As a practicing arborist since 1985 and with a passion for trees much earlier, launching a Tree Protection practice in 2000 with the sole mission to “Protect Vulnerable, High Value Trees” has been a seemingly inevitable evolution.
My earliest memory of trees came in the 1970’s when still in grade school and my mom called a tree expert to look at one of our backyard trees . I still remember leaning on the window sill with my chin cradled in my hands watching from inside as they discussed our tree. It was a valuable tree being one of the few large trees in our yard, and also on the west side of the house providing shade from the hot setting sun. Its branches extended over a picnic table and patio that served as the gathering place for many family events, so even at a young age I was very interested in the fate of the tree. Fortunately the consultant told us that the tree was suffering from a leaf feeding beetle that would leave on its own. No treatment, no drama.
I also remember the relief of the prognosis was followed by wonder that there existed such a job. Knowing the type of tree, the pest, the treatment and outcome?….that’s way cool. I can’t say at the time I thought this would be my future career, but I now wonder if it was it my first vocational calling? Maybe my first brush with Providence? The memory still gives me a slight rush when stacked on subsequent “chance” events that molded my future. In the end, I wonder in this world of wonders, how I got so “lucky”.
Life ultimately led me to a Bachelor’s degree from Kansas State in Horticulture and then later a Master’s Degree in Tree pathology where I got to learn from some incredibly talented scientists. I have been blessed to work at a premier tree care company in South Hampton, New York, the vice president of landscape management for the largest landscaping firm in Kansas, and ultimately as a founder of my own firm.
The journey has taught me much, but nothing more striking than the high value of trees and the need for knowledgeable and consistent protection of their health and beauty. The loss of a single tree can disrupt an entire landscape, including its value and aesthetics, and should consequently be properly valued and managed. However, while most losses can be prevented, often trees are left to fend for themselves in a challenging urban environment, or entrusted to landscape contractors who unintentionally overlook specific needs.
Tree BioLogics was founded to address both needs, yielding our mission to “protect vulnerable, high value trees.” If you have a tree or trees in need of protection, please consider our consulting services highlighted on this site and contact us if we can be of any help.
