complete,” Cullensays. “They did a great job of preserva-tion.”

Municipalities also hire appraisers tocompile an inventory of trees on city prop-erty. This inventory tells the municipalitythe general value of its trees so the munic-ipality knows the aggregate assets theyhave to manage.

Management Exchange

How Much Is This Tree Worth?

It’s worth $800 for its lumber value. If it’s being appraised by two other formulas, it’s worth either $18,000 or $22,000. Ifthe owner loves the tree, and wants to insure it for the cost to replace it with another one of the same size and species(including locating, purchasing, transporting and planting it), it’s worth a cool $2 million. Photo and information courtesyof David Hucker.


Hucker has been consulting for 14 yearsand is an expert witness in cases involvingtree appraisal. Hucker’s most notable casetook seven years to resolve. “I was calledwhen a utility company removed youngtrees encroaching on a primary utility wire.The plaintiff found the clearing and saidthey were being grown for highly valuablehardwood.”

Although the utility company had aneasement, the plaintiff argued that he had-n’t been given any warning or opportunityto save the trees. He wanted every treereplaced.

At the request of the utility company,Hucker gave a figure based on the timbervalue of the trees. The plaintiff came upwith his own number. “The difference wasmassive,” Hucker says, because each useda different method to calculate the damage.

“One of the most common methods is todetermine the value based on the estimatedcost to replace the tree offered by the utili-ty,” Hucker says, but this isn’t alwaysreasonable.

It’s reasonably easy to calculate thevalue of trees that are used for income pur-poses, like timber, fruit or nut crops. Buthow much is a tree worth for its aestheticvalue alone? These are the toughest to dealwith, he says.

Sometimes it isn’t even appropriate toreplace a tree with one that’s the same sizeand kind.

For example, Hucker was an expert wit-ness in a case where a homeowner hired atree care company to cut down a tree in hisback yard – and the company removed thewrong one. When Hucker went to the site,he realized that the original tree had beentoo large for the space, and recommendedthat it be replaced by a smaller, and there-fore less valuable one.

Cullen, who has a degree in social sci-ence, says, “Appraisal is a very complexdeal. All appraisals are not the same, andall values are not the same. Value isn’t justthe physical attributes of a tree. It’s a

human perception. You have to understandpeople and how their perception changesthings. The definition of value varies bypurpose, use, jurisdiction – even within thejurisdiction. It’s also greatly influenced bythe law, which is by people who vote, say-

ing this is what the community thinks itwants.”

“In my opinion,” Cullen continues,“appraisal is not something that a noviceconsultant should be taking on. You have to



It’s reasonably easy to calculate the value of trees that are used for income purposes, like timber, fruit or nut crops. Buthow much is a tree worth for its aesthetic value alone? Photo courtesy of Adrian Juttner.




know what you’re doing, just as you haveto with any tree care specialty.”

Requirements and qualifications

Anyone can call himself or herself anappraiser, says Beth W. Palys, CAE, exec-utive director of ASCA. “That’s the rub.Don’t represent yourself as competent untilyou are.”

The first thing anyone who wants to bean appraiser should do is talk to colleagueswho are already doing appraisals, Cullensuggests. “It’s a very complex specialty.”

Go to workshops, seminars and collegeand continuing education classes. Many ofthese are offered by ASCA. Others aretaught by experienced appraisers likeCullen, who has conducted tree valuationseminars throughout the United States andin England. Read publications by TCIA,ISA and ASCA.

According to Palys, “For the most part,ASCA members who are consultingarborists do the bulk of appraisals.”

ASCA offers specialized training in con-sulting. It requires its members to follow acode of ethics and to attend a certain num-ber of continuing education courses everyyear. ASCA members can become morehighly qualified by becoming RCAs. Theyattend the ASCA Consulting Academy, athree day conference with workshops andlectures on consulting ethics, forensic sci-ence and how it applies to arboricultureand consulting, technical writing, andnegotiation skills and dispute resolution.They must pass an exam, write a bookletreport and submit one of their own reports.

Appraisers have to have excellent com-munication skills, both written and oral.They need written communication skills,because appraisals are usually writtenreports. They need oral communication

skills as well, because, as Cullen says, youcan be the best appraiser around, but if youcan’t communicate that to a potentialclient, you won’t get the job.

And if you’re an expert witness, the abil-ity to communicate well is crucial. “Mostjudges don’t know very much about thevalues of trees,” Hucker notes. You need tobe able to convey information they mightnot be familiar with in a way that’s easy forthem to understand. And, he adds, thejudge has to see you as knowledgeable andsincere.

Appraisers also have to know when tocall in other experts. If they’re doing litiga-tion appraisals, they have to know enoughabout the law in their jurisdiction to knowwhen they need legal advice from a lawyer.They also need to be familiar enough withIRS regulations to know when they shouldtalk to a certified public accountant or anattorney.


One case Cullen worked on involvedmore than 10 experts on both sides. Ahomeowner had wanted more sunlight

around his property, so he hired someone tocut down some trees on the property next tohis – which happened to be a state park.

“The state was not very happy aboutthat,” Cullen says, and litigation followed.“There was quite a bit of dispute over theway the valuation was done. It was impor-tant to work with an attorney.”

The case was settled, and none of theexperts for either side has any idea of whatthe outcome was. This illustrates anotherquality appraisers need: To do their jobs thebest they can and then to move on withoutknowing the results of their efforts.

“You do an honest, objective job, and theoutcome is the outcome,” Cullen says.

Appraisers also need a copy of theCouncil of Tree and Landscape AppraisersGuide for Plant Appraisal.

The CTLA is an organization of tree careand landscape associations, includingTCIA, ASCA, ISA, American Nursery andLandscape Association and theProfessional Landcare Network (PLAN-ET) and the American Society ofLandscape Architects. These associations

have representatives on the council whocompile and update the guide. They’reworking on the 10th edition. Hucker isTCIA’s representative.

“We’re trying to provide enough possi-ble solutions to suit as many situations asmight arise,” Hucker explains. “What Iwould like to hear from any member is, ‘Iread the book (9th edition) and there’ssomething I don’t understand.’ Then I cananswer the question and hopefully clarify itin the book.”

Unfortunately, no matter how good theappraiser, and the information, appraisersalways risk being sued by unhappy clients.

Insurance

“Appraisal is opinion,” Cullen admits,“and because appraisal is so complex,appraisers are sued because of their opin-ions. Most TCIA members have generalliability and workers’ comp insurance,because they’re contractors, but with somevery specific exceptions, general liabilityinsurance does not cover giving an opin-ion.”

Appraisers, whether they are part-timeor full-time, need insurance that coversgiving an opinion. This is generally knownas errors and omissions (E & O) insurance,or professional liability insurance. As withother kinds of insurance, some policies arebetter than others. Make sure your policycovers paying for a lawyer to defend you,and doesn’t just pay the claim if you lose.

There will always be work for treeappraisers, and the work will always bechallenging. “There are endless examplesof how someone’s tree can be destroyedwithout their permission,” Cullen says.

The challenge is to understand the meth-ods, and understand the most appropriatemethod to determine the value.

“It’s not rocket science,” Hucker says.“It’s much more complex.”

Janet Aird is a freelance writer who livesin Altadena, Calif.



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By Wayne Outlaw

All your equipment has just beentopped off. You recall the price atthe pump last time you filled up

and the almost daily news reports on wherefuel cost appears to be headed. Has thiscaused you great concern about its impacton your profitability? Sure! You mightabsorb a few more cents per gallon withconservation strategies, but this is muchmore than a few cents. What will thisincrease in cost do to your profitability?What will it do to your future success andprosperity? If you see each increased dol-lar for petroleum as being the loss of adollar of profit, then you are only seeing asmall part of the true picture.

This situation is like an “iceberg” wherethe real danger lies unseen below the sur-face of the ocean. With the iceberg, it islarger and the area of danger is closer thanit appears. The increases in petroleumproducts’ cost to you is only a small part ofwhat you will be dealing with as its trueeffect moves through the business cycles.

As a business owner and manager, youmust perceive not only the real level ofdanger, but also react before it is upon you.Just as the captain of the Titanic did not seethe obstacle and waited too long to react,therefore impacting the part of the icebergbelow the surface of the water, the compa-ny that waits too long to respond to thischange of market conditions will be in fordifficulties.

The tree care company executive whoperceives the hidden dangers of today’smarket and takes early, decisive actions torespond to the dangers, will be in the bestposition to avoid difficulties and protect

profits. The increase in the cost of a keyproduct such as gas, which is required byalmost all businesses, will have both a“perceived impact” and a “real impact.”The degree of that impact depends on thespecific business and the composition oftheir customer base. Some will be affectedmore than others and even require differentresponses.

To get an accurate assessment of the sit-uation and a perception of the impact andresponses, in the month of June we createdand administered an online assessment toconduct research with individuals in treecare companies.

