Newsletter Winter 2011

· January 31, 2012 · 9:31 am · Tree care

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The Business of “Growing” Successfully

· February 16, 2011 · 12:58 pm · Did You Know?, Employees, Misc., Tree care, , , , , , , ,

The Business of “Growing” Successfully

Ruel Jones

While I always hoped I’d be in the international banking business, I found my niche in nature, though ironically there are similarities.
Understanding how a plant operates is the key component to providing proper year-round care, much the same as with operating a successful business.
A tree is like a company, which has employees both below ground (roots) and above ground (leaves), and both play vital roles. A tree stores money (energy) in its fibers and cells just like a company does with a savings or checking account. In the spring this living, breathing company uses last year’s stored savings to build new leaves, or what we might call next year’s “employees” for the growing season. All winter long this plant was spend-ing money on root development to support the group of employees that will soon be coming on. After the leaves are built, they are now ready to start making money for the company to use in a new growth development season, while at the same time, of course, refilling the savings account now low due to all the money the company spent developing the current roots and leaves.
That is basically how a plant works. The leaves support the roots and the roots sup-port the leaves in a symbiotic relationship. The margin or profit from these two groups of employees is what the company uses each year for new growth.
Improper pruning or care of your trees and plants can cause them to dig further down into their “savings account” and spend more money to create additional leaves to do necessary work. The plant knows that without the proper amount of leaves doing the job and making money, the company will soon be filling Chapter 7.
So in the end, though the company’s name is Quality Tree Surgery, some might con-sider us in the financial and banking business for trees!

Landscape Pros

· February 16, 2011 · 1:14 am · Employees, Lawn care, , , , , , , , ,

Meet our Landscape Professionals!

Curt Watson and Jesse Ragan

Our Landscaping Division Offers:

Full Service Maintenance

Turf Programs

Leaf Removal

Installation of Trees and Shrubs

Mulching

And Landscaping Enhancements

Slides

· February 16, 2011 · 12:20 am · Did You Know?, Lawn care, Tree care

Quality Tree Surgery, Inc.

Environmental benefits of a healthy lawn

· February 15, 2011 · 10:33 pm · Did You Know?, Lawn care, Misc., , , , ,


Healthy Lawn

Environmental benefits of a healthy lawn

Do you know the environmental benefits of a healthy lawn?

According to Joe Churchill of Rehbein Environmental Solutions, a healthy turf can reduce the amount of energy needed to operate air conditioners by 25%.

The front lawns of 8 houses have the cooling effect of about 70 tons of air conditioning!

Having a healthy lawn also removes dust and dirt from the air, approximately 12 million tons of it annually in the U.S.

Risk of Referring

· February 15, 2011 · 9:55 pm · Referrals, , , , ,

Risk of Referring

We always take a risk when referring someone to our friends, family or colleagues.  I have had it happen to me and most of you probably have had it happen to you as well; your referral didn’t come through with shining colors,  and now you look like a goofball for referring that person.  It’s embarrassing, too, not to mention that your friend thinks it’s your fault for getting them in such a mess.

Well,  I have little time for being jerked around by some nut case who really doesn’t want to provide top of the line service.  After being in business over 27 years and weeding out a lot of “dead beat bubbas, ” we have a list of really good companies and people that continually provide excellent service.

Understanding the importance of a referral keeps us sharp as a razor; we know someone has put their reputation on the line in telling their friend about us, and we won’t let them down.

I will be referring some of the people we trade with in each issue of this paper.  I feel that a personal referral is the best and most likely way to find a competent place of business where everyone comes out a winner.

Steve Bass with Bass Tire – Talking about top of the line service, these guys lead by leaps and bounds. They are a no bull company with super nice people who get the job done and make your experience pleasant.  I have been trading with Bass Tire for over 18 years and they are wonderful, prompt, honest, down-to-earth and truly caring people.  So,  you may already have a personal tire company, but if you don’t, you will find a friend and good service at Bass Tire.

