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The June 2022 TCIMagazine, a leading publication for professional arborists, featured an article by Craig Bachmann, the manager and Lead Arborist at Tree133. Learn about how contract climbers can support your business in both a professional training capacity and job profitability. For the complete article, click here . See Craig at a Professional Event in 2022 After a few years of virtual presentations, Craig is excited to be back on the road for a busy season of presentations and tree climbing competitions! Portland Tree Climbing Competition  - Portland, OR Rocky Mountain Regional Tree Climbing Competition  - Denver, OR Treetopia  - Oakland, CA North American Tree Climbing Championship  - St. Paul, MN PNW ISA Annual Training Conference & Climbing Competition - Coeur d'Alene, ID Puget Sound Tree Climbing Competition  - Seattle, WA ISA International Training Conference  - Malmo, Sweden International Tree Climbing Competition  - Copenhagen, Denmark TCIA Expo  - Charlotte, NC

Damage Assessment for a Large Douglas-Fir – Lynnwood, WA An elementary school was in process of building a new science classroom. The excavation and construction occurred within the dripline of two large Douglas-Firs (Pseudotsuga menziesii) that were each more than 30 inches diameter and over 100 feet tall. The term “dripline” describes the outer limit of branches and foliage. The area inside is the zone of greatest importance for tree health and stability. Root loss or damage within the dripline can have significant consequences for tree stability and long-term health. Several large roots were damaged during excavation, prior to construction. Now, the contractors were preparing to back-fill around the foundation and had a limited timeframe to assess the cut roots. The school administration and contractor were concerned about negative impacts to the trees and risk to new classroom structure. They wondered, should the trees be retained or removed? Tree133 was contacted for a professional risk assessment and inspection of the damage. We promptly conducted a site visit with school administrators, engineers and contractors. It was fortunate the school could provide pictures of the site prior to construction. Beyond direct inspection of the mechanical damage to roots, these pictures helped us to determine the estimated root loss due to construction. Our assessment determined the root loss was minimal due to prior site conditions. Furthermore, we found the damage did not affect structural roots. We concluded these factors did not substantially increase the likelihood of failure and the trees could be reasonably retained on the site. Additionally, Tree133 provided recommendations to help the client modify landscaping and irrigation plans to improve growing conditions and promote root growth. All findings and recommendations were delivered in a comprehensive Arborist Report. If you are concerned about construction impacts for your trees, contact Tree133 for a site visit and professional risk assessment.

A Tree Preservation Company in the Community As a local, family-owned business, Tree133 is deeply connected to our Seattle neighbors. As professional arborists, we are primarily a tree preservation company. We also support our community through volunteering and donations to local organizations. The Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI)   LIHI  provides housing for low-income, homeless and formerly homeless people to help them develop self-sufficiency. Tree133 has specifically contributed to support the construction of tiny homes . Build Lake City Together (BLCT) BLCT , an initiative of the Children’s Home Society of Washington, is a collaborative and inclusive neighborhood planning process to improve quality of life for all residents and give rise to a neighborhood of opportunity. Tree133 regularly volunteers for community clean-up days organized by BLCT. Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) SAS  saves the lives of animals through adoption, foster care, spay and neuter programs and community outreach. We adopted our dog Charlie-girl  from SAS in 2022. PlantAmnesty   PlantAmnesty  provides education, resources, and advocacy to promote quality tree care and preserve urban green spaces. Tree133 participates in volunteer tree pruning events to care for needy and deserving gardens in the Seattle area. Nathan Hale Horticulture & Urban Farm   This program provides high school students with hands-on experience in horticulture, urban farming, environmental science, entrepreneurship and citizenship. As a member of their Friends Organization, Tree133 also supports the Urban Farm by regularly providing wood chip mulch for the farm and other projects throughout the Seattle school district.