Four hundred thirty-nine individuals,representing almost as many tree carecompanies, responded and gave us a greatdeal of insight on not just what is occurringwith tree care companies, but also on whatis happening with their customers. Theircollective insight has provided a uniqueand candid snapshot to what is happeningin the industry, how people are planning torespond, or have responded, and what willbe the real impact over the next fourmonths. We will not only share what isgoing on, but we will also share the impactthat will create challenges companies willhave to face. Many pointed out that thecompetitiveness has apparently increaseddramatically.

In the survey, because of all the attentionfuel cost has been given, we asked whathad been the impact of the increased fuelprice. Thirty-five percent of those sur-veyed said it has been moderate, while 48percent said significant, and 5 percent saidextreme. Only 12 percent said it was mini-mal or they were not affected. Almost alltree care companies have been significant-ly affected.

Recent articles in Tree Care Industrymagazine and other publications havefocused on better management, conserva-tion, and reducing consumption. This is a


Increased Fuel Cost: The Danger is Greater Than it Appears

Branch Office

Impact of fuel prices to your company

Percentage

Not at all 0%

Minimal 12%

Moderate 35%

Significant 48%

Extreme 5%

Total 100% Surveyed by Outlaw Group, Inc. June, 2006

When money is tight, itis easy for a customerto rationalize puttingoff maintenance untillater if they don’t seethe value of what youdo.



necessary strategy, but by its nature haslimits. There is a point of diminishingreturns and real limits to how much con-sumption you can reduce.

What the conservation strategy doesn’taddress, much like the iceberg below thesurface of the ocean, is the impact of theincreased cost on the customer. A tree carecompany that primarily serves high-endresidential customers may feel that it willnot affect their customers; however, someof the wealthiest customers in every indus-try are the most cost conscious. That ishow they got to be wealthy and staywealthy.

According to the tree care professionalswho responded to the survey, the impact totheir customer base was significant. Threepercent said the impact to customers hasbeen extreme, 27 percent said it was sig-nificant, and 43 percent said it wasmoderate. That represents 70 percent of thecustomers of tree care companies. Thisimpact is likely to increase the price pres-sure, create more competition, and evencause the delay of some work. The fullimpact to the tree care company of increas-ing fuel prices are once again like theiceberg analogy. If you look at only yourincreased fuel cost, you could think youare sailing into relatively calm waters withample distance for safety, but will be woe-fully mistaken.

During the survey we learned that it hascreated a more competitive environment.Sixty percent said it was more competitivewhile only 3 percent said it has becomeless. This will have a significant effect onprice competition.

What does this mean to the tree carecompanies and those who work with them?It means that it will be more difficult to getbusiness and those who are not ready torespond well will suffer. Those who areready to respond effectively and movequickly will be healthier in any environ-ment, and this one is no exception.

While many have and will respond bysimply changing prices, this doesn’talways work. This is especially true when

the customer is under the same pressures.While they may sympathize with your sit-uation, or even be in a similar situationthemselves, they are dealing with reducedbudgets or increase expenses taking upwhat would normally be spent for treecare. When money is tight, it is easy for acustomer to rationalize putting off mainte-nance until later if they don’t see the valueof what you do.

If the customer has to make difficultchoices, he or she will choose to reduceexpenses in areas he or she feels pro-vides the lesser value. The ability of theperson charged with persuading the cus-tomer of the value of your services andthe benefits of using you for them willhave a significant effect on the outcome.While the person may have great techni-cal skills, the ability to get a customer tosee the value of tree care and commit theresources to your company, or any treecare company, may require a newapproach and different skills.

Tree care companies spend a significantamount of time and resources developingtechnical skills and building safety prac-tices. These are critical to the health of thetree care employee. However, in our sur-vey we found 42 percent of the thosesurveyed said the employees responsiblefor selling their services have “no organ-ized development.” How effective would ajob be if it was done by an arborist with“no organized development?” The goodnews is that 23 percent said those responsi-ble for selling a tree care company’sservices develop sales skills or persuasionskills at an industry association workshop,

such as is held at TCIA meetings.

Even with developing new skills, it mayrequire a shift in thinking and taking thetime to really define what specific servicesyour customers value and what it takes tomeet their expectations. It may requiregoing beyond what traditionally is consid-ered good service and determining whatthey perceive as value or valuable, and dis-covering how to use both to motivate yourcustomers to invest.

In this series of articles (this is part oneof what is intended to be a four-part series),we will not only share the levels of compe-tition experienced and the levels of priceresistance, but, most importantly, we willaddress how to respond effectively to keepyour company healthy. We will share theOutlaw Value Model™ used to increase thecustomer’s perception of value, explorehow those who are charged with persuad-ing customers can improve theireffectiveness, and we will show how todetermine what creates and builds cus-tomer loyalty. It is our objective to showyou how to build the value and success ofyour company.

Wayne Outlaw is author of “Winning theValue Battle: Selling Against a CheaperPrice to Improve Your Margins andIncome” and “SMART STAFFING: Howto Hire, Reward and Keep Top Employeesfor Your Growing Company.” He has spo-ken for the Tree Care Industry Associationand consults with companies to improveand increase their results. He can bereached at 1-800-347-9361 or [email protected].

Impact of increased fuel prices to your customers

Percentage

Not at all 3%

Minimal 24%

Moderate 43%

Significant 27%

Extreme 3%

Total 100%

Surveyed by Outlaw Group, Inc. June, 2006


HELP WANTED

Climber/Production Manager

Min. 5 yrs’ exp. Must know pruning w/o spikes. Year-round, salary, pd vacation/health, help moving.Profit-share/potential partnership. Virginia, nearWilliamsburg, Busch Gardens, VA Beach. (757) 595-8733, [email protected]

All Paradise Tree Service Oahu, HI

Seeking experienced climber. Valid driver’s license amust, certification is a plus. Medical, dental, vision &RX benefits offered. Pay is subsequent to experience.Call (808) 696-5323. Come join us in Paradise!

Well established tree company

Is seeking motivated individuals with experience tojoin their team. Bucket truck and climbing a must.MCA and CDL preferred. Great pay and benefits. CallDodge Tree Service, Inc. (978) 468-1711.

Coastal Maine

Seeking a skilled climber to support our company’sdedication to excellence. Competitive benefits, ongo-ing training, and employment flexibility. Owned andstaffed by ISA certified arborists. Please call Jeff atWellTree (207) 721-9210. Will aid in relocation.

Help Wanted

Earnest Arborist to work with and/or purchase anestablished tree care co. in SE PA. Call JonathanFairoaks (610) 952-5209.

Tree Worker 4, Arizona Public Service Company

Several positions available throughout the state ofArizona. Primary Job Functions – Physical ability,knowledge and skill to perform tree pruning, treeand brush removal, herbicide applications from andor near energized power lines utilizing mechanicalequipment or manual climbing techniques and rig-ging as required to ensure work is completed in asafe, efficient manner. Ability to operate and main-tain chain saws, blower, hand tools, ropes andequipment, including lift or manual truck, pickup,ATV, chipper, to safely perform all functions of line-clearance operations as well as other duties asassigned. Must have a high school diploma or equiv-alent and have a minimum of 18 months experience.Apply online at Pinnaclewest.com or fax or mail aresume stating which position you are applying forto: Fax: (602) 371-5008, Mail: APS Staffing-Union,Mail Station 3847, P.O. Box 53999, Phoenix, AZ85072-3999.


Southco Industries, Inc.1840 E. Dixon Blvd.Shelby, NC 28152

www.SouthcoIndustries.com1-800-331-7655

“LOGLIFT” Model 75 ZT; 1,800 lb. cap. @ 28 ft. Max. reach...Top Seat Controls; Stows/Folds with grapple behind cab; SOUTHCO, Model: MP-12 or MP-14 Dump Body Package....

New, From SOUTHCO INDUSTRIES, The Exclusive “LOGLIFT” Representive

to the Tree Care Industry


Classified Ads



Crew Foreman 1 Electric Line Clearance, ArizonaPublic Service Company

Several positions available in the state of Arizona.Primary Functions – Physical ability, knowledge &skill in tree pruning, tree & brush removal, herbicideapplications from &/or near energized power lines uti-lizing mechanical equipment or manual climbingtechniques & rigging as required for safety. Ability tooperate & maintain chain saws, blower, hand tools,ropes & equipment including lift or manual truck,pickup, ATV, chipper, to safely perform all functions ofline-clearance operations. Direct the activities of theForestry & Special Programs crew to ensure work iscompleted in compliance with APS AccidentPrevention Manual (APM) as well as ANSI industrystandards, OSHA regulations and the APS VegetationManual. Prepare and document all company crewtime reporting, customer profile work sheets, &departmental work tracking reports as required. Musthave a HS diploma or equivalent & a minimum of 2yrs’ exper. Apply on line at Pinnaclewest.com or fax or mail aresume stating which position you are applying for to:Fax: (602) 371-5008 Mail: APS Staffing-Union, MailStation 3847, P.O. Box 53999, Phoenix, AZ 85072-3999.