Something you should know

· February 15, 2011 · 2:15 pm · Did You Know?, Employees, Misc., , , ,

Something You Should Know…

Twenty seven years ago when I started this tree care company, I had no idea I was lined up for a roller coaster ride of Feast or Famine as a career.  That’s right; a roller coaster job is putting it lightly because in the spring and summer, wonderful volumes of work come in like nobody’s business but then come the winter months where starvation and poverty-stricken days show up and surround us like buzzards on road kill.

Getting a tree job is like standing in a soup line with only enough food for half the people and everyone cutting corners to get in front.  It’s too funny I’m telling you!  I catch myself laughing at the irony of why in the world anyone would start a tree care company  – “Just kidding”.

Anyhow, facts are, the best time of year for tree operations are the winter months when trees are in a kind of sleep mode or should I say, “taking a rest and gearing up for the next growing season.”

Not only is it better for the tree but winter pruning is easier because it’s easier to see limbs without leaves blocking the view of dead or unproductive branches.  Pruning off undesirable live material is better because the tree hasn’t spent all that energy growing leaves.  It’s almost always more cost effective because of factors like less debris to clean up and no delicate flowers growing up under the trees to work around, of course,  there is less of a work load which means no over time hours.

Fact is, winter months are hands down the best time of year to have tree work performed regardless of what kind of maintenance it is, and,  of course,  above all other reasons,  the best time to have any kind of work done is when you are ready.  It’s not necessary to wait until spring or summer. If you have tree work to do and you are in a position to have it done, do it now; by doing so, you will probably save money, as well.

Ruel Jones

Frost Damage & Turf Care

· February 15, 2011 · 2:09 pm · Lawn care, , , , , ,

Frost Damage & Turf Care…

By:  Jeff Stokes

Jeff Stokes

What happens to your lawn when we get a hard freeze during the winter months?

First of all like most plants, turf grass (fescue) is made up of a large portion of water.  So when we get sub 32 degree temperatures, the plant cells inside the grass freeze or crystallize.  This is what causes the fescue to turn brown during the cold months.  It is not dead!  DO NOT WORRY!!!…It may look completely brown, but once we get some warmer soil temperatures, it will grow out of this condition.  The early fertilizer applications will aid in this process.

Have you noticed footprints in the lawn?  This is simply where the lawn has been walked across while the grass is frozen;  the plant cells are broken when stepped on thus leaving footprints…Again do not worry!  The turf grass will grow out of this and recover nicely.Frost Damage

Steve Cooley

· February 14, 2011 · 8:49 pm · Employees, Lawn care, Tree care, , , , , , ,

LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY CERTIFIED

Steve Cooley

Steve Cooley

The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) announces that Steve Cooley of Quality Tree Surgery, Inc.,  in Nashville, Tennessee, has earned the Landscape Industry Certified Horticultural Technician and is now nationally certified.

Candidates pass two extensive exams covering the care of trees and shrubs in residential and commercial landscapes.  Those achieving this certification have expertise in a wide selection of plants used in area landscapes and can recognize pest problems and other factors that stress ornamental foliage.  Successful candidates understand the need to carefully observe foliage for the subtle signs that signal a situation to be controlled before it becomes overwhelming or uncontrollable.

Certification enhances an individual’s professionalism, demonstrates a sense of personal achievement, and increases respect and recognition in the profession.

Nashville Scene 2010 Best of the Best

· February 4, 2011 · 6:20 pm · Misc.

I want to thank you all for making Quality Tree Surgery the best tree company in Nashville through the Nashville Scene. In a typical election or voting-based awards program, the competitors will use advertising and marketing as tools to keep themselves remembered at the voting booths; we did none of that. That is what truly makes this so gratifying. Knowing that you, the customer, took time out of your day and remembered us when voting for “Best of Nashville” without being coerced or reminded is truly special. Believe me, there was much chatter around the office when the results came in. We hugged each other, shook hands, high-fived, and generally celebrated. I believe every employee stopped on their way home that day and picked up a copy of the Nashville Scene and its proclamations. We showed our spouses, children and anyone else who we thought may care. We purchased a large banner proclaiming us the “BEST TREE COMPANY OF NASHVILLE 2010” and put it up outside of the office. We drive by that banner every day when coming and going from work, and we are reminded of the thoughtfulness of you, the customer, each time we see it.

