Who is your Caretaker?

 Have you taken a walk through a botanical garden? If you have, I’m sure nothing less than a complete appreciation for the plants was discovered within your soul. That’s the beauty of living plants, some ranging from 40 to over 100 years old! It is nothing less than inspiring! One aspect of these plants’ success and grandeur that is often overlooked is the caretaker. The caretaker changes hands throughout the years, but the quality and care remain the same. We have a deep sense of appreciation for these botanical gardens, but most forget they can have the same results in their yard.

What we must understand is that trees rely on growth hormones as they age. These hormones are triggered in different ways and determine the architecture of the tree and its form. Spread out trees with large canopies are often broadleaf trees and have a decurrent form while evergreens usually have one central lead and are called excurrent. Each form is significant for balance and in determining strength for events that cause loading. Occasionally, stress or natural competition can cause branching habits that do more to hinder the development of the canopy than to help it.

Pruning is the caretaker’s method of treating or fixing any potential flaws that we know will cause failure or disease. Due to this, it is necessary for the proper growth and development of your plants that you have a certified arborist annually inspect your landscape. It is healthier and more cost effective to prevent through corrective action than to recorrect with less than satisfactory results. Remember, plants and trees add immense value to our landscape: economically, emotionally and environmentally. It is in our best interest to give them the care they need.

Boe Brodhun ISA# PN-9329A & Todd Ebens ISA# WI-0457A