Hazard Reduction Pruning of Large Red Oak – Seattle, WA One of the largest and oldest Red Oaks (Quercus rubra) in the city of Seattle is rooted in a residential parking strip in Capitol Hill. With a trunk nearly 5 feet in diameter, this spectacular tree is nearly 120 years old. The massive canopy of this oak over the house spreads over 100 feet across a busy city street and six residential properties. In 2016, the property closest to the base of the tree was redeveloped. The homeowner worked with their builder and the City of Seattle to construct the home as far from the tree as possible. Even with diligent efforts to protect the root structure and health of the tree, there was still some damage to the root zone which extended well beyond the canopy. Four years later, several large dead limbs were overhanging the house creating a hazard for the client, their home and neighboring properties. Many aspects of this jobsite were challenging. The canopy and work area spread over the busy street and both sidewalks. We also had to work in close proximity to roofs and large glass windows. With houses and formal landscaping below, it was nearly impossible to drop any cut material out of the tree. Given the location and size of this Oak, we knew this would be a difficult and time-consuming job to complete safely. For maximum public safety, we closed the sidewalk and brought additional team members. Then, a combination of careful climbing and an aerial lift in the street enabled us to work efficiently. While working aloft, extensive technical rigging was required to safely lower heavy material and prevent any impact to structures and landscaping. During the project, we successfully removed multiple large dead limbs that presented hazards to the new home, its occupants and neighbors. We also performed a thorough canopy inspection to identify and mitigate hazards not visible from the ground. Now, the client, their neighbors and Capitol Hill residents can safely enjoy this tree that has shaded the neighborhood for generations. Contact Tree133 for professional tree care and hazard mitigation services. * This project was completed together with Conservation Tree Care, Inc. Tree133 is based in North Seattle where we are fortunate to have a robust urban canopy and vibrant neighborhoods.

Hemlock Removal & Maple Reduction – Vashon Island, WA Until we saw this scenario first-hand, it was very difficult to envision… a failed Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) lodged against a tree house in a Big leaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum). Even after completing the work, it’s still hard to describe. The tree house was frequently used by the client’s children, and the declining Maple was already a concern. The tree was in severe decline with more than half of the canopy dead. Typically, Maple limbs deteriorate rapidly and are prone to sudden failure. This existing hazard was compounded by the newly failed Hemlock putting pressure on the Maple and directly on the tree house itself. To address the situation and make the area safe for children, we stabilized the Hemlock with rigging lines and carefully removed it from the Maple tree. Next, we significantly reduced the Maple’s declining canopy to create a wildlife habitat snag . Retaining this snag will provide great perching and nesting habitat for native birds and a great outdoor learning opportunity for the client’s children. Contact Tree133 for help removing hazard trees and creating wildlife snags on your property. * This project was completed together with Michelle Ramsden.

Leyland cypress  (Cupressus x leylandii) is a hybrid species resulting from a cross between the Alaskan cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkantensis) and the Monterey cypress (Cupressocyparis macrocarpa) .   It is a popular choice for privacy screening because of its extremely fast growth rate - quickly growing 40-60 feet high and over 15 feet wide. In prime growing conditions, they can reach 100 feet tall and 50 feet wide. In the Pacific Northwest, Leyland cypress is often an inexpensive and well-intentioned planting, but quickly takes over yards and driveways, damaging nearby fences, shading out gardens and overwhelming urban landscape. Craig Bachmann , Lead Arborist for Tree133, often refers to this as "the alligator in the bathtub." Before you know it, the tree is out of control. Should I plant a Leyland Cypress hedge? What seems to be an inexpensive and easy privacy screen will need annual trimming to maintain the hedge form. These trees are aggressive growers so a small upfront investment to plant may become a significant investment of time and dollars to maintain. Can't we just top the trees once they get too big? Topping actually encourages faster lateral growth and a "candelabra" shape with multiple tops that are difficult to contain. Topped Leyland cypress develop large, upright limbs that are more prone to failure. Read more from the University of Washington Elisabeth C. Miller Gardening Knowledgebase . Can anything be done to help my Leyland cypress trees that are bare and "browned out?" Leyland cypress are generally very tolerant of hard pruning. However, pruning that removes all green foliage from a limb will result in a dead stub. Like most conifer trees, Leyland cypress do not have "latent buds" that begin growing in response to pruning. Instead, new foliage grows from the tips. Unless these trees are contained - hedged or hand pruned - appropriately at a young age and then regularly maintained, these interior "dead zones" become visible and a lasting problem. What happened to my Leyland cypress under the wires? Trees that are growing into and around wires may be cut back hard during city safety clearing. Seattle City Light will notify homeowners of upcoming pruning. Contact the certified arborists at Tree133 with questions about how to manage and maintain trees on your property.