Bartlett Tree Experts

Continues to grow in the south with immediate open-ings for experienced tree climbers in the Savannah,Atlanta, Hilton Head, Tallahassee, Charlotte, Raleighand Charleston offices. Benefits include paid vaca-tion, holidays, medical, dental, 401(k), training andcontinuing education. Applicant must be reliable,customer-service and career oriented. CDL a plus. Faxor e-mail your resume to (770) 414-9762; [email protected]; www.bartlett.com

Foreman/Supervisor

Aspen Tree Service, Inc. is a secure, highly regard-ed tree care company in the Aspen/Pitkin Countyarea of Colorado. We are currently accepting appli-cations for a Certified Arborist or Certified Arboristtrainee in a supervisor/foreman position. You musthave or obtain a Colorado Driver’s License with nopoints. For more information, please call (970)963-3070 or on the Web at www.aspentreeservice-colorado.com



Swingle Lawn, Tree and Landscape Care

Seeking professionals who are passionate about whatthey do. If you’re motivated, experienced, and dedi-cated to service, you’re just the type of person wewant. Swingle has been a leader in the Denver marketsince 1947, and we’ve since expanded to include theNorthern Colorado/Ft. Collins area. We’re looking toadd key members to our already outstanding team inboth locations:

• Sales Representatives ($45K+ DOE)• Trim Field Supervisor ($40K-$55K)• Certified Arborists with Removal Experience

($38K-$50K+)• PHC Qualified Supervisors ($28K-$45K)* Other outdoor production positions also available

Swingle offers year-round employment plus topindustry wages and benefits including 401(k) withcompany match. We also provide great opportunitiesfor college graduates and student interns! If you area results-oriented professional and looking for acareer opportunity with a growing company, we wantto talk to you! Visit our Web site at www.swingle-tree.com to submit an online application or sendresume and salary history to Dave Vine at: Swingle Lawn, Tree and Landscape Care, 8585 E.Warren Ave., Denver, CO 80231; Phone: 1-888-266-6629, Fax (303) 337-0157; E-mail:[email protected]. When it comes to your pas-sion, choose Swingle.

Tree Trimmer – Foreman

Consumers Energy, a consumer-owned energy compa-ny headquartered in Marshalltown, IA, has a positionopening for a foreman for our 2-person tree trimmingcrew. This position will trim trees in a 5-county areathat grow into the electric right of way; provide cus-tomer service, including obtaining permission to trimtrees; and may help line and gas crews as needed.Must have high school diploma or GED plus experi-ence on a tree trimming crew and working withcustomers. Experience and/or training in electric linework and secondary electrical work a plus. Must have:valid Iowa Class A CDL license within 90 days afterbeing employed; understand and apply all OSHA/DOTregulations and safety rules necessary to perform thejob; be able to apply first aid/CPR techniques; be anavid learner; maintain a positive attitude; be commit-ted to excellence; value teamwork, honesty and hardwork. Call 1-800-696-6552 for more information. Faxor e-mail resume by August 25, 2006, to: ConsumersEnergy, Brian Heithoff, CEO/General Manager, Box1058, Marshalltown, IA 50158, Fax: (641) 752-5738,[email protected]

If you have the experience, we have a job for you

Look no further. Need Cert. ISA Arborist for top levelforeman/climber. Bi-lingual a must. $39,000. Call(214) 544-8734.

Exciting Career Opportunities for Service Industry Managers

Come join one of the largest Vegetation ManagementCompanies in the United States. DeAngelo Brothers,Inc., is experiencing tremendous growth throughoutthe country creating the following openings:

Division ManagersBranch Managers

We have immediate openings in:VA, New England, FL, MO, TX, CO, LA, ILResponsible for managing day-to-day operations,including the supervision of field personnel.Business/Horticultural degree desired with a mini-mum of 2 years’ experience working in the greenindustry. Qualified applicants must have proven lead-ership abilities, strong customer relations andinterpersonal skills. We offer an excellent salary,bonus and benefits packages, including 401(k) andcompany paid medical coverage.For career opportunity and confidential consideration,send or fax resume, including geographic preferencesand willingness to relocate to: DeAngelo Brothers,Inc., Attention: Carl Faust, 100 North Conahan Drive,Hazleton, PA 18201. Phone: 1-800-360-9333. Fax:(570) 459-5363 or [email protected]/AAP M-F

For People Who Love Trees – www.arborguard.com

Arborguard Tree Specialists, with offices in Atlantaand Augusta, Georgia, and Charlotte, North Carolina,seeks experienced sales arborists, crew leaders,climbers and plant health care technicians whodemonstrate a passion for excellence. Arborguardmaintains an exciting and highly spirited team cul-ture that is focused on a positive experience foremployees and clients alike. A decision to join our team will ensure year-roundwork for a prestigious and high-end client base, over100 hours of annual paid training, an OSHA compli-ant work environment, paid vacation and personaldays, paid holidays, paid healthcare and 401(k). If you seek personal and professional development,appreciation, recognition and career opportunities,you may have found them.To explore this unique opportunity, contact:Dennis Tourangeau, Director of Operations, Arborguard, P. O. Box 477, Avondale Estates, GA 30002,or send fax to (404) 294-0090 or e-mail [email protected].

Tree Climbers/Crew Foreman Needed

For Woodstock, GA, Tree Service to fill positions on ourcrews. Must be experienced and knowledgeable in allareas of tree work. CDL required for foreman position.We need team players who are able to think outside ofthe box. Mandatory drug screen req’d. [email protected] or (770) 479-9611.




Climbers, Crew Leaders and Plant Health CareTechnicians

Do you like to work outside? Are you looking for arewarding and challenging career? Are you looking forfull-time, year-round employment that offers excel-lent benefits? Buckley Tree Service is a growingcompany with two offices in Southeastern Wisconsin.We have immediate openings for Climbers, CrewLeaders and Plant Health Care Technicians. No expe-rience? Not to worry – we have an extensive trainingprogram. We are looking for dedicated, hard-workingindividuals to be a part of our growing team. Benefitsinclude health, dental, 401(k), profit sharing andpaid holidays and vacations, with a relocationallowance/hiring bonus. Stop in and fill out an appli-cation or send your resume/work experience to:Buckley Tree Service, 1700 S. Johnson Rd, New Berlin,WI 53146 or [email protected]. A valid driverslicense is required, a CDL is preferred.

Tree Climbers/Sales Reps/Crane + Loader Operator

Enjoy a mild climate while working & playing in Va.Beach, Va. Our easy going crew members with a “Letsget the job done” attitude look forward to having oth-ers join them. Call (757) 425-1995 for info.

Sales Arborists

For Leading Tree Care Company, Philadelphia, PA &Naples, FL. McFarland Tree and Landscaping Serviceshas been providing superior arboricultural and horti-cultural services for over four decades. Our clientbase is comprised of the best of the best, serving thePhiladelphia, PA and Naples, FL metropolitan areas.Our salespersons earn the highest commissions inthe industry, following McFarland’s time-tested pro-grams. We are looking for people who want to earn atleast $100K annually. You should have the requisiteskill, passion and the energy to make this happen. Allexperience levels will be considered. If you feel thatyour talents have not been sufficiently rewardedand/or appreciated, contact us immediately. YOUHAVE EVERYTHING TO GAIN! Ed Shebert, PeterMcFarland, McFarland Tree & Landscape Service, 255W. Tulpehocken St., Philadelphia, PA 19144; Phone:(215) 438-3970, Fax: 215-438-1879, E-mail:[email protected]

Operations Manager

D&B Tree Service with offices in Central & EasternMassachusetts, is seeking an Operations Manager tohelp lead our Team. Duties and Qualifications: Thecandidate must have proven tree care industry experi-ence with general tree care work and plant health care.Responsibilities include: Field Training, Production andSafety Management, and Overseeing Daily Operations.Candidate must be goal oriented and have a strongcommitment to Safety and Teamwork. CDL License amust. Certified arborist preferred. Benefits package.Please submit resume to Bob Young: [email protected] fax (617) 471-4777 Ext. 30.

Staff Arborist for TCIA

Trade association for commercial arborist companiesseeks qualified candidate with arboricultural back-ground for full-time position. Position requiresdemonstrable and extensive skills in project manage-ment, managing volunteers and communication –esp. writing skills. Candidate should possess a Bachelor’s degree inArboriculture or closely related field as well as two ormore years’ field experience in arboriculture. He/shemust be willing to take direction and work in a teamenvironment, and must submit current samples ofwriting and undergo personality profiling exercisesduring the interview process. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software prod-ucts in a PC environment needed; experience withdesktop publishing software preferred. Previous expe-rience with volunteer and/or non-profit groupspreferred. Position requires travel at least six times ayear. Ability to speak and comprehend Spanish a plus. Salary and other benefits commensurate with demon-strated experience and abilities. Please send resume and salary requirements [email protected].

Wanted – Licensed Plant Health Care Technician,Boston Area

Experienced spray technician wanted now! Openposition as a result of growth and an internal promo-tion. You will be responsible for operating the PlantHealth Care profit center. Earn top pay, benefits andyear-round employment. Please submit resume to BobYoung: [email protected] or fax (617) 773-3318. (617)471-4777 Ext. 30.


Please circle 35 on Reader Service Card Please circle 61 on Reader Service Card


Tall Timbers Tree & Shrub Service, Inc. Colorado Springs, CO

We are seeking highly motivated people for the fol-lowing positions:

• PHC manager/sales• Spray Techs• Climbers/Grounds person

Immediate openings – call (719) 528-8141.

