Tree Service Canada Magazine Early Spring 2016

Volume 10 Issue 1 EARLY SPRING 2016 $5.00

Publications Mail Agreement #40050172 Customer Agreement #4956370RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO4623 William Head Rd. Victoria BC V9C 3Y7 email: [email protected]

T H E V O I C E O F C A N A D A ' S T R E E S E R V I C E S I N D U S T R Y

SURVEY

Enter on page 12

INSIDETECHNIQUES: Connecting arboriculture and wildlife ...........10

HUMAN RESOURCES: When employees are happy, everybody’s happy ................................................................13

continued on page 9

RESEARCH

WHOSE RESPONSIB IL ITY?

continued on page 4

continued on page 3

BY M AT T J O N E S

A Dalhousie University professor is calling for increased care to be taken by lawn maintenance personnel to protect young trees.

Dr. Peter Duinker, who helped develop Halifax, Nova Scotia’s Urban Forest Master Plan in 2012, says that the city has planted thousands of trees in the past decade and roughly half of them have some degree of damage.

“Maybe 10 to 20 per cent of them have a lot of damage,” says Dr. Duinker. “Part of that is just carelessness, but I think part of it is also some of the people who are doing the physical work of running these machines aren’t really tuned in to how a tree grows and why that kind of damage can be so debilitating.”

Phloem — living, expanding tissue — which is responsible for transferring nutrients and carbohydrates up and down the young tree, is located

Dalhousie Prof calls for increased protection of young treesDr. Peter Duinker says damage from lawn maintenance equipment can be devastating

Damage to a young tree in Halifax, likely caused by lawn maintenance equipment.

LONGEVITY & TREE CARE

We asked, and arborists respondedHow long will you climb?

BY S H I R L E Y BY E R S

At 57, Rae Lange, owner of Lange Brothers is done with tree climb-ing. “Climbing is a young man’s gig,” he says. “It depends on when you start but sooner or later, in my opinion in 10 or 15 years, your body’s going to tell you—slow down or change your tactics.” How the body tells you it’s time to stop climbing will vary from person to person, he says. One climber might feel it in the shoulders, another in the legs, another in the arms and so on. Jay Stephen, owner of Blue Jay Tree Services Ltd. in Calgary is in his early fifties. “I don’t think I’ll ever quit tree climbing till I just physically can’t get into a tree,” he says, “ I might not take on some of the challenges in large trees like I might have in my earlier days but I’ll still go up and climb for the pruning etc. “ Joel Hackett, owner of Joel’s Tree Service in St. Marys Ontario, is 26 years old. He has been climbing for six years. “When I’m 45, I’ll have been climbing for 25 years,” he says. He can’t see climbing beyond that time. “You have 25 years to make your money and after that you’d better have some other aspect of the business or another business to get into because climbing may not be an option anymore.” “Not necessarily,” says Jean-Mathieu Daoust, owner of Tree Frog Tree Care in Calgary, and an arborist since 2002. “I know my instruc-tor at Olds College is much older than 35 years and he continues to climb, not as a production arborist but he still demonstrates climbing

BY M AT T J O N E S

In the wake of an accident at Highlands Elementary School in North Vancouver, B.C., a columnist for the North Shore News is calling for a review of tree-protection bylaws.

On October 6th, a five-year-old girl was rushed to B.C. Children’s Hospital with serious head and internal injuries after she was struck by a piece of an approximately 18 meter tall hemlock tree which fell from a private property onto the school yard. Columnist Elizabeth James says that one of the

causes of this incident was well-intentioned, but overly strident tree protection bylaws.

“The situation now is that many of the trees have been left to do as trees do,” says James. “But they’re not in a forest situation — they’re in urban backyards. Over the years, many have been poorly looked after in terms of spiraling and general care.”

Tree Protection Bylaw 7671, adopted by the District of North Vancouver in July of 2012, is described as “a bylaw to protect, preserve and conserve trees and their physical, societal, economic and environmental characteristics as associated with

North Vancouver columnist calls for tree bylaw review

Tree protection by-laws have unintended consequences

“I don’t think I’ll ever quit tree climbing till I just physically can’t get into a tree,”

~ Jay Stephen, owner of Blue Jay Tree

Services Ltd. in Calgary

NothiNg iN the air. NothiNg iN the soil.

Treat now for Emerald Ash Borer & Asian Longhorned Beetle with IMA-jet. Arborjet injections using Arborplugs® seals the formulation inside the tree, minimizing the exposure to the applicator and environment.

FastInjections in minutes

eFFectiveBacked by 15 years of research

ecoNomicalLow material costs and reduced labour

to learn more visit www.arborjet.ca Find a Distributor: www.arborjet.com/distributorca or call 781.935.9070

www.banditchippers.com

Page 2 TREE SERVICE CANADA EARLY SPRING 2016

NEWS

NothiNg iN the air. NothiNg iN the soil.

Treat now for Emerald Ash Borer & Asian Longhorned Beetle with IMA-jet. Arborjet injections using Arborplugs® seals the formulation inside the tree, minimizing the exposure to the applicator and environment.

FastInjections in minutes

eFFectiveBacked by 15 years of research

ecoNomicalLow material costs and reduced labour

to learn more visit www.arborjet.ca Find a Distributor: www.arborjet.com/distributorca or call 781.935.9070

The University of Massachusetts free noon hour web cast in December of 2015 addressed the subject of “Tree Protection during Construction.” It was led by Gary Johnson of the University. It made five points with both the commentary and explicit photos of construction damage and how tree workers saved trees from construction damage:

1) Determine what construction activity is expected. This includes where materials will be stored, how they will be delivered and what will be done.

What damage is possible? Consider root loading if materials are stored in the root zone; soil compaction when pickup trucks drive on root zone; and cutting of roots. One of the comments was it doesn’t matter if a cut is with a surgeon’s scalpel or a chainsaw. The cutting of roots increases the likelihood of tree failure in a wind load event. Try to keep all utilities in a common trench close to the curb. Will there be pH or chemical changes to the soil? Will the water flow change?

2) What are the likely survivors? There is no point trying to save a tree that is unlikely to survive. This is both due to the tree’s pre construction health and the construction damage expected. Boulevards of less than 8 to 10’ wide or skinny bou-levards are more likely to see tree failure. Also consider the number or sides on which the tree roots will be cut. Even if a sidewalk is curved outward, sidewalk re-placement increases the likelihood of tree failure. Consider sidewalk shaving. The larger the tree, the more likely it is to fail.

3) Stop the damage not the project. “Don’t try to win unwinnable battles.” Arrange for materials to be stored away from the root zone. This includes piles of top soil and gravel. Note where vehicles will be driving to enter construction site and use fencing to direct away from root zone. Keep the protection fencing circle wide. Protect the roots not just the trunk. Be a team player. Work with the contractors and engineers.

3) Tree care starts before and extends years after construction. In a storm not all trees will fail. If there is one-sided damage in a healthy tree, most will recover but prun-ing one to two years after construction is recommended.

4) If there is two-sided root loss, a lot will recover but more will fail.The seminar can be replayed at the Urban Forestry Today web site.

Free web cast on tree protection during construction

Page 3TREE SERVICE CANADA EARLY SPRING 2016

NEWS

directly below the millimetre-thin bark. Damaging the phloem all the way around the stem is a sure-fire method of killing a tree. Most of the lower-trunk damage noted by Dr. Duinker is consistent with being bumped by ride-on lawn mowers and being whipped by nylon-whipper-style grass trimmers.