To be the best tree company you must have the best employees. We do, and 2010 proved it.

On Sunday, May 2nd, I was sitting at home watching the news and weather about our current crisis-the flood- when I received a phone call. A co-worker had driven by the office and had seen the results of some high wind damage. A large oak had broken and was completely blocking our parking area. Shingles were missing off the roof, and there was general damage to surrounding properties. After a short discussion, we agreed to meet there and clean up the oak so that on Monday we would be able to park. From there, things got real serious real quick. Upon arrival, we checked the answering machine and realized that damages were far from a localized problem. The machine was nearly full. We contacted Ruel, salesman and owner, and he came in. While we worked to clear the parking lot, he was busy returning calls and driving to properties with damages. As the rain continued to come down and the flooding got worse, we were out there clearing drives and supporting trees that would otherwise have fallen over due to saturated ground. I was in communication with my then girlfriend now wife as she updated me on road conditions so I could route myself to these properties. We volunteered for this. It wasn’t mandatory, we simply just wanted to help.

Later on in the summer, we continually had pop-ups of severe thunderstorms all over the mid-state; it seemed to happen weekly. A crew of men could always be found at the office, waiting in case of a call. True, some of this is mandatory, but, oftentimes, you would see others waiting, just in case they too could help. We would work until after dark on Friday nights and come in early on Saturday to take care of damages if that’s what it took. And though we were working overtime and coming in on our days off, no one complained or tried to take short-cuts. We never had a hard time getting a crew together for emergencies; everyone here takes pride in what they do and are constantly looking to help. Just last week we had a tree pruning job that we had to complete by the end of the day, and we had guys volunteering from the turf division and landscape division, and even our secretary said she’d go and work, dragging brush or anything that could help.  To have this kind of work environment is great. But to be recognized for it by you, the customer, is phenomenal.  Once again, thank you Nashville, for making us the best tree company around.  By: Joe Giansante

Photos

· November 16, 2010 · 9:42 am · Tree care

Prepare for the Holidays

· November 5, 2010 · 7:17 pm · Lawn care, Tree care, , , , ,

Jesse & Jeff 003

Prepare for the Holidays

What a relief!  With the last two scorching summers that seriously had me questioning my profession, this cooler version in ‘09 was a big relief to say the least. My

anticipation for fall is still calling, but nothing compared to ‘07 and ‘08.

While enjoying the cooler weather, fall colors  and tailgating, keep in mind there is no better  time to plant than in the fall. Tree and shrub roots are working all winter long while the rest of the plant is dormant. This allows the plant more time to get established,  improving survival rate and speed of growth.

Fall and winter is also a great time to touch up your mulch and give the shrubs one last trim-up. Although we can’t make your favorite team win, we can help your yard look good for the holidays. Go ahead and get on the schedule early, and GO VOLS!!!

By: Jesse Ragan

Icky, sticky, gooey stuff…

· August 18, 2010 · 11:14 pm · Lawn care, Misc., Pests, , , , , , , , , , ,

Icky, sticky, gooey stuff...

Did you experience a clear sticky substance or black mold on your deck, lawn furniture or car last summer? If you did, you may be experienc-ing the symptoms of the Asian woolly hackberry aphid, Shivaphis celti. Middle Tennessee hackberry trees experienced severe infestations during the summers of 2003 through 2006.   The aphids mysteriously vanished during the summers of 2006 and 2007 and reappeared again in 2008.