Ira Wickes/Arborists

Rockland County-based firm since 1929 seeks quali-fied individuals with experience. Arborists/SalesReps, Office Staff, Crew Leaders, Climbers, SprayTechs (IPM, PHC, Lawn). Great benefit packageincludes 401(k) matching, advancement opportuni-ties, EOE. Check us out on the Web at irawickes.com.E-mail your resume to [email protected]; fax (845)354-3475, or snail mail us at Ira Wickes/Arborists, 11 McNamara Road, Spring Valley, NY 10977.

Illinois Certified Arborist/Sales Rep.

This position is an excellent opportunity for a self-motivated and ambitious person, as compensation isbased on sales. All Co. benefits & vehicle provided.See our Web site for more information:www.kramertree.com.

Wanted ISA Cert. Arborist Climber

Strong removal & pruning skills. Needs CDL. Pay $21per hour to start. Work in beautiful Southern Oregon.(541) 664-1614.

Advanced Tree Care, McKinney, Texas Entry Level Arborist

Learn how to become an arborist and introduce your-self to all facets of tree care and tree remediation.Train under a registered, degreed and licensedarborist. Bachelor’s degree in forestry, arboriculture orother horticulture related fields. An individual with apassion for trees, a drive to learn and a “can-do” atti-tude. Also looking for PHC technicians, foremen andclimbers. Fax resumes to the following: Telephone:(214) 544-TREE (8733); Fax: (972) 569-8370; Mail:Advanced Tree Care, 590 N. Meandering Way,Fairview, TX 75069.

Come work with 30 year established, family-owned company

Experienced tree climbers and plant health care techneeded. Top pay, full benefits and year round employ-ment. Please call the Denver Office at (303) 232-0666;fax (303) 232-0711 or Colorado Springs location at(719) 444-8800 fax (719) 630-3209 or apply online [email protected] and specify location.

Sales Director, Sales Arborists, Crew leaders,Climbers, www.northamericantree.com

Atlanta area. Seeking qualified individuals for leader-ship roles in sales and production. Benefits include,relocation assistance, company vehicle, excellentsalary, commission, bonus, profit sharing, health-care, paid vacation, holidays and personal days. Faxor e-mail resume: (770) 554-9739, [email protected].

Cagwin & Dorward Career Opportunities, San Francisco Bay Area

We are accepting applications for experienced, highlymotivated people for the following positions in ourTree Care Department:

Managers ClimbersGroundsmen Spray Technicians

Please call 1-800-891-7710 for applications, or on-line at www.cagwin.com.

Open Positions for Field Employees, Boston Area

Crew Leaders, Tree Climbers, Arborist Trainees andPlant Health Care Techs needed now! Opportunity toLearn and Earn Top Pay. Benefits and year-roundemployment. www.dbtree.com or (617) 471-4777 x30.

Field Sales Positions

In Woodstock, GA. Looking for those who strive toexceed quota. Basic knowledge of tree care desired,but will train if you’re the right person. Strong cus-tomer service skills and the ability to think on yourfeet req’d. Pay structure flexible. Valid DL, drugscreen. Contact [email protected] or(770) 479-9611.


Please circle 63 on Reader Service Card Please circle 2 on Reader Service Card


Arborist/Sales person in SE PA

Small but rapidly growing full service landscape andtree service company seeks motivated and ambitioussalesperson. Must have basic knowledge of tree care,degree in arboriculture a plus, be ISA certified, anddisplay great communication & leadership qualities.Please fax resume & references to (215) 535-2654 orcall (267) 784-8560.

Crew Foremen, Climbers, Groundspersons

Growing mid-size San Diego-based tree service com-pany hiring crew foremen, climbers and groundsmen;minimum 2 years’ experience, $15-$20 an hour, EOE.Certified Arborist a PLUS. Benefits, drug screening.Must have valid driver’s license. Immediate openings,year-round work. Fax resume to (760) 727-3813 orcall (760) 941-3992.

Operations Manager, Minneapolis MN Area

Top Notch Treecare is seeking a motivated leader tooversee the daily operations of our productiondepartment. Qualified candidates must have provenarboricultural experience as well as familiarity withequipment and sales procedures. This person will beresponsible for scheduling crews and equipment fortop efficiency while promptly responding to clients'needs. Candidate must possess strong customerservice skills and a firm commitment to safety. ISACertification a plus. Full benefits and competitivesalary. Please submit resume to Chris Romer:[email protected] or fax to (763) 253-2273.

Great jobs in Florida! All positions! GreatOpportunities!

Sales, climbers, groundsmen. FT year-round work inSoutheast FL, High-end commercial tree maint. Newequipment/latest technlgy. Ongoing training. Roomfor advancement. Enjoy working in a flexible & pro-fessional environment in the most affluentcommunities in the country. Excellent salary + per-formance bonuses. NOVO ARBOR is a fast growingcompany that values what you have to offer as youwill value what we have to offer! Housing available.Relocation assist. Call (561) 330-9785. Fax resumeto (561) 330-2392, or e-mail [email protected]

KLF Arborists, Newtown, CT

Seeking experienced climber/arborist. Valid driver’slicense (CDL preferred). Top pay based on experience.References required. Fax resume (203) 270-7749.

Peterborough/Milford, NH

Broad Oak Tree Care needs 1 tree climber specialistand 1 plant health care specialist to assist our two-crew PHC operation. See complete job posting atwww.broadoaktree.com or e-mail [email protected].

Climbers & Bucket Operators

Immed. Open. w/20 yr successful tree co. in northernNJ. Must have exper & valid driver’s lic. CDL a +. Willpay top salary to right person. Call (201) 998-5868/e-mail [email protected]. Openings for qual.Groundperson.

Selling Arborist Wanted!

Seeking Consulting Sales Arborists who exceeds salesgoals. Certified Arborist, degree or industry experi-ence a must. Money motivated? Over 6 figure incomepotential. Contact D&B Tree (617) 471-4777 x 30 orwww.dbtree.com





EQUIPMENTFOR SALEAllied Equipment of Wisconsin

Local Rentals, Bucket Trucks to 70 ft., StumpGrinders, Chippers, aerial lift parts & service. Raycoparts, OEM Stump’r Guard. We rent Rayco HydraStumpers/Forestry Mowers. www.alliedutilityequip-ment.com 1-800-303-0269.

Bucket Truck for sale

1992 IH4900, 33,000 GBW; 5,203 hrs.; 123,939 miles;Air PTO. New tires and brakes; Versalift VO-50 hoist.$45,000, call Acton MA area (978) 263-6064. AvailAugust 1st.

Ropes, Ropes, Ropes

All types and brands of professional arborist climbing, lowering and rope accessories at warehouseprices. Call for current price list. Visa, MC, AX. SmallAd – Big Savings, since 1958. 1-800-873-3203.

For Sale – lift truck and crane truck

2002 International Hi Ranger – 4700 Exc condition,75', 18,000 miles, 2,500 hrs, $95,000. 1999 SterlingCrane Truck – Exec. condition, 21,000 miles, $85,000.Gary, CO. Call (970) 245-2553.

PRODUCTS & SERVICESArborSoftWorx is the industry’s leading businessmanagement software and hardware that boostssales with its DataSync Mobile Office feature; pro-vides anytime-anywhere access to critical data;improves staff productivity; provides the highest levelof depth and breadth in data capture and soundinformation for business decisions – all you demandin a management solution. Call today to learn moreabout the power and flexibility that ArborSoftWorxdelivers. 1-800-49-ARBOR. www.ArborSoftWorx.com.

ArborGold Software – Complete job management!Phone message center, proposals with built-in land-scape CAD designer, scheduling, invoicing and more.Posts to QuickBooks. Print estimates on site with newhand-held PCs and download to office. Call TreeManagement Systems – 1-800-933-1955, see demoat www.turftree.com

Hardware and software by an arborist for thearborist. For more information about the industry’s best-selling package, call or writeArbor Computer Systems, PO Box 548, Westport,CT 06881-0548. Phone: (203) 226-4335; Web site: www.arborcomputer.com; e-mail: [email protected].




For even more up to dateHelp Wanted ads, check out

TCIA’s Web classifieds at www.tcia.org


BUSINESSES FOR SALE

Business for Sale

Tree care co. for sale in SE PA. Owner retiring after 36yrs. Price negotiable. Call Jonathan Fairoaks (610)952-5209.

Already own or planning to start a tree care company?

The Owner/Arborist Program can show you how tostart or convert an existing business and grow with aproven leader in the tree care industry. We will assistyou with sales & marketing, financial mgt., recruitingand equipment support. Our expertise can aid in yoursuccess. Our systems, coupled with your talent anddetermination, will give you an opportunity to controlyour destiny. Call D&B Tree (617) 471-4777 x 30 [email protected]

Northern Calif.

Tree Service established in 1978 with a $500K annu-al gross; is located in fast growing area betweenSacramento & S.F. Bay area. Year-round work. Price$325,000 includes equipment. Owner willing to helpwith transition. (530) 308-0565.