Dr. Duinker is calling for a stronger educational component for employees who do lawn maintenance, to ensure they understand how important protection of lower bark is for young trees. His other recommendation is to take steps to protect the trees.

Two protection methods include the use of stakes installed around the tree and surrounding the lower bark with a piece of cut plastic drainage pipe, which protects the tree while the drainage perforations keep the tree aerated. The City of Halifax has moved forward with a pilot project, installing sections of drainage pipe on new trees being planted.The principal drawback of the drainage pipes is aesthetics.

“In some trees they’ve been torn off and thrown away,” says Dr. Duinker. “There’s been some vandalism. We don’t know why. People who live near the trees might be doing it because it looks awful; it’s not pretty. But leaving that thing on for five to ten years, until the bark will thicken up and the tree can take a little bit of pounding on the bottom, is a good way of going about this protection.”

John Charles, a planner with the Halifax Regional Municipality and the project manager for the implementation of Halifax’s Urban Forest Master Plan, says that the city strives to ensure that outreach and enforcement are priorities with regards to contractors.

“We meet up with those contractors at the start of the summer and go over the requirements for protecting trees while they’re doing the maintenance,” says Charles. “We point out how delicate the trees are, especially newly planted trees. We give that talk and there is a consequence too; if they do any damage, they’re responsible for payment for the damage. We’re working now to tighten up our regulations, and enforcement of regulations, for tree protection zones.”

Charles notes one potential change would be to stipulate in tender documents that certain types of equipment be used. In particular, he has noted that many grass maintenance companies remove the protective cowls from their grass whips. Specifying that the cowls must be used could lessen the damage.

Halifax is not unique in regards to this challenge. Most cities have a significant deficit in planting trees in the streets. That makes these sorts of tree protection issues that much more important.

“For major cities, for any city for that matter, we’re trying to re-establish canopy,” says Charles. “We spend $300-500 for a sapling and plant it with the expectation that it’s going to be paying back on the investment for decades to come. And it’s just tragic if that municipal taxpayer investment only lasts a few years as a result of poor maintenance.” Drainage pipes being used to protect young trees in Nelson, British Columbia.

Most of the lower-trunk damage noted by Dr. Duinker is consistent with being bumped by ride-on lawn mowers and being whipped by nylon-whipper-style grass trimmers.

Images: Dr. Peter Duinker

SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE

ABOUT UTILITY ONE SOURCE

has been serving the forestry industry for years with quality equipment. We are still that same great company, but now with the added strength of Utility One Source!

SAME GREAT QUALITY. NEW LOOK.

CONTACT INFORMATION12660 E. Lynchburg Salem Turnpike

Forest VA 24551Phone: 434.525.2929

Fax: 434.525.0917E-Mail: [email protected]

www.util ity1source.comwww.util ity1source.com

Dalhousie Prof calls for increased protection of young trees continued from cover


COVE R

www.treeservicecanada.ca

EDITOR Tom Henry 1.866.260.7985 [email protected]

DISPLAY ADVERTISINGMoira Trotter: Advertising Sales ManagerPhone: 1.705.503.0174 [email protected]

SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES Debbi Moyen Toll free 1.866.260.7985 or 250.474.3935, Fax: 250.478.3979 [email protected]

ART DIRECTOR James Lewis

CIRCULATION Violaine Susan Mitchell

PUBLISHERS Peter Chettleburgh, Violaine Susan Mitchell

EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES 4623 William Head Rd., Victoria, BC V9C 3Y7 Toll free 1.866.260.7985 [email protected]


Tree Service Canada is published four times a year by Southern Tip Publishing Inc. Subscription rate for one year: $19.95 (GST included). Single copy price: $5.00. Contents copyrighted by Southern Tip Publishing Inc. and may be reprinted only with permission.

PRINTED IN CANADA Publications Mail Agreement No. 40050172Postage paid at Vancouver, BC Postmaster: Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Tree Service Canada, 4623 William Head Road, Victoria, BC V9C 3Y7

Contents copyright 2007 by Southern Tip Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.

ISSN 2368-4623

Title: Tree service Canada

Your privacy is important to us. Occasionally we make our subscriber list available to reputable companies whose products or services might be of interest to our readers. If you would prefer to have your name removed from this list, please call 1-866-260-7985, fax: 250-478-3979 or write us at Tree Service Canada, 4623 William Head Road, Victoria, BC V9C 3Y7 or email us at [email protected].

the forested character of the District of North Vancouver.” The bylaw states that trees of certain species and over a certain size require a permit to be felled.

While the city will look after trees on public land, hazardous trees on private land must be pruned or felled as necessary at the owner’s expense.

Susan Rogers, North Vancouver Manager of Parks, says that while the district has a policy and process that their own arborists go through regarding hazardous trees on public land, it is not feasible to extend their work to private trees.

“We simply don’t have the resources,” says Rogers. “We have such a vast park system that we really wouldn’t have the capacity for that kind of responsibility. It’s the owner’s responsibility to look at the trees and make those decisions. The parks department really doesn’t have any jurisdiction in this specific area.”

James feels, however, that the leaving these costs to already-stressed homeowners essentially constitutes an additional hidden tax.

“I think there should be recognition of the cost to home owners for trees over which they have no control,” says James. “Property prices here are ridiculous. Fifty per cent of our population is paying over 50 per cent of their gross income, not net, just to keep a roof over their heads. It’s getting to be a very, very serious situation out here. Municipalities throughout the lower mainland are proud when they say they only have to increase their taxes by 2.54 or five-point-something per cent each year. But what they don’t take into account is all the costs that the homeowners accept for situations like this. There should be some kind of resolution.”

Representatives for the North Vancouver School District declined to comment, citing the privacy of the injured girl’s family.

“I think there should

be recognition of the

cost to home owners

for trees over which

they have no control.”

Columnist Elizabeth James

North Vancouver columnist calls for tree bylaw reviewcontinued from cover


NEW SHORTS

The Woodland Trainers Association provides safety training programs

through member/instructors located throughout North America.

Courses include:

Chainsaw Safety

Brush Saw

Danger Tree Assessor

Precision Tree Falling

Chainsaw and Brushsaw maintenance programs

Obligations of a Supervisor and more

For more information:

Safety First is Safety Always

Celebrating 20 years of

Safety Training

Seeking trainers in central and eastern Canada

Contact: [email protected]

Woodland TrainersAssociation

www.woodlandtrainers.ca

we would like to thank all the trainers and students who have participated in the programs for the last 20 years.

Leaders in chainsaw excellence

Oakville First Canadian city to earn SMA accreditation On November 21, Oakville became the first Canadian municipality to be accredited by the Society of Municipal Arborists (SMA). It is the highest honour for municipal urban forestry programs.

Mayor Rob Burton is quoted in the media release saying, “The City of Oakville continues to be a national leader in urban forestry. This SMA accreditation confirms that our commitment to the health, vibrancy and protection of our tree canopy now and for future generations is paying off.”

SMA Accredited programs must have an ISA Certified Arborist on staff, an approved Local Forest Master Plan and a Tree City USA growth award certification or equivalent. They also must show preference for accredited tree care companies when contracting tree care work, adhere to ANSI standards for safety and performance, and adhere to SMA’s Code of Ethics.More information about the Society of Municipal Arborists is at www.urban-forestry.com

One of their published goals is “building the confidence, competence, and camaraderie of the family of professionals who create and sustain community forests.”

Neonic bans not impacting urban forestryAlthough the international science community has said we need to ‘control’ neonicotinoid usage, Canadians are saying they should be banned.

