(April  2008)  Another Registered Consulting Arborist  (RCA) at Tree Solutions Inc!

We are excited to announce that Tree Solution’s Sean Dugan has become the 6th Registered Consulting Arborist in Washington State. This designation is the highest one can achieve in the arboricultural field. More information about this can be found at the ASCA website.

(February 2008)  Ann Hirschi is on the Emerald City Task Force

Ann worked as one of the 10 professionals united to form a collective voice in helping the City of Seattle rework the city's tree preservation and landscaping regulations. Currently there is an 18% canopy cover in Seattle's single family neighborhoods -- and Seattle's goal over the next 30 years is to increase it to 30%. Therefore, it is acknowledged that current ordinances must be altered

Please see the final letter to the Director of DPD, Diane Sugimura, for the task force recommendations and watch for community meetings to weigh in with your opinions.

(March  2008)  Certified Arborist Deb Powers leaves Tree Solutions

We wish Deb luck in her new job as the Urban Forester for the City of Kirkland.  Congratulations Deb!

(November 2007)  Ann Hirschi returns from Civita, Italy

Ann completed a 6 week residency fellowship from the NW Institute for Architecture and Urban Studies in Italy (NIAUSI) this fall for a project focused on  the restoration of an ancient Chestnut grove in Civita di Bagnoregio-- a hilltown in central Italy. She recognized this grove as a threatened cultural landscape and an integral part of the rehabilitation of the town of Civita. Her assessment and management recommendations are  in accordance with these components.  Information about the program and her project can be found at http://northwestinstitute.com/. The tree research led to an interest in the Slow Food Movement, a group focusing on the rich Italian culinary traditions utilizing local produce and and the regional landscape bounty. http://www.slowfood.com. Welcome home Ann!
 

(June 2007)  Tour des Trees 2007

Tree Solution’s Scott Baker rode in this year’s Tour des Trees in CA, a 550 mile bike tour to raise funds for urban tree research. He participated with his wife, Jenise Crane, and son Carson. Together with his family, he surpassed his lofty donation goal and raised $12,075.  The race was an amazing success... and the Tree Fund raised $359,128!!  The tree fund is a worthwhile cause and a great way to make a difference. Every dollar counts!

To learn more about how tree research benefits the trees in your community, go to this link:  http://www.treefund.org/tourdestrees/about/Cause.aspx
 

(June 2007)  Another Certified Arborist at Tree Solutions Inc!

We are excited to announce that Tree Solution’s Holly Iosso has earned her certification as an arborist through ISA's Pacific Northwest Chapter. She adds this accreditation to her resume, including her two degrees in Landscape Horticulture and Landscape Architecture.
 

(March 2007)  Iowa State University Shade Tree Short Course

Scott Baker was invited to deliver the closing speech at the 50th Annual Iowa State University Shade Tree Short Course this year. The shade conference attracted over 600 participants this year. He spoke on "Treehouses, an Arborist’s Perspective” as well as  “Techniques for diagnosing structural problems in trees” to an audience of more than 300.
 

(December 2006)  Storm Damaged Trees

If you need to have a failed or damaged tree removed before a consulting arborist can inspect it for insurance or legal purposes, measure the diameter of the cross-section or the circumference of the tree at 4.5 feet up the trunk from the base of the tree and make a note of it.  Take lots of photos, especially of the root area and any damaged or decayed areas.

More advice for dealing with trees damaged by the Dec 14 windstorm can be found at Washington State University Extension office.  See their website: http://king.wsu.edu/forestry/windstorm.html . Also, see the City of Seattle website http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/afterthestorm.htm
 

  (October 2006)  Expanding our Knowledge...

Sean Dugan and Scott Baker added 'Certified Tree Risk Assessor' to their already impressive resumes this October. The Pacific Northwest Chapter of ISA has begun this course and exam as a way for teaching about tree risks in the urban and urban/rural interface while using the most current theory, practice and technology. Information regarding this course.
 

(March 2006) The Statics Integrated Pull Test  in Seattle

A Statics Integrated Pull test was performed  Feb 21 on the old elm in front of the UW Playhouse Theater to determine the tree's stability and likelihood of blowing over in a windstorm. The test was performed by urban forester Phillip van Wassenaer of Mississauga, ON, with assistance from Tree Solutions.  See http://www.tree-consult.org/html/eng/articles/statics.htm for more information on the pull test.
 

Civita di Bagnoregio
 

Chestnut husks
 

Tour des Trees Gang 6.07
 

Holly Iosso 10.07

Acer macrophyllum