Should I put mulch around my trees? Yes! Chipped woody material, sometimes called "arborist chips," give the soil and your trees added nutrients, help retain much needed moisture, regulate soil temperature and reduce weeds. Combined, these can even help your tree grow faster. How do I properly mulch a tree? To properly mulch a tree, pread the mulch evenly around the tree, in a donut shape. Leave 3-6 inches around the trunk and avoid mounding the mulch against the trunk like a volcano. As a general rule, you should be able to see the root flare - this is the spot where the tree trunk and and the roots begin. Rake the mulch out in all directions to a distance of 3-6 feet from the center of the tree and 2-4 inches deep. This mulch ring will help retain moisture, cools the soil and reduces competition from grass. Over time, the mulch will decompose, adding essential nutrients back into the soil. Plan to replenish the mulch yearly to help keep your trees happy. For quick reference, download Proper Mulching Techniques from the ISA (International society of Arboriculture). Where can I learn more about the science? The Elisabeth C Miller Library and University of Washington Botanic Gardens Gardening Answers database  provides more details. Now, how do I get chips? Chips may be available from your project with Tree133. Please contact our office  for more information. We also suggest signing up for ChipDrop  - a free delivery service. What if I'm still not sure what to do? Please contact Tree133  if you have specific questions about how to use mulch to improve your trees' health. updated 3/10/2022

We are used to looking up at trees. But look down at the base of the trunk and imagine roots extending 2x the width of the canopy (or more) all around the tree. The physics of trees are pretty amazing and often misunderstood. For instance, many people don't realize the most sensitive roots are found in the upper 6-12 inches of soil. This makes them easily susceptible to damage. However, they are not visible beneath a lawn or landscaping and thus are easily forgotten. Construction within a tree's root zone can have severe and lasting impacts. Installing a fence, paving a driveway, building a patio or digging for a drain may cause permanent damage to roots and surrounding soils. Cutting large roots (greater than 2 inches diameter) can negatively impact tree health and stability. Soil compaction by foot traffic, wheeled carts, machinery or heavy materials can also negatively impact tree health or lead to failure in a tree that is already stressed. The easiest way to protect your trees is to consider the root zone in your planning and then install temporary tree protection fencing to prevent damage. A common guideline is to install protective fencing at the "drip line" of the tree (ie. the outer circumference of the canopy). This fencing helps remind everyone to... Store materials away from the tree Prevent driving vehicles and heavy equipment over tree roots Avoid attaching anything to the tree using nails or spikes A Certified Arborist can help you determine where and how the fence should be installed for maximum benefit. We also recommend adding signage to help everyone understand the purpose of the tree protection zone. Printable Sign - City of Seattle This reference guide from ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) is a helpful resource. If you have any questions about how to protect trees on your property during a project, contact Tree133.

Look up in a healthy forest and you'll likely see a snag - a standing dead or dying tree - often missing the top or most of the large branches. Snags provide rich habitat for birds, mammals and insects that use nearly every part of these "dead" trees. A healthy urban forest also includes snags. Portions of declining trees retained in residential yards provide critical wildlife habitat and a refuge for hundreds of creatures. Wildlife trees create opportunities to observe birds and mammals that nest in hollow cavities. Snags attract insects which in turn become a feast for other wildlife, like the Pileated Woodpecker. Higher perches are unobstructed "lookouts" for raptors while the nooks and crannies may become hidden food storage for squirrels and other small mammals. Certified Arborists at Tree133 help clients enhance their yards by creating snags rather than completely removing declining trees. Each tree must be carefully evaluated to make sure it is structurally sound and appropriate to retain. We use "coronet" cuts to imitate breakage that might happen in a storm. Some snags are very natural-looking while others are more artistic. Each snag is unique, benefiting native wildlife and attracting new visitors to your yard. Contact Tree133 to learn about creating a wildlife snag on your property.