Neonicotinoids are highly effective, wide-spectrum nicotine-based insecticides. They have widespread usage in agriculture and forestry. One product that is used in Canadian urban forestry is ImaJet, a systemic imidacloprid-based formula. In the U.S., there are also soil drenches and sprays.

Neonics will build up in the soil and tests show they are affecting many species from earthworms to birds. But pollinators are the real poster child for the ban neonics movement.

On Dec. 10, Montreal announced a complete ban on the usage of neonics in the city. There are no exceptions for forestry, golf courses or agriculture. It is a complete prohibition. Calgary and Edmonton are considering similar changes but nothing is official.

Jim Watts, Integrated Pest Management Technician for Calgary said, “I had no concerns about ImaJet. It was effective. We used it only to treat one pest (European elm scale), in one program, in one species (elm) and only after flowering was finished. Pollinators don’t forage a lot in elm. We stopped ordering it this year and used up our inventory in May 2015, due to the controversy.”

Calgary received permission with no issues to use the systemic TreeAzin for European elm scale and Watts expects it to be equally effective. He expects a small increase in costing as the recommended dosage of TreeAzin is higher. They will be doing tests on lower dosages.

Great Toronto Tree Hunt finds heritage treeThe 2015 Great Toronto Tree Hunt received almost 400 nominations but a tree named “Tilly’s Oak was found to be of special note and nominated for The Forests Ontario Heritage Tree Program.

Ninety- four year old, Tilly Kertesz purchased her current home with her husband, in 1954 because she loved the white oak on the property. She is quoted saying, “We didn’t buy a house, we bought a tree. Over the years, it provided our family with many fond memories and a shady area to spend time in the summers.” Tilly inherited her love of trees from her grandfather Theodore Martinez, who was a forester in his native Bohemia.

The 250 year old white oak is 24m high, and 4m in diameter growing near Islington and Dundas in Toronto. The area was within a Clergy Corporation property (charged with administering Crown lands in Upper Canada set aside to support clergy) until 1803. Fred Kertesz, Tillie’s husband, was an importer and sole Canadian distributer for PEZ Candy.

Jeannette Holder, Communications Manager with Forests Ontario said, “There are many reasons to nominate and recognize these trees. These trees have proven resistance to harsh urban growing conditions. Collecting seed and growing seedlings from these trees will ensure these genetics are passed forward. Heritage trees are the trees that have withstood decades of harsh Canadian weather, environmental challenges, urban expansion and development and so on, and yet they continue to flourish. The identification of these trees enables Forests Ontario and community organizations such as Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation to locate potential native seed sources. Collection of these seeds will ensure the succession planting of legacy trees for future generations to enjoy.”

Tilly Kertesz in front of the white oak that has become known as Tilly’s oak.


NEWS

Archiving ancient treesJake Milarch and his father David started the non-profit company Archangel Ancient Tree Archive eight years ago to meet a growing need to protect the DNA of heritage trees around the world.

Although they receive calls to travel even as far as Europe they have not professionally crossed the Canadian border only a couple of hours north of their facility in Michigan.

Jake is the fourth generation, on the same property in tree care. Their web site says they want to plant the right tree, in the right place, at the right time. In a telephone interview Jake said, “We want the biggest and the best. No one wants second place. A lot of trees are in tough climates with drought, fire, and insects. The biggest, strongest and healthiest, deserve to survive.”

The pair respond, when there is financing, to requests to propagate the best trees. They recently propagated a 3,000 year old cypress in Florida. They both clonal and seed propagate with the goal of returning the offspring to protected sites like church yards, school, arboretums and parks in a climate where they are appropriate.

They do sell some trees to individuals for bonsai, greenhouses, assisted migration or to gardeners who want to test grow zones.

“We are not looking specifically for disease resistance but a 3,000 year old tree has genetic resistance. It has survived. And we don’t want monocultures. We want good genetic diversity. Super forests. Some of these trees could be the next big come back!” Restrictions on the movement of plant material is a challenge. Millarch says, “We would love to set up satellite businesses. We have the experience and training. We do a lot with Girl Guides and Boy Scouts. We have the techniques for vegetative and micro propagation. It doesn’t matter what tree. We have the skill set.” Two Archangels climbed the Lady Liberty Bald Cypress in Longwood FL

Trees producing non browning apples introducedNew apple trees that produce non-browning apples are to be slowly introduced to the market starting this year with the approval for release from both US and Canada.

It is said that these new apples don’t just brown more slowly; they don’t brown at all. Even dried apples stay snowy white and apple smoothies are not beige.

Dr. Steve Savage who has his PhD in Plant Pathology from UC Davis and worked with DuPont said, “It doesn’t seem like a big deal until you see it in person. I received eight apples from them. I took slices to a potluck that were cut 3 or 4 hours before and not treated with anything. It is different than talking about it in the abstract. Sulfites and Vitamin C alter the flavor.”

The technique is not creating new apple varieties. They are altering the stand-by favourites into non-browning versions. The developers expect both Golden Delicious and Granny Smith apple trees will be available with the Arctic® logo or in the new non-browning form.

Joel Brooks, Marketing Communications Specialist for Okanagan Specialty Fruits said, “An Arctic® Granny tree would grow and produce fruit at the same rate as a conventional Granny Smith tree under the same conditions, and they would be just as hardy as well. Additionally, just like any apple tree, Arctic® apple varieties can be grown on a variety of rootstocks to give them better suitability for specific grower preferences and growing conditions.”

Savage said, “What they have done is remarkable. The tiny company has done it themselves and navigated their way through all the regulatory processes using 1990 technology. Now, this could be done cheaper and easier. We can do this with grapes or any quality sensitive crop. The technology is driven by medical developments. Imagine an avocado that won’t brown.”

Arctic® apples are GMO and are not currently on the shelf anywhere. The genes that trigger the release of enzymes when the cells break and make apples turn brown are turned off as are most genes in all living things. They are not new genes. They are 100% apple genes.”

Savage said, “There are millions of dollars to be made scaring people. Companies react defensively and billions are made telling people to avoid GMO. Farmers are the losers. Genes in all organisms are similar. The order and whether they are turned on or off is important. Our educational system has not caught up with the technology.”

Savage explained there are dangers in breeding any plant. In traditional hybridization, you don’t know what the gene order is or what the new plant will be susceptible too. These trees were planted and tested for years before the regulatory release was received.

Brooks said, “While a small, vocal minority creates confusion among the general public about crops produced through biotechnology, we find most consumers are supportive of biotech crops when provided accurate information. This is especially true when there is a direct, tangible benefit for consumers, which is the case with our non-browning Arctic® apples. And, support is even greater when sustainability benefits, such as the ability to reduce food waste thanks to the non-browning trait, are demonstrated.”

DEVELOPMENTS

Neal Carter with his Arctic apple trees.

An Arctic apple with a conventional apple of the same variety.

Images: Okanagan Specialty Fruits.


NEWS

The Voice Of Canada's Tree Service IndustrySUBSCRIBE TODAY

Notable trees in northern OntarioEdith Garrett, committee member with the Notable Trees of Committee says their region of Northern Ontario is changing as are attitudes toward trees. “We are now a community of retired professionals. We value nature differently. We have more respect for trees. We are not against the paper mills. We visited them. I saw how they protect eagle and osprey nests.”

The Notable Tree Committee is part of Manitoulin’s Nature Club. In 1992, Garrett and her husband ran a “Great Tree Hunt” searching for the biggest of each species on the Island. In 2015, Garrett, with a committee, organized a search for interesting, valued and unusual trees.