Tree Trim & Removal

N. E. Florida. Est. 21 yrs, fully staffed. Choice com-mercial & residential accounts! 2 Trucks & all equipincluded. Gross $250,000-$335,000 per yr & couldtriple income if all calls handled! Turnkey $230,000.Call Linda Miller Realty, (386) 677-9258.

Come to Oregon’s Lush Willamette Valley

and purchase a profitable, growing, and reputableturnkey arbor care corporation. 10 years in business.Perfect for the arborist ready to move ahead in thetree care industry and finally turn a lucrative profit, orperfect for a large company expansion into theWillamette Valley. Over $220,000 conservatively incontracts alone, shows a 20-30% growth yearly,grossed well over $500,000 in 2005, huge growthpossibilities, all computerized with database, neverslow, most equip. paid for, all included, too much tolist. Arborists on staff, owner will stay on temporarilyto network and make transformation easy. Giveawayprice @ $465,000, many sale options. Call (541) 757-TREE, option 3; or e-mail [email protected]

SW FL Tree Service Business

Estab. service oriented w/ excel. reputation. RepeatMunicipal, Commercial & Residential Clients.Unlimited potential w/ continually increasing demandin all sectors. Call Fred Kolb, Century 21 Sunbelt(239) 565-7634.

Tree Service in Beautiful Denver, Colorado

Est.18 years, $200,000 in Commercial/RepeatCustomers. 3 Chip/Wood Trucks, 2001 Rayco & 1979Stump Grinders, 2 chippers, Stihl Saws & Misc.Equipment. Equipment also avail. separately. Call(720) 373-0707.

Scenic Durango, Co.

11 yrs. with excellent reputation & loyal clientele.Good advertising but mainly referral. Straight forwardpruning & removal w/ incredible profit margin.Equipment included $200,000, owner may carry 1/2.Call (970) 259-6269.



TCI classified ads work!Call 1-800-733-2622

E-mail to [email protected]



By John Ball, Sam Kezar and ShaneVosberg

As arborists we have a fatal acci-dent rate that is roughly 10 timesthe average for all industries.

And, if this is not risky enough for you, trylogging. Loggers have a fatal accident ratethat is 30 times higher than the all-industryaverage and they, along with us, areengaged in what is probably one of singlemost high risk activities you can perform inthe United States – felling a tree.

We also share another sobering accidentstatistic with loggers. While our fatalitiesare much higher than most other occupa-tions, our serious non-fatal injury rate,defined as several days of hospitalization,is not. Why? We do not survive our acci-dents, they are that serious.

Obviously, we suffer very high non-fatalinjuries that are treated on site or onlyrequire an emergency room visit such aspunctures, lacerations and cuts from chainsaws, branch stubs, falling branches, truckdoors and a host of others. The point here,however, is that our fatal and serious non-fatal accidents have similar causes; andwhat does not kill us, often seriouslyinjures us instead.

There is another group of individualswho work in this high-risk environment oftrees – homeowners. And they shouldn’t.Not only is much of their “pruning” nothealthy for the tree, their work is not bene-ficial to their health either. Homeownershave about five times the accidents thatprofessionals do, at least measured againstemergency room visits. Chain saws areresponsible for many of their trips. If thereis someone who shouldn’t be out there run-ning a chain saw, it is the homeowner.Interestingly, many of their saw accidents

have a similar scenario to ones profession-als can have – i.e. kickback – but theirshave a more serious consequence sincehomeowners typically do not use any per-sonal protection. We have all seenhomeowners out trimming or felling treeswearing flip-flops, shorts, a T-shirt and aball cap and swinging their saw as if theywere Luke Skywalker with a light saber.

Who is the tree care industry?

Statistically, we are older than mostwould think but our entire work force isaging as well. While we do attract youngworkers, there are fewer to attract andmany of those who do enter the professionleave the field within six months. This doesnot surprise anyone. Tree work can bephysically taxing, is conducted in high-risk

Safety

Captain Ron Lauth, left, and Fire Medic Troy Schurter, both of West Palm Beach Fire Rescue, rescue Pedro Graves from a tree after he had been electrocuted. The landscape worker had climbed the tree and was cutting branches when hereached for one that was touching nearby powerlines. Although very weak, he managed to cling to a branch until fire rescue had him secured in a “hasty harness” made of webbing and carried him down the ladder. He was in critical condition. He survived. © Jennifer Podis/The Palm Beach Post.


environments, and there are easier ways tomake a living. Most tree workers are white,followed by Hispanics, then AfricanAmericans, Asians and Native Americans,though regionally the racial/ethnic make-up of the workforce changes and there arecrews out there that resemble the UnitedNations, with Cambodians, Russians andGuatemalans working together. The vastmajority of the workers are males, not asurprise, though the number of femalearborists is increasing but is still under 10percent.

According to OSHA there were morethan 120 tree and landscape fatalities in2004. That is probably less than one-thirdthe actual number of fatalities as OSHAhas a hard time tracking accidents thatoccur in small companies and sole propri-etors. Some of these 120 individualsworked for tree companies, others land-scape companies, but they were allperforming tree work at the time of theiraccident.

As far as what can be gleaned from theOSHA accident investigation reports andthose from a sampling of fire, police andrescue calls throughout the country, morethan 90 percent of the fatal accidentsoccurred to males, and they tend to followthe same proportion as the composition ofthe tree worker population regarding gen-der and race. For example, whites havemore accidents than other groups as theyrepresent more of the workforce.

The greatest disparity is in regard to age;the older the worker, the more likely a seri-ous accident. It is not that they are lessagile or complacent, though these can befactors. One factor may be that the arboristhas a lifetime of exposure to an increasing-ly higher risk environment. This is notmeant to imply that the oldest worker hasthe most accidents – many accidents occurto the new person, one with less than oneyear of employment with the company.The “newbie” will have the most non-fatalinjuries (cuts and nicks), and they some-times make the mistake that results in theveteran’s death. The point here is for theolder arborist never to assume that theirlongevity is assured and that they can lettheir guard down.

Contact fatalities and non-fatal serious

accidents

Contact with an object still accountsfor the majority of accidents. The mostcommon object arborists have fatal con-tact with is a falling branch or the entiretree. A mature tree can have a weight of10 tons or more and its impact can easilycrush a car; a worker is even more vul-nerable.

Why were workers killed or seriouslyinjured by falling branches or trees?They come down to a few different sce-narios: failure to establish a work zone,failure to use a communication systemand improper felling techniques. There isstill the common practice of limitingcommunication to the ubiquitous term“headache” before cutting a limb orfelling. Improper felling was anothercommon cause of accidents. Just becauseyou put a rope on it, or cut a notch two-thirds of the way through the trunk doesnot mean the tree is necessarily going tofall where you want.

The other major contact involves chip-pers. Despite the increasing safety of theseunits, workers are still finding ways to



CrushedA Mr. White was trapped in this tree while cutting the topaway. The top, estimated to weight 2-tons, was removedby a crane and the worker lowered on an aerial lift. KarenPulfer Focht photo, courtesy of Commerical Appeal,Memphis.


become entangled in them. The two mostcommon scenarios is the worker eitheruses a foot to clear a jam or feeds smalltwigs in with gloved hands. If the chipperdoes not kill the worker, the outcome isusually an amputation of either the handsor the feet. Some readers may wonder howanyone could do either of these, particular-ly with the way newer chippers aredesigned, but every month workers man-age to be fed into the chipper along withthe brush.

Fall fatalities and non-fatal serious

accidents

Almost three-quarters of serious fallaccidents are from a tree, followed by fallsfrom an aerial lift or more precisely fallingwith the aerial lift.

The most common reason to fall from atree is that the climber disconnects his orher fall protection to reposition or cutsthrough their fall protection with a saw.Falls over about 40 feet are generally notsurvivable. If you do survive the fall, theinjuries are typically head or neck injuriesalong with backs. Minor injuries includeknees, ankles and wrists.

Falls in aerial lifts happen when the aer-ial lift fails, usually for one of tworeasons, each of which involves misuse ofthe equipment. A common one is the oper-ator uses the lift as a crane. The lift maynot fail the day it is used as a crane; itcould fail the next time it leaves the yard.We have had accidents when a lift wasoccasionally used as a crane for more than10 years but the failure, at the knuckle,happened when the operator had thebooms extended at its maximum reachand cut a branch roped to the boom. Thebranch had an estimated weight of 70pounds and swung though a 5 foot arc, atwhich time the failure occurred.

Another source of failure stems from themultiple ways we abuse the equipment.Operators can stress the boom by using thebucket as an outrigger. Have you ever seenan operator push the bucket into the groundso hard it lifts the truck a little bit? That’susing it as an outrigger. Buckets aren’tdesigned for those types of stresses. Wehave seen reports where buckets actuallyhave detached from the booms, which doesnot sound like a pleasant experience, and areason for always attaching the fall protec-tion to the boom, not the bucket. If thebucket detaches and you’re attached to thebucket rather than the boom, all you didwas create a smaller debris field.