Hackberry, Celtis occidentalis and sugarberry, Celtis laevigata are the host plants for this aphid. The aphids are small, about 2—2.5 millimeters long and are conspicuous due to the large amount of bluish white wax secretion from their abdomen. See Photo. The adults are winged and give the appearance of small pieces of cotton on the undersides of leaves.
Overwintering eggs hatch into females that, without fertilization, give birth to living females. The ability of females to reproduce without mating is termed parthenogensis. This ability allows young to be brought forth throughout the summer, accounting for rapid increases in population. The largest populations usually occur in late July or early August in our area. In late fall, males and females are born. After mating, the female deposits overwintering eggs, and the cycle contin-ues the following year.
During severe infestation the aphids excrete large amounts of honeydew, which coats the lower leaves and drips onto objects below the tree. The honeydew attracts ants, bees and other insects and serves as a medium for the growth of sooty mold fungus. In most cases little injury occurs to the trees; however, staining of wood, painted surfaces or fabric may occur from prolonged exposure to sooty mold.
If you are experiencing staining of decks, lawn furniture or other valuable items, you may want to consider treatment for this pest.
Prevention can be obtained by soil treatment in April or May with a systemic insecticide, such as imidicloprid. Reduction of populations can be obtained by spraying small trees with a contact insecticide or microinjection of larger trees in July through September.

The Long Race of Summer!

· August 5, 2010 · 3:16 pm · Lawn care, Misc., Tree care, , , , ,

Imagine if you will, a group of racehorses
pacing in a field. They look eager for the
run; it has been a long off-season. You
can see the restlessness in their eyes, the
anxiousness in their body movements.
You can almost see them speaking with
one another, conversing about the challengesQuality Tree Surgery, Inc.
to come and the obstacles to hurdle
over. As they gallop in the field and
spring around the practice track, you can
tell that they are driven beyond something
of duty, they are driven by a passion. Isn’t
this what makes them great and why they
are so quick and efficient on the track?
That love of the race?
They are no different than us, the workers of Quality Tree, Turf
and Landscape. When the long season ended last year and the
days became shorter and cooler we were relieved and enjoyed the
lighter, shorter work weeks! But not anymore. With spring comes
that anxiousness, that drive to once again put our skills and performance
to work. Yes, you can see it in our eyes; that push. Yes,
like an eager racehorse we have begun to pace. And why not?
This is what we love, this is our passion. You may see us during
our race in your yard, looking tired and exhausted, but also you will
see a deep satisfaction. You will see smiling faces streaked with
dirt and sweat and maybe even a thankfulness to do a job so rewarding.
For once again we are in our element – going the distance.
We are now beating our hooves on the ground waiting for the gunshot
to ring out so we may once more run the long race of spring
and summer.

By Joe Giansante

Winter Tree Care

· July 12, 2010 · 8:50 pm · Tree care, , , ,

Winter Tree Care

Should I be DOING anything for my trees during winter? I get this question a lot from homeowners. The answer is “Yes”. Fertilization is an important tool. Although trees appear to be asleep in winter, they are active growing new roots and taking up nutrients for next year. Fertilization is an important step which ensures that trees and shrubs have what they need to continue growth and have a healthy look next year. We use the finest slow release fertilizer formulated just for trees and shrubs. In addition to this, we add other key ingredients: Biostimulants to feed the colonies of microbes in the soil (which greatly helps the tree do its work), beneficial bacteria, and Mycorrhizae spores, a beneficial fungus for the root system. Just remember, the next time you are looking out the window at that lonely tree out there, he is working hard to get ready for next years growth.

Larry Loiseau/Certified Arborist

What is my Landscape Worth?