“We are no longer looking for the biggest. We want the stories. We want to discover the trees people value and maybe when the properties sell the new landowners will also value them.”

The group found old forgotten pioneer orchards, many out of zone garden specimens like buckeye and magnolia, well-loved trees for picnicking and the bizarre, including a tree with a hand saw imbedded in its canopy.

Plans for the second stage of the program are not firm but they are extensive including: looking at ways to protect the DNA of the hardy northern apples, a pamphlet for a self-guided tour, a guided tour, a spring tree symposium (They are still looking for speakers.) And the local elementary school is participating in tree activities in a wooded park.

One aspect of the program they are firm about is confidentiality. Because a tree was nominated does not mean it will be publicised. Landowners who want the location of their favourite tree protected are accommodated.

Rick Harper, Asst. Professor of Urban and Community Forestry, with the University of Massachusetts Amherst, started a pilot project in 2013 to reach out to arborists. The program increased in 2014 and now has 200 or more individuals from the U.S., Canada and around the world, clicking in each month.

The programs usually run for one hour, the last Wednesday of each month at noon and although they are free, virtual attendees can receive free ISA

credits if they complete the survey at the end of the program. Because the programs fill quickly to the maximum allowed they are also stored and are accessible anytime at the UrbanForestToday.org web site.

“Most folks are pretty enthusiastic about them and we receive some pretty affirming feedback,” said Harper. They are planning to start a two-part pest management related series this spring.

Free web casts reach international audience

Control of invasive species gets boostThe Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is an invasive pest native to East Asia. It has rapidly caused serious economic damage to important fruit, vegetable and field crops, as well as ornamental trees and shrubs. It attacks 170 species. It is resistant to cold and has many over wintering strategies including entering homes where it is an annoyance and can be a health hazard. Injury to apples can be extensive and can occur throughout the growing season. It was first detected in Ontario in 2010, and an established population was identified in Hamilton in 2012. Confirmed Ontario finds are now in: Essex, Kent, Middlesex, Oxford, Bruce, Brant, Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton-Wentworth, Halton, Peel, Toronto, York, Lennox Addington, Leeds & Grenville and Ottawa-Carleton.

In 2007, the U.S. started studying Trissolcus japonicas a parasitic (non-stinging) wasp that lays its eggs inside the clusters of BMSB eggs and is considered to be the best control agent of BMSB in its natural range. However, although it prefers BMSB it will attack a few other stink bugs. The studies have gone well and according to Kim Hoelmer, Acting Director of Overseas Biological Control Lab for the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service. They were close to applying for a petition to release the control agent in the U.S. when the Asian wasp was found reproducing in the U.S.

“I wouldn’t say this is rare,” said Hoelmer. “But it is not common. It would be a very poor control strategy to hope for the natural spread of parasitoids.”

In theory, whenever a subject (plant or insect) establishes in a new location the predators or parasitoids of that subject will eventually follow and keep its numbers in balance. However, in our world of rapid, international trade, plants and insects travel to new locations and become established years or decades before their parasitoids or control agents follow.

Once the Asian wasp was discovered in North America, scientists started organized searches to determine their scope. They were found on the Washington/Oregon border and in Washington D.C. Sampling of DNA proved the two populations were different. Although they were the same species, they arrived separately.

Nor are the wild populations related to the subjects in U.S. laboratories. So they are not an accidental release from the studies.

“We are not stopping the testing program,” continued Hoelmer. “We don’t know how fast they will spread from these accidental importations. Some species are hard to keep up with. Others are slow to spread. We will continue until we know for certain. The accidental importation might affect the release application but it might not. Canada and Mexico are part of international bio-control agreements. Their recommendations will be taken seriously. Canada is doing surveys for native control agents. We need to know how they will be affected. T. japonica is as hardy as the BMSB and expected to be able to colonize wherever it establishes.

“This pest has devastated fruit growers. T. japonica will not make BMSB go away but it will help reduce levels so it is manageable. Growers are very excited. The general public is aware as it is also a pest in houses.”

Management techniques to control BMSB currently recommended include: a dish of soapy water set under a light in a dark room (which catches as many BMSB as high end competitors; one foot wide, sticky bands around tree trucks is a short term solution; and boxes of straw or paper left as winter traps are successfully used in Asia.

This oak was identified in

Manitoulin’s “Great Tree Hunt”.

Toll free: 1-866-260-7985


It is well-established law in Canada that a tree straddling the boundary line between properties shall be considered to be jointly owned between the two adjacent property owners.

Commonsense suggests that if the tree is jointly owned, Owner A must be informed if Owner B wishes to remove the tree. As a matter of prudence, informing the neighbour ought to be done in writing, even if a verbal discussion has taken place, so that there is a clear record of what was suggested or requested, what was discussed and any next steps contemplated. It is also prudent to send the letter by registered mail so that a receipt noting delivery can be obtained. That of course does not guarantee or prove that the recipient has read the letter delivered.

In Freedman v. Cooper, (2015 ONSC 1373) the dispute centred on a maple tree straddling the boundary between two homeowners in the City of Toronto. The tree had been damaged by ice storms in December 2013. One owner, Ms.

Freedman, was concerned about the safety of the tree that remained. She obtained several arborists’ reports suggesting that the tree was not safe and should be removed. These reports were then copied and delivered to the other neighbour, Mr. Cooper.

Mr. Cooper decided to seek his own advice and claimed that a City staff person had visited the site and told him the tree was safe and did not need removing. Despite Mr. Cooper’s objections, the City of Toronto granted a tree removal

permit. Mr. Cooper then retained his own arborist who felt the tree could be cabled and braced and would then be acceptably safe. Ms. Freedman commissioned another report in which the original problems were reiterated with recommendations to remove the tree.

The City had no record of a staff visit to Mr. Cooper although the Court accepted it had taken place, but felt the advice offered was misunderstood by Mr. Cooper, since it appeared to be inconsistent with other assessments.

At trial it was noted that even if the tree was cabled and braced, this would not be a guarantee that the tree might not fail later on. Mr. Cooper noted he was prepared to accept the responsibility for the mitigation actions suggested (cabling and bracing) but would not accept any responsibility for “. . . damage to person or property should the tree fall.”

Apart from issues as to whether or not the Ontario Forestry Act or the Toronto Municipal Code had precedence (the Court ruled out the Forestry Act,) the key points centred on common law of nuisance. The tree in question had been identified as a problem with a level of risk sufficient to warrant Ms. Freedman wanting the tree removed. The Court noted “ Nuisance is a common law tort, and it is a form of strict liability that is not concerned with fault or misconduct. Rather, it is a social ordering law based on imposing responsibility or legal liability when an owner’s use of his or her property unreasonably interferes with the use and enjoyment of land by others. Generally speaking, whether the landowner’s unreasonable use was intentional, negligent or innocent is of no consequence if the harm can be categorized as a nuisance. What is unreasonable reflects the ordinary usages of people living in society, and determining unreasonableness involves balancing competing rights of landowners.”

The Court also noted, “ The law of

nuisance also imposes responsibility on a landowner for the natural state or conditions of his or her property if the owner is aware or ought to have been aware that the state of the property is a nuisance to neighbours.”