So you want to add a tree to your property? In this video, learn tips and techniques for how to plant a small tree, including root washing and pruning, preparing the planting hole, planting depth, watering and mulching. Contact Tree133  if you have questions about tree care on your property.

During periods without rainfall, trees should be thoroughly watered on a regular schedule. Slow, deep watering provides a cool drink for thirsty trees and creates a water reserve, much like filling up a sponge. Tree roots draw from the reserve until the next watering session. This encourages development of deeper roots and helps sustain trees during hot dry summers. A thick layer of woody mulch around your tree  is also valuable to help retain soil moisture. Current science suggests deep, soaking irrigation applied every 3-4 weeks is best. Water your trees during summer months without significant rainfall, typically June - September, adding May and October as needed. Trees For Seattle recommends that newly planted young trees need 15-20 gallons of water twice per week. Mature trees  need substantially more water, potentially 1-3 hours of soaking irrigation each month, depending on tree size. Urban landscapes often have compacted soils which makes it difficult for water to penetrate top layer of soil. A lawn sprinkler is NOT adequate and can promote shallow tree roots. Trees do not receive sufficient water from lawn irrigation systems and schedules. We suggest using a deep root watering probe  that connects to your garden hose to deliver water directly to the tree’s root zone. Start 3-6 feet from the base of the trunk and push the tool 6-12 inches into the ground to get below the surface compaction layer. Turn the water on low and let it run for 15-20 minutes. Then, move the probe to a second location (1-2 big steps) within the drip line of the tree - the area between the edge of the foliage and the tree trunk. For trees up to 12 inches diameter, water in 2-4 locations around the tree. Increase the number of locations for larger trees. You can also water your trees with just a hose. Set to low flow (just above a trickle) and thoroughly saturate the soil. It is important to run the water long and slow to avoid run-off and evaporation. Move the hose every 15-20 minutes. Do you have questions about when and how much to water your trees? Contact the certified arborists at Tree133. We are happy to help!

What's happening to my birch tree? Here in the Pacific Northwest, the culprit could be a 1/2-inch long beetle called the bronze birch borer (BBB). You'll likely never see these insects. They lay eggs under the bark where the larva grow by feeding on the tree's sensitive cambium layer. Then, the adult beetle "chews" its way out and flys away to reproduce and repeat this cycle. The first signs of BBB activity are typically wilted leaves near the top of the tree. Twig and branch dieback happen next. Later, their distinctive "D-shaped" exit holes can be found on limbs in the upper tree canopy Typically, BBB infests birch trees that are stressed or have already begun to decline. European white bark birch (Betula pendula) is most susceptible. Paper birch (Betula papyrifera) is also vulnerable. Trees that are weakened or stressed are most susceptible to the Bronze Birch Borer. These trees evolved to grow in cool, moist conditions. In landscape settings, these trees are often planted on exposed sites with low soil moisture. Trees that have broken in a windstorm or heavily pruned are at greater risk. Infected trees may decline for several years before dying, although they may die during a single year if conditions are particularly hot and dry. Research shows the decline of a birch tree may be reversed in the early stages but trees are unlikely to recover once 50% or more of the crown is damaged. (US Forest Service) Read more at: Oregon State University Extension: Homeowner Guide to Managing Bronze Birch Borer What Can Property Owners Do? Understand the damage - trees can be preserved with early interventions Treat with insecticides - applied by a licensed tree health professional Tree133 works with property owners in and around Seattle to preserve trees and mitigate tree hazards. If you have questions about birch trees on your property, contact the certified arborists at Tree133 ,   we are ready to help!