People often ask what aerial lift has themost failures. It is not the manufacturer butthe age, work history and maintenance ofthe equipment that matters. If the lift ismore than 15 years old, had multiple own-ers who sold the lift rather than spend themoney to maintain it and it has beenabused regularly – watch out. Aerial liftsseem to be tremendously forgiving. Theytolerate tremendous amounts of abuse, butwe should never forget that they are alsocomplex equipment in which the failure ofonly a few critical parts can lead to the cat-astrophic failure of the entire unit.

Electrical contact fatalities

Electrical contact is the third leading cat-egory of fatalities and serious non-fatalaccidents but it is the single greatest sourceof accidents.

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One of the most common reasonsarborists are killed by electrical contact isthat they did not know the power line wasin the work zone. We often consider thework zone as a two dimensional areabeneath the tree but it is really three dimen-sions and includes the aerial environmentsurrounding and within the tree’s canopy.A critical part of every pre-climb inspec-tion should be checking for electricalconductors. Always assume there is a con-ductor and look until you cannot find it,then look again; that is much different thanassuming there is not one because you didnot see it. Many accident reports have thesad commentary that the crew did not real-ize a distribution line was in the vicinityuntil contact was made. The workersshould not have been there in the first placeas they were not a qualified line-clearancearborists. Checking for conductors andobserving the minimal approach distanceswould reduce our fatalities and seriousnon-fatal injuries.

Almost all of our electrical contactfatalities and serious non-fatal injurieshappen when an arborist touches thepower line with either the back, shouldersor hand (direct contact), or cuts a branchthat contacts the line while the arborist isstill holding the branch (indirect contact)and suffers electrical shock and burns. Afew are due to a fall that results from mus-cle contractions that occur with electricalcontact.

We need to do a lot more training forarborists who are not supposed to be work-ing around power lines, just to help themunderstand the hazards of this environ-ment. There may be dangers. Qualifiedline-clearance tree trimmers aren’t the peo-ple being injured or killed; it is the peoplewho don’t normally do this work.

Arborists do survive electrical contactwith distribution lines, though as with fallsfrom heights above 40 feet, the usual out-come from electrical contact is death. If thearborist is not immediately killed by elec-trical shock they can suffer from internalinjuries, severe burns, spinal cord damageand broken bones. Some of the injuriesmay take days or even months for symp-toms too appear and untreated can result inkidney failure and death.

If an arborist survives a contact with anelectrical conductor more than 500 volts heshould be taken to the emergency room,



We need to do a lot moretraining for arboristswho are not supposed tobe working aroundpower lines, just to helpthem understand the haz-ards of this environment.


and you should alert the EMTs coming tothe site, or the hospital if you are drivingthe victim, that the injury is due to conductwith an electrical conductor so the emer-gency personnel are aware of the cause.Even if the shocked arborist says he is fine,he still needs to go have a medical evalua-tion, since some injuries may take severalmonths or even a year to become apparent.Kidney failure from internal injury mayoccur months later.

Other sources of serious injury and

deaths

In smaller numbers arborists have diedor been seriously injured from:

� Bee or wasp stings. Every year we loseat least one arborist due to an allergicreaction to a sting. Most of us only findthe experience unpleasant. One workersuffered more than 80 stings and sur-vived, but some have experienced asting, come down out of the tree anddied within minutes.

� People. Everyone has experienced the“nutty neighbor” – the neighbor whoquestions everything you are doing inthe yard and screams that there will betrouble if you cut a branch overlyingtheir yard, or drop brush in their yardor a long list of other complaints. Inthe old days we often ignored theirthreats but now-a-days these nuttyneighbors are armed. We have hadarborists shot at while in the tree orwhen dragging brush. If anyone everthreatens to kill you, believe them.

� Transportation and equipment. Eachyear arborists are struck while workingalongside of the road. One worker wasstuck by a car that was speeding pastanother car, overcorrected their swingback into the lane and struck the work-er. If not struck by passing traffic,workers are run over by their owntrucks. Arborists have been backedover while they are fueling a sawbehind a truck.

Our industry surveys indicate that only asmall number of tree care companies pro-vide training for their employees. While allmanagers who responded to the surveysthought having trained workers was impor-tant, apparently many believed that hiringtrained workers, rather than providing thetraining, is the way to go. The training thatwas being provided typically consisted ofFirst-Aid, some equipment training – suchas aerial lift, chipper and saw operation –and some that covered work operationssuch as rigging. The most common trainercited was one of the company’s employeesrather than using an outside trainer. Abouthalf of the companies surveyed have pro-cedures established to do aerial rescues,and about one-third practice every year.

Here is an interesting statistic from our



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Everyone knows the jokeabout what it takes to bean arborist – a pickuptruck and a chain saw.What does it take to bean arborist trainer?Nothing. We have peopleout there training otherswho shouldn’t be train-ers. We have people outthere who don’t know thefacts or don’t know howto convey the material.



surveys: among companies that respondedto surveys, companies that have trainingprograms reported more accidents thancompanies that did not train. Why? Thereare several reasons, including the fact thatconscientious companies with training pro-grams also tend to do a better job trackinginjury data. Companies that have a seriesof accidents also tend to start training pro-grams in response to these events. But,there is one other important factor – thetraining itself.

Everyone knows the joke about what ittakes to be an arborist – a pickup truck anda chain saw. What does it take to be anarborist trainer? Nothing. We have peopleout there training others who shouldn’t betrainers. We have people out there whodon’t know the facts or don’t know how toconvey the material. If you hear a trainerwho says, “Let me show you how not to tiethis knot,” be leery. People often rememberwhat they see better than what they hear.They will remember the knot, but not that

they should not tie it that way.

In an effort to save money some compa-nies send one person out to receive trainingwho then comes back to train the entirecrew. If that person did not clearly under-stand the material presented or cannotexplain it properly, then problems mayoccur. There have been instances wheretrainers have had workers killed while theyare conducting the training. We need tolook at who is training us to improve safe-ty in the industry.

Dr. John Ball is a professor of forestrywith South Dakota State University andhas worked on accidents in the tree careindustry for a number of years with thework supported in part from grants fromthe Forest Service and the TREE Fund. Hehas been assisted in this work by two grad-uate students, Shane Vosberg, now withSwingle in Denver, Colo., and Sam Kezar,now the owner of Kezar Tree Service,Crookston, Minn.


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By Randy Owen

The headline above has a deepmeaning for me. “Securing our

children’s future” means the futureof my children, my employees andtheir children, and the futurearborists coming into tree care.Our industry now has a vehicle tosecure that future called theVoice for Trees politicalaction committee (VFT-PAC).

At the most recent fundraiser for thiscommittee during the Winter ManagementConference in St Kitts, I started to accom-plish the two goals I have set for myself.One goal is to invest in our industry’s futureby putting my money where my mouth is inorder to make a difference. My second goalis to make time for personal relaxation andlife enjoyments. I was able to make a starton both of these life goals by purchasing awild turkey hunt at the VFT-PAC auction.

Bidding for the turkey hunt that night wasfast and furious. One of my auction biddingcompetitors, Tom Golon, asked “How muchdo you want this adventure?” I wanted it alot, and I can report, Tom, that it was atremendous experience well worth theinvestment in our tree care industry’s future.

I arrived in McCook, Neb.,on April 17. What a beautiful

area – long vast vistasand quite a change of

landscape compared toMichigan. After meeting

Tom Tolkacz – who isthe owner of Swingle Tree

and the person who graciously

donated the outing and served as host –we went to his beautiful retreat home on

the Swanson Reservoir that was usedas our base camp.

After settling in, we visited thelocal marina for my turkey hunting

permits and fishing license.From there, we went to thefield to start my hunting and

fishing adventure. Tom is amaster turkey caller as he

“speaks the language”of the wild turkey.

During the next four dayswe saw more than 100turkeys. Some werecalled in as close as 20feet – one of the many

memorable moments of the hunt. In the end,I harvested my limit of two Nebraskaturkey’s and one Kansas mature, long-beard-ed turkey. Tom harvested two mature birds.

The fishing was slowed by poor weatherconditions. However, Tom’s friend, Steve, afishing guide, lure designer and a Bass ProStaffer, was able to get us onto some fish.Unfortunately, it was not the trophy classfish that we were expecting to find.

Thank you Tom, for donating not onlythis quality sportsman’s adventure, but yourpersonal time, company staff, businessskills, insights and vision working toadvance the future of our industry. I’m sureour donations will be put to good useadvancing the interests of tree care inWashington – helping to secure our chil-dren’s future. I have already put to use thenew skills I learned from you.

Randy J. Owen is president of Owen TreeService, Inc. in Attica, Mich., and a directoron the TCIA Board.

TCIA’s Legislator of the Year Award isgiven annually to a Member of

Congress who extols the virtues and is sup-portive of legislative and regulatorymeasures that facilitate and advance thecommercial tree care industry. The awardis given to members of Congress who havesubstantially assisted in the advancementof our policy agenda and legislative priori-ties.