The judgement was that Mr. Cooper was compelled to take some action because the danger posed by the damaged tree was no longer an inherent risk that might occur in concept, but had become a patent risk, clearly identified by several assessments, and clearly communicated to Mr. Cooper. He could not simply ignore the possible risk to his neighbour. His objections to the City issuing the removal permit were overruled, and he was ordered to not interfere with the tree removal. The costs were half of the removal expense at $2,940.50 plus other costs of $13,500.00.Lessons in this case seem to be:--formal written notification to the neighbour is very important;--city staff visiting a site should be very careful about what is or is not discussed and should also provide their opinions in writing to avoid subsequent misunderstandings;--neighbours receiving a formal letter notifying them of one or more issues about a boundary tree are obliged to take some action. The alleged defect in the tree changes from latent to patent once the notification has been received. The type of action required will vary but doing nothing may not be enough.

Julian Dunster is not a lawyer and the above should not be construed as legal advice. If you have an issue requiring legal advice please consult a lawyer. Additional case law can be found in the book Arboriculture and the Law in Canada. Copies are available from Julian Dunster. Julian also maintains an extensive data base of Canadian case law involving trees. Please contact him for more information. [email protected] www.dunster.ca

Keeping the neighbours informed

A tree straddling the boundary line between properties is considered to be jointly owned between the two adjacent property owners.

The City had no record of a staff visit to Mr. Cooper although the Court accepted it had taken place, but felt the advice offered was misunderstood.

SURVEY

Introducing Wallenstein CR’s new diesel powered 7” brush chippers. Giving

professional grade power to these 7” chippers is the impressive 1498cc

Kubota diesel engine. Also available with a turbo diesel option, the power

and reliability of Wallenstein CR makes these chippers the perfect match

for tree service contractors, arborists and municipalities.

EE

CI16119-04


We asked, and arborists responded

SURVEY

continued from cover

as part of his class, and guys take part in tree climbing competitions till their mid to late fif-ties.” So, what enables some arborists to continue to climb into their fifth and even sixth decade, while others are stopping sooner, some out of choice, more out of necessity? The arborists in our small and unscientific survey shared their thoughts on that question. “You have to pace yourself,” says Jay Stephen. “You can go out there and climb big trees and do all the heavy removal business that comes your way… but you won’t last long. So, be resourceful. Don’t try to do all the large projects yourself. Hire reliable sub-contractors. Yeah, you won’t make as much money, but in the overall scheme of things that’s a big factor for longevity in the industry. If you want this as a career for a long period of time and you are an actual performing arborist . . . then pace yourself. ” “Keep safety in mind,” says Rae Lange. “Older climbers aren’t necessarily in more danger but sometimes with age and a lot of experience, they might be tempted to skip a step or two in a process. Don’t.” “How long your career is might depend on which company you work for,” says Joel Hackett. “If you work for a company that really pushes you, you’re gonna wear yourself out whether you’re 20 or 50.” Hackett goes on to add, “Climbing is some-thing you can make a lot of money at if you’re smart about it. You can make a lot of money but you have a limited time to do it.” “Joy and passion for the tree climbing aspect of our work is probably what keeps the older climb-ers going”, says Jean-Mathieu Daoust. “Also, they haven’t abused their bodies to the point they can’t climb anymore,” he adds. He advocates at least one day of rest per week. “Also, something that I don’t do enough of is stretching exercises,” he says. “That’s usually the big one that gets me and I’m feeling sore and having a hard time climbing from one day to the next from lack of stretching.” Daoust advises arborists to do stretching exer-cises morning and evening. An article titled, Focus on Flexibility, written by Mayo Clinic staff, outlines the benefits of stretch-ing. Stretching can help improve flexibility and range of motion in joints. In turn, better flexibil-ity may improve performance in physical activi-ties or decrease the risk of injuries by helping joints move through their full range of motion and enabling muscles to work most effectively. The complete article is available at: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931 Finally, concentrate on technique, Daoust advises. “Your muscles work and strain less when your technique is better. Your muscles won’t tend to be as tense and you’ll have a more relaxed stature climbing. Focus more on technique and not so much on power.”

BUSI NESS


Although “lean” was originally formulated as a tool for large companies, some of its principles might work in smaller, service companies such as tree service businesses.

Beginning with the business planBefore you begin your business plan, Lean says you must first identify a problem that needs solving. You’re fired up to go but what is the specific problem your business will address? Lack of an existing tree service business would be a likely problem. But is there a problem? Does the area have enough population to support a tree service business? If yes, is it al-ready well served? Lean emphasizes that the customer’s needs are top priority. If you’re not in some way fulfilling customers’ needs you’re not going to be successful. “Business planning is not typically lean. It’s more often lengthy, time consuming and detailed,” blogs Noah Parsons, COO of Palo Alto Software on BPlans: Starting a Busi-ness Made Easy. Parsons asserts that the process should be more, “Plan as you go,” continuously re-evaluating and always interacting with the users of the final product/service. That’s not to say there shouldn’t be serious thought and planning but that nothing should be written in stone. In a tree service business this might mean that although your original plan was to concentrate on tree pruning and removal, you might consider adding biological pest control to your services if customers were repeatedly asking for it.

Identify your target marketAs with most business plans, Lean requires that you identify your target market. Who is it? Exactly who has this problem? How many are there? Can you divide your market into seg-ments? Tim Berry, information guru for Lean offers these segment titles in BPlans: • Kids and cul-de-sacs, affluent upscale suburban families,

“a noisy medley of bikes, dogs, carpools, rock music and sports.”

• Winner’s circle: wealthy suburban executives, “well-edu-cated, mobile executives and professionals with teen-aged families. Big producers, prolific spenders, and global travel-ers.”

• Gen X and babies: upper-middle income young white-collar suburbanites.

• Country squires: wealthy elite ex-urbanites Next step: estimate how many people are in each segment. Statistics Canada at: http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/rt-td/index-eng.cfm?TABID=2can help you with this.

Finally, try to estimate what an average person in each group might spend each year on solving the problem your busi-ness plan identifies. Multiply by the number of people in the group and you’ll have a ballpark number on the amount of revenue your business might bring in.

Suss out the competitionKnow how the “problem” is already being addressed in your area and you will know your competition.Are there other arborists already established? If yes, how many? If not, are untrained individuals filling the gap? Why would a potential customer choose your solution over someone else’s? Say amateurs are prolific in the area. How will you convince customers that it really is a good idea to embrace your superior but pricier solution?

Build an action planAn action plan is a list of milestones that focus on fulfilling goals laid out in the business plan. Early milestones might include sending out surveys, researching physical locations, expanding a tool and equipment inventory.

As with all action plans, it’s critical to have account-ability. Milestones should have dates and people responsible for completing them as well as regular reviews to make sure everything is on track.

Do detailed planning (as necessary)Map out specific plans for marketing, partnerships. Review cash flow forecasts. Keeping Lean in mind, this does not have to be a lengthy tome. You’ve defined your target markets. Now you need to understand how to reach these markets. How will they find you? How will you market to them?

Track your PerformanceHow are you doing? Are you growing according to plan? If not, why not? What changes need to be made? As well as tracking cash, sales, expenses, accounts receivable and ac-counts payable, track web site visits, calls for estimates, call backs after calls for estimates, referrals and any other num-bers that can help you take the temperature of your business. Do this at least monthly with business partners and employ-ees. As always, be open to changing your plan if necessary. Remember: Lean asserts that customer needs should be top priority.

Slim, trim and alert?Some elements of the lean business model

Are there other arborists already established? If yes, how many? If not, are untrained

individuals filling the gap?

BY PAT K E R R

Who is caring for trees?In 2013, an invasive disease was discovered in the ancient Italian olive groves. A plan for containment was developed but work moved slowly until the European Union stepped in, and clear cutting olive trees for a containment buffer zone esca-lated.