· July 12, 2010 · 8:48 pm · Lawn care, Tree care, , , ,

Most people are aware that trees and other living plants are valuable. They provide beauty to our properties, manufacture oxygen, reduce rain-fall runoff, provide sound barriers, and help us save energy by provid-ing cool shade in the summer and reducing the harsh winds in the winter. However, trees and other landscape plants are a part of your property and have a dollar value that can be measured by competent plant appraisers.
A U.S. Forest study conducted in Amherst, Massachusetts shows that real-estate appraisers estimated that trees contributed as much as 27 % increase in dollars for two thirds wooded compared to open land with no plants. Another study by Arbor National Mortgage, Inc., revealed that “ 84 % of the real estate agents feel a house on a lot with trees would be as much as 20 % more saleable than a house on a lot with no trees.” (Arbor National Mortgage 1993).
If you have trees or shrubs that have been damaged or destroyed, you may be able to recapture your loss through insurance claims, litigation, or as a deduction from your income tax. The extent of damage and how the damage occurred will determine which avenues are available to you to compensate for the lost value. If you have a portion of your property condemned for right of ways, utility easements or other condemnation proceedings, the value of any trees and shrubs on that portion of your property should be considered in determining your compensation for the loss of that property. In the event of a loss or damage to your landscape, you should obtain a written appraisal by a qualified plant appraiser to insure that you are properly compensated for the dollar value of your landscape.
Kim Cross

Wood Chips

· July 12, 2010 · 8:40 pm · Did You Know?

Did You Know?

Wood Chips…..

  • Are easy to recycle and store, making them more stable than the markets for other recyclable materials.
  • Will prevent weed growth
  • Conserve moisture in soil
  • Cool surface and stabilize soil
  • Reduce soil erosions on slopes
  • Keep fruits, vegetables, and flowers cleaner
  • Improve aesthetics of a land-scape and add to property values.

Benefits of Wood Chips

· July 12, 2010 · 8:29 pm · Lawn care, Tree care

Saves Water – far less watering needed, and more rain absorption.
Saves Labor – no weeding, less time watering.
Stimulates growth – mulched trees grow faster than unmulched trees.
Keeps soil and roots from overheating in hot summers.
Eliminates injury to trunk from mower collisions.
Reduces soil compaction over roots.
Nourishes the soil by adding nutrients as it decomposes.
Reduces erosion under heavily shaded areas.
Reduces bruising of fallen fruit under fruit trees.

For FREE Wood Chips, delivered by the truck load, give us a call!!!

ANTS

· July 12, 2010 · 8:27 pm · Pests

Those poor little creatures get blamed for so many things! It’s not uncommon to hear that those pesky little ants have “eaten my tree, and now it’s dying!” It’s quite the opposite! Ants cannot actually “eat,” for they cannot chew or swallow solids. Instead, they suck out juices which they squeeze from pieces of food. Ants actually can and do wonderful things for us. They aerate the soil and their diet consists of things that eat trees and plants.
The biggest enemy to our trees (other than human beings) is fungi. Fungi thrives in dark, moist ar-eas. When a tree has a cavity inside, fungi will slowly eat up the wood, and that can become a big problem for the tree. Ants, on the other hand, are opportunists, and seek trees with this problem to set up a home. There, they work really hard and carry out the rotten fungi infested wood and make little baby bedding gal-leries for their young. Given time, a subdivision develops to house thousands in their community.
The beneficial side effect of this ant farm creates air movement inside the open wound area helping it to stay dry, thus making it unfavorable for fungi to thrive. The presence of ants is actually helping the tree, although seeing a colony living inside of your tree may be an indication of a more serious problem. Some fungal cavities may become so big that it detracts from the structural integrity of the tree, causing it to be-come unstable. In a nut shell, while ants are good in nature, they remain bad in your kitchen, and indicators of possibly larger problem in a tree.
Ruel Jones

Fall Facts

· July 12, 2010 · 8:23 pm · Tree care

Did You Know?
Fall Facts

  • The more light a leaf is exposed to, more likely it will become red.

  • Fertile soil enhances the intensity of red in leaves.

  • Leaves actually stay orange and yellow throughout the summer, but the chlorophyll (green) covers it.

  • Rainy, cloudy days dim leaves from becoming brilliantly colored.