For 2006, Rep. John Boehner receivedthe award. Former Chairman of the HouseEducation and Workforce Committee,Boehner had direct oversight over OSHA.This spring, he was elected majority leaderof the U.S. House of Representatives,replacing Tom Delay. One of the fewRepublicans in the House who supportscomprehensive immigration reform andisn’t interested in penalizing employerswith fines or prison, Boehner has been aconsistent supporter of TCIA small busi-ness issues and strongly on the side ofOSHA reform.


Reporter is the monthly newsletter of the Tree Care Industry Association. TCIA members can access the complete publication at www.treecareindustry.org.

Wild Turkeys are Helping to Secure ourChildren’s FutureWild Turkeys are Helping to Secure ourChildren’s FutureWild Turkeys are Helping to Secure ourChildren’s Future

Boehner Legislatorof the YearBoehner Legislatorof the YearBoehner Legislatorof the Year

Jeff Jones (left) with Nelson Tree Service in Strongsville,Ohio presents TCIA’s Legislator of the Year Award to U.S.Rep. John Boehner.

Randy Owen, above, andTom Tolkacz, below, afterbagging turkeys inNebraska for the Voice for Trees PAC.


75TREE CARE INDUSTRY – AUGUST 2006

By Scott Packard

Most of the hot air that blows westfrom Washington, D.C., cools down

by the time it reaches our home office inDes Moines. I follow the debates overpolitical issues, when I have the time, butmostly I just try to run my business. If I cando that without the obstacle of new laws orregulations that make my life harder, then Iconsider it a good week.

Fortunately, we have a trade associationto look out for our interests in Washington.That’s why I pay dues to TCIA. That’s whyI send a check every year to the Voice forTrees political action committee.

Occasionally, an issue is of such impor-tance that I do more than usual. My part ofthe tree care industry, utility vegetationmanagement, has a separate OSHA stan-dard that governs how we carry out ourwork. Written more than 12 years ago withthe active participation of Bob Felix andvolunteers from our association, it is up for

revision and rewrite this year. Some of therevisions proposed by OSHA would defi-nitely make my business life harder, so Itraveled to Washington with a TCIA dele-gation this spring to express my views. Ialso consider this standard to be importantfor residential tree care companies, sinceregulations that only affect line-clearancetee trimming operations today could affectthe entire industry some day soon.

I’ve learned over the years that as muchas I wish Washington would leave ourindustry alone – or better yet do exactlywhat we ask them to do – the reality ismuch different. Organized groups areworking the halls of Congress to pass lawsand rewrite regulations that will make ourbusiness lives tougher. As much as wewould like to sit back and hope for the best,we need a strong association to advance ourconcerns. We need to be involved as anindustry and as individual business owners.

Whether the issue is pesticide spraydrift, legal and illegal immigration, taxes,

or a specificOSHA regulationgoverning com-mercial tree care,TCIA is also inWashington as ourrepresenta t ive .Through volunteermembers, experienced staff, and a D.C.-based lobbyist the interests of our industryhas a voice.

As the hot air from summer builds overthe Midwest, I’m counting on my tradeassociation to keep that other mass of hotair from crossing the Potomac River. I urgeyou to get involved to help your industry –and your business – watch out for its inter-ests. Don’t wait any longer. Sitting backand hoping for the best is no longer anoption.

Scott Packard is president of Wright TreeService, Inc., in Des Moines, Iowa, andsenior director of the Tree Care IndustryAssociation.

On May 26 the ProfessionalLandscape Network (PLANET) and

the American Nursery and LandscapeAssociation (ANLA) announced that theyhave decided not to proceed with plans tomerge the two organizations.

In confirming the decision, PLANETPresident John Gibson, of Swingle Lawn,Tree, & Landscape Care, said, “Althoughwe achieved encouraging momentum, wehave decided that it is in the best interests ofthe memberships of both organizations notto merge at this time. The PLANET Boardof Directors is focusing on alignments thatare still being solidified coming out of thePLCAA/ALCA merger of 2004.”

The ANLA-PLANET merger task

force embarked on a full- scale evalua-tion after determining last summer thatthere was sufficient reason to considerthe creation of a single, national industrytrade association. The current member-ships of the two associations are largelybased in different sectors of the greenindustry and the merger would havebrought together agricultural nurseryproduction, wholesale distribution, retailgarden centers, landscapedesign/build/installation, lawn care,landscape management, and interiorplantscaping services.

“When you make this kind of invest-ment – volunteer and staff time, as wellas financial resources – it is critical toensure that you are making the right

decision at the right time for the good ofboth organizations,” said ANLAPresident Buzz Bertolero, of Navlet’sGarden Centers. “Our thorough investi-gation substantiated the potential of anANLA-PLANET merger, and we plan tocontinue working together as greenindustry associations and re-examinethis possibility in the future.”

There is no doubt that some importantgroundwork has been laid for the futureby the due diligence efforts undertakenthis year, and a merger would have a dra-matic positive impact on the industry. Inthe meantime, the two organizationsintend to remain aligned in deliveringservices, expanding public outreach, andexerting political influence.

When the rules change

ANLA and PLANET announce end of merger talks




The Illinois Department of Agricultureannounced June 13 that a beetle found

in the yard of a Kane County home east ofLily Lake is an emerald ash borer (EAB).

“A coalition of local, state and federalagencies, including the USDA’s Animaland Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S.Forest Service and Illinois Department ofAgriculture, has been preparing for thisday the past two years,” AgricultureDirector Chuck Hartke said. “Now that theemerald ash borer has been confirmed,we’ll activate our response plan and beginthe task of eradicating it. The first step is toconduct an extensive survey of ash trees inthe area to determine the extent of damage.The findings will help establish boundariesfor a quarantine that will stop the move-ment of potentially contaminated woodand nursery products out of the area andprevent the spread of this pest.”

Since the emerald ash borer was first confirmed in the Midwest in the summerof 2002, more than 20 million ash trees aredead or dying.

The homeowner discovered the beetleand alerted the Animal and Plant HealthInspection Service’s Illinois field office,which sent the bug to its lab in Romulus,Mich., for identification and notifiedIDOA nursery inspectors.

Inspectors visited the residence in “TheWindings” subdivision where the beetlewas found and discovered several infestedash trees. They also canvassed the neigh-borhood and uncovered at least sixadditional infested trees within five-blocksof the residence, as well as evidence of aninfestation in an adjacent subdivision to thenorth.

“The diversity of the landscaping in thisneighborhood will help our eradicationefforts,” noted Warren Goetsch, IDOAdivision manager of Natural Resources.“Only about 5 percent of the trees are ashvarieties.”

Inspectors have not determined how thebeetle arrived in Illinois, but suspect it mayhave been transported here in contaminat-ed firewood. EAB infestations have been

confirmed in Michigan, Indiana,Ohio and Maryland.

The emerald ash borer typicallymoves only short distances by flying,

but can survive long distances in transiton ash nursery stock, ash logs, branchesand firewood. To avoid the accidentalintroduction of the beetle to new areas,people are advised to purchase only local-ly grown nursery stock and locally cutfirewood.

The emerald ash borer is difficult todetect in newly infested trees. Signs ofinfestation include the presence of metal-lic-green beetles about half the diameter ofa penny on or around ash trees, thinningand yellowing leaves, D-shaped holes inthe bark of the trunk or branches andshoots growing from the base of the tree.Anyone who suspects a tree has beeninfested is urged to first contact their coun-ty Extension office. The IllinoisDepartment of Agriculture also will offer atoll-free hotline at 1-800-641-3934 forextension-confirmed infestations.

Emerald ash borer confirmed in Illinois


Polonski bin not ein BerlinerAfter reading the article about Leo

Polonski’s experiences in Germany inTCIA Member Forum (TCI, March 2006),I wanted to clarify some statements andadd some facts.

Unfortunately the majority of GermanAutobahn nowadays is covered with speedlimits between 75 and 80 mph, and strictenforcement results in high fines – proba-bly like everywhere else.

Polonski is really a good observer; hefound that German cars hardly have anycup holders. That is because we know thatfrom speeds of 130 mph onward it is betterto put the cup between the thighs – it istighter there. (It is a rumor that is not pos-sible to make phone calls, comb hair andfiddle with the radio at a speed of morethan 100 mph.)

It is not true that the small leaf lime(Tilia cordata) is the national tree. Instead,our national tree is the European oak(Quercus robur) and our national emblemis the eagle, even though most Germanshave the feeling that this bird is more of avulture with an insatiable thirst for taxEuros.

It also is not true that all German streettrees are being pruned or topped in a waythat Alex Shigo would have to turn around.This may be a local problem in some areas,like in North America.

Yes, poplars are a very commonspecies. They were mostly planted afterthe second world war to provide quickgrowing wood for heating. In the ’60sand ’70s they often were plantedbetween more “valuable” trees to stimu-late quicker growth. Nowadays hardlyany poplars are being planted alongstreets or in parks.

Tree climbing is definitely allowed inGermany. It used to be forbidden by theGerman health and safety authoritiesuntil 2001. Since then, approximately5,000 climbers have been trained in spe-cial five-day courses in small groups of amaximum of five participants. Passingthe final test is required to be allowed toperform professional tree-climbing.These hands-on courses provide knowl-edge in safe climbing techniques, rescueoperation and material properties.