The disease, Xylella fastidiosa, is spread by spittle bugs. It is from Costa Rica and was already causing economic havoc in U.S. agriculture where it is threatening the almond and coffee industries in Los Angles. It is a human nuisance in Arizona where it is attacking an ornamental. It has also attacked southern California vineyards since the 1990s where it is causing disease in grapevines and leaf scorch in oleanders. Grape growers in Riverside and San Diego counties have lost about $38 million due to Pierce’s disease.

However, in Italy, tree preservationists have taken the scientists, who developed the containment plan, to court. The scientists are accused of many things including releasing the disease and faulty science. Their computers and work records were seized.

As the disease continues to spread, the court has ordered a stop work order including restrictions on insecticide usage. There are wide spread rumours the mafia wanted the land cleared to construct a resort while others suggest the whole situation started as payback for accusations of mislabelling African olive oil “Italian”.


BY D WAY N E N E U S TA E T E R A N D B R I A N F R E N C H

I am happy to announce that I have a co-author on this article series: my friend and colleague, Brian French. Brian is a dedicated arborist with a passion for this topic of wildlife in trees and I am pleased and grateful for his collaboration.

What can be done within urban areas to help wildlife find places to live?

How can wildlife connect to commercial arboriculture?

The effects of urbanization are all around us and global warming is further evidence that humans are having an impact on the planet.

The creation and expansion of our modern human habitat, such as city infrastructure and scope of agriculture has great effects on available habitat for wildlife. As a result of habitat destruction, some wildlife populations decline to near extinction while others, sometimes not wanted, flourish and increase in numbers.

In combination with our collective human influences, these changes in wildlife populations may also be contributed to by natural traits such as a species’ ability to adapt, breeding cycles, locations of foraging sites or speed of movement.

Coyote and whitetail deer are examples of species that have increased their numbers and habitat range dramatically since 1900. Species such as cougar and bear have been pushed further into less desirable habitat and with these species conflicts can result, but there are also species that can integrate and contribute to our urban life experience safely and without invasion. Many bird species are an example of this.

There is a movement developing that is considering wildlife habitat and integrating the development of habitat into a business opportunity. This requires a broadened view of our tree care concepts and maintenance.

It requires a more holistic and global look at tree care and how we communicate services to customers. What I am talking about is wildlife habitat creation and/or preservation. This involves expanding our concept of tree care to include the species that depend on tree defects such as cavities for their habitat, to name one as there are several. Too often we remove all dead and dying wood in the name of good tree care maintenance without considering the cost to other species who call trees home.

For example, a customer has a tree with a dead top. The lower half is still alive. Traditional thinking would dictate that you would give a price for removal of the tree and possibly stump grinding, and all prices or quotes received would reflect the same.

But consider this: A long standing marketing strategy is to separate yourself from your competition. Additionally, when the lower trunk is left the customer spends less, the company gets the work and the tree is retained for the purpose of wildlife enhancement in the community. Everyone wins.

If you were able to expand your tree care practices to include more services such as wildlife habitat creation you may just be exactly what appeals to the customer even if it is only because you are different. That is a marketing advantage if you are brave enough to embrace it. You can offer a green alternative which just so happens to require less clean-up, saving your customer resources and making you more competitive, while creating habitat for wildlife. In addition there is opportunity to have the tree designated as a wildlife tree. The reward of having habitat you created for a customer become a home for the very species you built it for is an incredible experience that very few service providers ever get to share with a customer.

We realize this is not a new concept and people have been slashing tops of trees and cutting holes in trunks for many years. What opened our eyes and changed our views on this topic were the specifications.

When a colleague of ours was creating a wildlife tree he was questioned by a biologist who happened to be passing by. The biologist asked what he was doing, to which he proudly said, “I am creating a wildlife tree!” The biologist then asked; “For what wildlife? The biologist explained that the varying sizes of cuts and holes being made would attract an equally varying kind of wildlife species in the area. He meant that when creating a wildlife tree, there are specific criteria like the desired biome, distance from water and stages of decomposition.

Furthermore, when considering the criteria for habitat, the height of the cavity from the ground, the size of cavity interior and size of entrance hole should be considered. A cavity opening that is too large will allow predators to invade and one too small denies access. Even the aspect is important as some species only make their nests on the north side of trees for temperature regulation.

Next, you have to know what species of wildlife exist in that region so you can make habitat fit for purpose. It turns out this is not random, so simply cutting a tree down to a trunk, slashing the top and cutting a few holes does not make a habitat

tree, not without a great amount of time to wait for the tree to decompose.

Wildlife habitat creation is a skill and requires specific knowledge and training not only with the habitat construction but also tree risk assessment. It is important for arborists who preserve or create wildlife habitat to understand when trees are unsuited, such as when they would present a risk to life or significant amenities such as electricity. In a series of articles we will be expanding on this concept and in our next article we will share methods and techniques for how to create wildlife habitat safely.

Connecting arboriculture and wildlife

There is a movement developing that is considering wildlife habitat and integrating the development of habitat into a business opportunity. Article co-author Brian French making a habitat stump.


The many features of habitat trees.

In nature, wind-damage often creates habitat.

Above and below: Two views of an arborist-created habitat.

Opportunity grows on trees.

Enhance your skills and advance your career with the #1 tree and shrub care company in the world.

For over 100 years, Bartlett Tree Experts has brought a rare mix of award-winning safety practices, groundbreaking research & development and global resources to every task at hand. Join us and thrive in a safety-fi rst, entrepreneurial, promote-from-within environment that always puts people fi rst.

Apply now at bartlett.com/careersEEO Employer/Vet/Disabled

“THIS COMPANY IS RUN BY GOOD PEOPLE, AND THAT WORKS ITS WAY DOWN.”

— SKYLER, CLIMBER HIRED 2008


ACCIDENT REPORTS

BY PAT K E R R

New Brunswick• On Nov. 26, a worker injured his leg when a large limb

he was cutting fell from a tree onto his leg.

• On Sept. 30, a worker lost control of a thinning saw when attempting to cut a tree. The saw contacted the worker’s arm and back resulting in deep lacerations.

BC• On Sept. 28, 0946285 BC Ltd. was fined $2,500. A

worker felled a tree in Holberg that was about 30 m (100 ft.) tall when another worker with a separate company was only 9 m (30 ft.) away from the base of the tree. The worker felling the tree had not ensured the minimum of two tree-lengths between the tree and the position of the other worker. The firm’s failure to ensure that its worker complied with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation was a high-risk violation.

• On May 21, J. Sarver Trucking Ltd was fined $8,274.73. A new and young worker was helping another worker perform routine maintenance on a processing head (a machine used to cut down and de-limb trees). The head’s cutting arm operated unexpectedly, seriously injuring the young worker’s hand. The investigation found that the firm’s lockout procedure for the processing head was inadequate and that the young worker had not been given specific training for the work activity. The firm failed to ensure the use and verification of lockout procedures as required by the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. This was a repeated and high-risk violation.

• In November, a certified faller was struck by the top of a sapling while falling a tree on Vancouver Island. The worker received injuries to the upper body.

• In October, a worker on Vancouver Island had a close call while trimming trees from a bucket truck when the truck rolled over an embankment. The worker was using fall protection equipment and escaped the rollover without injury.

• In October, a certified utility arborist received minor injuries when a tree was felled onto a guy line. “The guy line led to a utility pole supporting a 25-kV power line. When the arborist cut the tree off the guy line, the 25-kV lines on the guyed pole bounced into a lower utility pole supporting a 380-volt power line. A line shorted onto the lower pole and broke. The worker was struck by the broken line, which fell to grade.”