Additional training and thorough med-ical tests are required when using a chainsaw for tree work. Physical and mental fit-ness is examined every two years. Quite afew climbers do not comply with the crite-ria and fail. In addition, every year first aidtraining needs to be refreshed.

European industry offers high tech,brightly coloured, chain saw resistant fullbody protection that is not much thickerthan the canvas of tree climber pants. It ismandatory to wear special CE (an acronymfor the French phrase "ConformiteEuropeenne") approved hard hats with chinprotection and a visor or other eye protec-tion. Also saw resistant gloves arerecommended.

It is also not true that every tree carecompany uses telescope lifts, but mostcompanies use the good infrastructure andrent these high tech devices on a regularbasis. Most companies use a combinationof tree climbing and aerial lifts.

Another reason for fewer accidentscould be based on the fact that the majori-ty of German arborists are usually highlyskilled. Tree care work is mostly carriedout by professional gardeners or foresterjourneymen with a sound two to three yearapprenticeship backed up by state runschools. Finally, after a three year practiceperiod, a gardener or forester can qualifyfor a five month, full tuition course at oneof the two German state run schools.

If an applicant has no official profession-al background in the green industry, sixyears of practical work experience arerequired to apply for the final examination.

I believe that a high level of safety fortree workers is not so much a matter ofstandards, rules and regulations, but ismost of all based on solid thorough train-ing, personal health and maturity, andintelligent work planning.

Erk Brudi

Brudi & Partner, TreeConsult,

Gauting, Germany


Letters

THE BESTSINCE 1921

www.fannosaw.com




1. Air-Spade/Concept Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202. Almstead Tree & Shrub Care Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Altec Industries Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133. American Arborist Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704. Arborjet, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105. ArborSystems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126. Arbortech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 477 Arborwear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .198. Bailey’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 739. Bandit Industries, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

The F. A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company . . . . . . . . 6610. Beaver Squeezer Grapple, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4611. Bishop Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7112. Border City Tool & Manufacturing Co. . . . . . . . . . 5413. Buckingham Manufacturing Co. Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . 7214. Dica Marketing Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7215. Doggett Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6016. FAE USA, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3517. Fanno Saw Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7818. Fecon, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119. G & A Equipment, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5920. Giuffre Brothers Cranes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2221. Gyro-Trac, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4022. The Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5523. IML- Instrument Mechanic Labor, Inc. . . . . . . . . . 6624. J. Davis Tree Service, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6526. J. P. Carlton Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4127. Jameson, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6928. Jarraff Industries Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3929. Kubota Engine America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2330. Liberty Financial Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5231. Loftness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3632. Mainka Enterprises, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

33. Morbark, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334. New England Ropes, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7635. City of New York Parks & Rec. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6236. NiftyLift, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3437. Northeastern Arborist Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1438. Opdyke, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2139. Payeur Distributions, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4340. Rainbow Treecare Scientific . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1141. Rapco Industries, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4842. Rayco Manufacturing, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 543. Royal Truck & Equipment, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5344. SavATree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6545. Schodorf Truck Body & Equipment Co. . . . . . . . . 6446. SilkyUSA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover47. Southco Industries, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5848. Stihl, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4549. Stonebrooke Equipment, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 750. SuperTrak, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3851. TCIA Accreditation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2552. CTSP-TCIA Certified Treecare Safety Professional . 4953. TCIA EXPO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1754. TCIA Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

TCIA PACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7755 TCIA Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3156. Terex Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1557. Teupen America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover58. Tree Awareness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6459. TREE Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6760. Tree Management Systems/Arbor Gold . . . . . . . . . 5161. Trees, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6262. Vitamin Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover63. Western Tree Equipment & Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . 6364. Zenith Cutter Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Please tell these advertisers where you saw their ad.They appreciate your patronage.

Reader Service No. * Page No. Reader Service No. * Page No.

* Please circle this number on the Reader’s Service Card for more information.

New ANSI standard for safe motor vehicle operationsAnew ANSI standard on “Safe Practices

for Motor Vehicle Operations”became effective April 28, 2006. This stan-dard is important because it provides acomprehensive vehicle safety standard.

ASSE developed the new Z15.1 standardbecause 45 percent of workplace fatalitiesresult from motor vehicle crashes (Bureau ofLabor Statistics: www.bls.gov/iif/oshwc/cfoi/cfoi_revised04.htm). The pri-mary objective in developing this newstandard was to define minimum safetyrequirements that would apply to any type ofbusiness regardless of fleet size, types ofvehicles and whether regulations apply or

not. The standard serves as a tool that helpssafety and fleet supervisors and managementdevelop effective fleet risk management pro-cedures and to provide guidelines designedfor developing and implementing effectivefleet risk management programs.

The Z15.1 standard is a baseline pro-gram developed by industry experts forvoluntary use by businesses whereemployees may be exposed to hazardsassociated with motor vehicle operations.It is believed it will be most beneficial forsmall to medium sized fleets. The standardshould not have a substantial impact oncommercial vehicle operations, since most

already have fleet risk management pro-grams. For non-commercial fleets, thestandard will be of value, as it offers guide-lines to develop effective risk managementtools for motor vehicle operations.

Key elements include: Scope, Termin-ology, Leadership, Operational Environment,Driver Management, Vehicles andRecordkeeping, and Sample Policies (can beused as a guide and for information on inci-dent reporting and calculating incident rates).

Copies of the standard are available fromthe American Society of Safety Engineers,1800 East Oakton St., Des Plaines, IL60018-2187 or www.asse.org.


By Adrian Juttner

Underground warrens and nests ofthe introduced Formosan termiteare huge! Studies done by the New

Orleans Mosquito and Termite ControlBoard in the 1990s showed that termitesmined under St. Charles Avenue, connectingthe trees in Lafayette Park with infestedGallier Hall. Ongoing studies in ArmstrongPark and elsewhere map colonies hundredsof feet long and 30 feet deep.

Louisiana State University studies showtermite activity in the levees and floodwalls. New Orleans sits atop hundreds offeet of alluvium (sand, clay, silt, etc.) lacedwith prehistoric trees and woody debris.Termites arising from the river and lakebeds eat through creosote pilings aroundthe Canal Street ferry, wharves and fishingcamps.

Heavy termite activity in trees wasobserved, and documented in the Adrian’sTree Service database, at the sites of all thelevee breaches. The first tree termite treat-ment, using a combination of aninsect-killing fungus and massive waterinjection into a tree trunk, was done on a43-inch DBH Laurel oak in front of 7035Derbes St. on May 5, 2000. The treeaccepted 10,000 gallons of water from agarden hose unimpeded. The water flowwas shut off to mitigate the size of thewater bill (about $80) for the homeowner.This was just four blocks from the 17thStreet Canal levee breach.

On March 1, 2001, a group of infestedtrees at 1315 Royal St. accepted 70,000gallons of water – again unimpeded – witha termite treatment. Swarming in subse-quent years in an entire city block of theFrench Quarter has been reduced to nil.

During the week of June 4, 2002, agroup of a dozen infested trees under theSkyview Apartments in Algiers accepted500,000 gallons of water laced with bio-logical termicides in an unimpeded,unlimited flow.

Since May 2000, Adrian’s Tree Servicehas treated more than 1,000 termite infest-ed trees using biological termicides andmassive amounts of water. All of thesetreatments are documented in our database.Where does this water go? It goes into amassive warren of subterranean nests and

passageways that have been mined out byFormosan termites over 60 years.Sometimes native termite colonies or smallFormosan termite colonies accept only alimited amount of water – say 500 gallons.Water begins to bubble up out of theground in the vicinity and the flow must beshut off. Sometimes the access to the war-ren is narrow or plugged up with termitedung and the tree will accept water at onlya dribble. To increase the flow, we hold thenozzle into the drill hole in the tree trunkand raise the pressure and flow to the max-imum. Sometimes this blows the bung andallows water to flow freely into the under-ground warren at an acceptable rate. Treestumps with termite cavities can accept thefull force and flow of a 2-inch line from afire hydrant.

During Hurricane Katrina, the stormsurge blew the bungs under the levees andallowed water to flow freely into the neigh-borhoods via the underground warrens andtoppled infested trees. This is basic hydrol-ogy – water seeks its own level. Since thecanals are at sea level and connected toLake Pontchartrain, the water will flow infrom a single breach until the entire city isflooded. And the entire levee system –including the Mississippi River levees – isundermined. It is possible that 60 years ofmining on the lakefront will limit the surgeto the fragile levees, but this termite sce-nario puts the recovery of most of NewOrleans in doubt.

Adrian Juttner is owner of Adrian’s TreeService, a TCIA member company, in NewOrleans.


From the Field

Hurricane Katrina, the Formosan Termiteand the Destruction of New Orleans

A termite infested tree felled during Katrina in NewOrleans Courtesy of Adrian Juttner.

TCI will pay $100 for published “From the Field” articles. Submissions become the property of TCI and are subject to editingfor grammar, style and length. Entries must include the name of a company and a contact person. Send to: Tree Care Industry, 3Perimeter Road, Unit 1, Manchester, NH 03101, or [email protected].

One man’s opinion



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