Ontario• Landgraff Forestry Ltd., a business that provides tree

trimming and removal services was fined $50,000 on Dec. 21. In addition to the fine, the court imposed a 25 per cent victim fine surcharge.

On July 19, 2014 Landgraff was removing two dead trees in Windsor. The company owner, David Landgraff, a trained arborist, was operating a bucket truck cutting the tree limbs. Two trained workers were situated on the ground and waiting for a tree limb to be lowered.

Both ground workers were clear and the cutting proceeded on the south tree. The report states, “A rope was attached to the limb being cut, which was strung through a fulcrum point on a neighbouring tree and through a device called the Hobbs device to the worker on the ground in control of the other end of the rope. (The Hobbs device is used to assist in lowering cut limbs to the ground.)”

“The cut limb — approximately 12 feet long and weighing between 100 to 125 pounds — was swung across to the tree with the fulcrum point. The limb then struck that tree with sufficient force that it likely caused the rope knot to loosen; in addition, an earlier rain shower made the bark somewhat wet.” The limb slipped from the rope and fell about 30 feet, critically injuring a worker.

As established by the Ministry of Labour, the fall zone or drop/fall, hazard or danger zone is twice the length of the tree, in all directions. This area is to be marked to ensure workers do not enter into that zone during cutting.

Landgraff failed to take the reasonable precaution of ensuring that workers did not enter into the drop/fall zone. Employers are required “to take every precaution

reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker at the workplace.”

• On July 28, a worker was crushed and fatally injured when struck by the cut top section of a tree.

• On Sept 10, when workers were clearing brush from a hydro line a tree fell, killing a worker.

• On Sept. 14, a worker was cutting tree branches from a power line. A tree limb fell critically injuring a co-worker on the ground.

• On July 6, a worker was cutting a tree. The chainsaw kicked back and struck his leg causing bleeding and non-critical injuries.

• On July 13, a worker was trying to cut a tree with a brush saw. It kicked sideways and caught the worker in the legs causing non-critical injuries.

• On July 19, a worker was clearing brush when the chain saw skipped on a piece of wood. The worker lost control of the chainsaw and suffered non-critical injuries to the leg.

• On Aug. 8, a worker was trimming trees from a ladder. The worker lost balance falling forward onto a concrete patio. The worker sustained non-critical injuries.

• On Aug. 17, a worker injured a finger while removing a chipper machine for tree removal from a pickup truck.

• On Aug. 20, a worker had a close call and only sustained non-critical injuries, in part because he was wearing his safety equipment. He was up on a tree; when the worker made the cut into the tree, the tree tilted the opposite way and fell in the worker’s direction; worker was left suspended in the air attached by the safety rig; the tree struck the worker on the safety helmet and to the side of the head.

Subscribe to Small Farm Canada for two years (12 issues) for only $34.95+tx Save 51% off the cover price! One year

(6 issues) for only $24.95 + taxes

Send order to: Small Farm Canada, 4623 William Head Rd. Victoria, BC V9C 3Y7Order on-line: www.smallfarmcanada.ca

or call 1 866 260 7985

Farm More Enjoyably and Efficiently!


HUMAN RESOURCES

DAA020615R-1

ARBORISTARBORISTARBORIST

™

™

DAA122115R-1

Toll Free in the U.S. & Canada

800-932-837 1

Designed forPerformanceBullet Throw WeightsWith an aerodynamic design that helps increase the range of your throw, our bullet throw weights feature a bottom loop for an accessory carabiner. The moving action of the #8 lead shot that fills these Cordura® weights helps prevent the weights from hanging up in tree branches. For environmental protection, the coated lead shot is contained in a latex pouch. Our throw weights are available in a variety of sizes in bright, easy-to-spot colors.Available in three sizes: 8 oz. (08-98322), 10 oz. (08-98323) or 12 oz. (08-98324).

To view our large selection of products visit:

www.weaverarborist.com

THE ULTIMATE CLIMBING EXPERIENCE™


It’s been proven over and over again — investing in employee development not only increases efficiency and productivity — it also acts as a tool to attract and retain talented workers. Changing jobs every couple of years is not appealing to most people and if employees feel happy, productive, motivated and appreciated in their present position, why would they want to leave? The American Psychological Association and its Canadian counterparts have identified five key areas that contribute to a healthy and productive workplace. These are: employee involvement; work/life balance; employee growth and development; health and safety; and employee recognition.

Employee involvement Including employees in decision making enhances job satisfaction, employee morale, loyalty and commitment. It also results in increased productivity and reduced absenteeism and employee turnover. Examples of employee involvement can run the spectrum from a suggestion box to the strategy of a Washington based firm whose employees hire their own co-workers. Steelscape is a manufacturing company, which produces cold-rolled, metallic-coated and painted steel coils for the construction market. The company runs a 24-hour operation with no managers or supervisors working the night shift. This means employees must make key, on-the-spot decisions in the plant. As a result, teams are motivated to hire the best available candidates, so the team can function effectively under all circumstances. After taking a standard skills tests candidates are interviewed by six to eight peers. A human resources professional attends the interview but only as a consultant. The results are impressive. Employee turnover at Steelscape is 1.6 percent, far below the national average. In 2003, Steelscape was recognized by the National Coil Coaters’ Association as the number one company in safety performance — with only 2.3 incidents per 200,000 work hours.

Work/life balance

Respecting employees’ life outside of work and helping them manage their multiple responsibilities serves to diminish the conflicts between work and home, reduces employee stress and results in improved morale, improved job satisfaction, improved client satisfaction, less absenteeism, less presenteeism and less employee turnover. Examples would include flexible work arrangements, the option to work say, an extra fifteen minutes every day in exchange for every third Friday off; assistance with childcare; and including spouses and children in benefits such as dental care.

Presenteeism is the opposite of absenteeism. In contrast to absenteeism, when employees are absent from work illegitimately, presenteeism is when employees come to work in spite of illness and can have similar negative repercussions on employee performance. (Picture germy, ineffective workers, spreading disease and breeding resentment and hostility in the workplace. In the tree service business, they could be less alert and downright dangerous.)

Employee growth and development By providing opportunities for growth and development, organizations can keep the job stimulating for employees and also reap the benefits of well trained, well informed workers performing to their full capacity. Examples of employee growth and development would include continuing education courses, tuition reimbursement, skills training provided in-house or through outside training, coaching mentoring and leadership development programs. Results include increased safety, increased productivity, employee well-being, reduced stress, higher client satisfaction, heightened employee self-esteem and reduced turnover.

Health and safety Health and safety efforts include a wide variety of workplace practices that can help employees improve their physical and mental health, reduce health risks, and manage stress effectively. Examples of health and safety issues that can be addressed in

the workplace include refresher courses in standard safety procedures and training on special situations and how to handle them. Besides lower costs due to injuries results include employee well-being and performance enhancement, higher employee retention, better morale and job satisfaction.

Employee RecognitionEmployee recognition efforts reward employees both individually and collectively for their contributions to the organization. This can be done through formal recognition ceremonies as well as a variety of monetary and non-monetary strategies such as the 5 year, 10 year etc. pin.

Other examples — fair monetary compensation, competitive benefits packages, acknowledgement of contributions and milestones, and performance-based bonuses and pay increases.

Everyone likes to feel valued and appreciated. Results include increased employee satisfaction and higher levels of self-esteem and morale and also increased productivity and motivation.

When employees are happy, everybody’s happy

Presenteeism is the opposite of absenteeism.

In contrast to absenteeism, when employees are absent

from work illegitimately, presenteeism is when

employees come to work in spite of illness and can

have similar negative repercussions on

employee performance.


NEW PRODUCTS NEWS

To find out more about this exciting industry magazine go to www.servicetruckmagazine.com

or contact

Nick Moss, Marketing Manager, Office: 250-478-1981 [email protected]

Focussed on service truck owners, opera-tors, managers and manufacturers across the US and Canada.

U T I L I T Y T R E E W O R K E R / T R I M M E RC E R T I F I C A T I O N

APRIL, 2016 INTAKES

REGISTRATION

NOW OPEN!

For the Professional Vegetation Managers Association

For more information: Toll Free: 1-800-661-6537

oldscollege.ca/ce/trades [email protected]

Re-Certification also available.

New headset designed for tradesA Bluetooth headset designed for tradespeople will be available in mid November.

The Jabra Steel headset features large buttons, a 98-foot operating range (depending on the phone), six hours of talk time, about two hours of charging time, and a weight of 10 grams, according to a news release from the manufacturer.

The headset is also built toward U.S. military standards for dust, water and shock resistance, said the release from Jabra, which is a brand of GN Netcom, a subsidiary of GN Store Nord A/S (GN), which is listed on the NASDAQ OMX.

Jabra created the headset following “an extensive examination and global survey of the daily needs of over 1,000 trade workers,” the release said.

The company says the headset has been “tested rigorously,” including high drops on hard surfaces and tests of liquid and dust ingress.

The large buttons are designed to be used with gloved or even wet hands.

“It also gives easy access to Siri/Google Now and allows voice activated call pick-up, as well as message readout (Android phones only),” the release said.

Its HD Voice feature has dual-microphone noise cancellation technology to isolate the user’s voice in noisy environments.The headset will be available Nov. 16 exclusively at Radio Shack stores or from www.RadioShack.com.For more information, visit www.jabra.com/steel.

Jabra Steel headset is designed for tough working environments.

Trees treat anxietyDr. Tony Durst and John Thor Arnason of the University of Ottawa are working on a new tree product to treat canine anxiety. (Health Canada requires safety studies before it can be tested on humans.)

The compound is reported to have effects similar to valium when tested on dogs in thunder storm models but it hasn’t shown that drug’s unpleasant side effects in dogs, rats or pigs and is expected to be test marketed in the U.S. this spring or summer.

Bark that falls off sycamore and London plane trees is being harvested in St. Catherines, London, Windsor, Niagara on the Lake and Belle River, Ontario. It is shredded and processed to a powder and compounded with a vine from Costa Rica to form the naturally derived triterpenes.

At this time, the bark processing requires up to one ton per year and a network of collectors was developed but they continue to be open to new sources. John Arnason said, “These are early days and we don’t know yet if the product will be popular, but if it is we will require much more in future years. We have not yet established a firm price for purchase.”

Arnason continued, “Both the American sycamore and the London plane tree naturally shed bark from their branches mostly during late summer to mid-fall ( July to October). This means that collection of the bark, unlike in the case of the yew trees, never hurts the tree. Unfortunately, Natural Health Products don’t have the same value as pharmaceuticals like taxol, but our intention is to produce a fair trade product that supports producers in Canada and Costa Rica.”

There’s money in applesIn the 2015, Ontario Apple Growers Annual Report, Charles Stevens, Chair, wrote, “In my opinion, the apple industry of Ontario has lost more fresh fruit in 2012 and 2015 from frost events than all other perils combined including insects, disease and hail in the last 20 years. There is little doubt that we should be putting our risk reduction dollars into frost protection.”

He continued, “At the time of writing this report, the market was very strong for fresh and processing apples. The reason for this is that the production was down in most apple growing areas in North America compared to last year. The strength of the Canadian apple market has been driven due to the strength of the American dollar. This has helped to stabilize pricing on imported apples. Even though some of our input costs are more, the domestic market is better off with a lower Canadian dollar.”

www.craneandhoistcanada.comTo subscribe by phone call 1-800-661-0368

The Voice of Canada's Heavy Lifting Industry

6 issues

from $36per year


Great Careers ...Great Jobs.

Immediate Positions for Tree trimmers and Foremen, Utility Line Clearing and Residential/Commercial Arborists

Positions available in most areas across Canada

Davey Representatives & Contacts:

BC & AB Residential Tree Care John Arico [email protected], Vancouver, Victoria, Edmonton & Calgary

AB, BC, SK Utility & Line ClearingMark Turnbull

[email protected]

Ontario Residential Tree Care & Utility Line Clearing Mike Lenarcic, 905-818-3566 [email protected] London, Kitchener, Hamilton, Mississauga, Toronto, Muskoka, Ottawa, Niagara

The Davey Tree Expert Co. of Canada, Ltd.Ancaster, ON and Nanaimo, BC

An Equal opportunity Employer

Visit www.daveytree.ca

EVENTS

FEBRUARY 2016

Feb 17-19: Ottawa, ON ISA Ontario Conference www.isaontario.com/content/isao-annual-conference

Feb 23-25: Whistler, BC Western Canada Turfgrass Association Conference and Trade Show www.wcta-online.com

SEPTEMBER

Sept 26-29: Laval, QC Canadian Urban Forest Network and Ontario Urban Forest Council Workshop and Conference www.oufc.org

Sept 29-Oct 2: Niagara Falls, ON North American Tree Climbing Championship www.itcc-isa.com/events

✘

$30VALUE

Stay informed with your industry! Act today for a charter subscription to Tree Service Canada.

SIX ISSUES JUST $19.95!


YES! I want to subscribe to Tree Service Canada for $19.95 for six issues and save 33% off the cover price.

Name: Title:

Company:

Address:

Daytime phone: Fax: Email:

Cheque enclosed (send to Tree Service Canada, 4623 William Head Road, Victoria, BC, V9C 3Y7)

Charge my VISA MasterCard Card No.

Name: Expiry:

SUBSCRIBE TODAY AND GUARANTEE DELIVERY OF YOUR NEXT ISSUE!

Fax Back to 250-478-3979 • CALL TOLL FREE 1-866-260-7985

100%Canadian


www.banditchippers.com | 1.800.952.0178 | Remus, MI - USA

VISIT YOUR NEAREST AUTHORIZED DEALER LOCATION

HEpbURN ENTERpRISES INC.7945 Wilkes AveHeAdingley Mb. R4H 1b4PH: 1-866-258-6078WWW.HePbuRnenteRPRises.coM

pOWERTECH240 RodolPHe besneR- unit 40vAudReuil-doRion, Qc J7v 8P2PH: 1-888-892-7777

NORTHLAND CHIppER SALES, LTD.#104 - 20551 lAngley byPAsslAngley, bc v3A 3e8PH: 1-800-665-2447

You Deserve the Best. bandit hand-fed chippers and stump grinders have a reputation among industry professionals for durability and productivity. that’s why serious tree care professionals trust a bandit® when they’re on the job.

bandit’s Model 990XP hand-fed chipper is one of the most popular in the industry. the 12-inch capacity and bandit’s proven slide box Feed system make feeding even the most stubborn branches a snap, with minimal trimming.

And when the tree is removed, bandit’s Model 2250R is the go-to stump grinder for quick and efficient stump removal. the heavy-duty construction and high-flotation tires make this a stump grinder that is easy on lawns, even when it’s tough on stumps.

See how a Bandit can build your bottom line. Contact Bandit or one of these Authorized Bandit dealers to arrange a demonstration!

Documents

Tree Service Canada Magazine Early Spring 2016