Tree Pruning in Edmonton

Wed, 07/13/2011 - 08:09 — Frank

The request for moisture has been answered. Although it can be frustrating at times to work in the team all agrees that the benifit to the trees is well worth it. One thing we have noticed is that some trees with poor structure from over thinning time after time, are having trouble with all the weight from new growth. All the new tissue is at the ends, causing a tremendous amount of force along the lower portion of the branch. When smaller branches are removed along the base of limbs they tend to replace the foliaged out at the ends where most of the light energy can be captured by the leaves. Improper pruning has kept us busy with storm calls. One would think that if we had some major winds this season it could be a small disaster. Trees should be pruned for aesthetics, clearance from structures and in some cases subordinated to reduce wind loading. There are limitations to all these practices.

Grimsby Storm

Thu, 05/12/2011 - 07:55 — Frank

On the evening of Thursday, April the 28th I recieved an emergency response call from a very close friend of mine (Andrew Hordyk) from Southern Ontario. Without saying hello he asked me to get on a plane. I knew there was something wrong. He then explained that they had been hit by a 100 year storm and that trees were all over on houses and cars, the power was out and people were devistated. I immediately began to look for flights into Toronto. The only flight going there was a red eye out of Edmonton and I would have to be on stand by because it was full. The next flight out wouldnt get us into Toronto until the next afternoon. This was really scetchy news for Andrew as he had already booked a 300 ton crane and a 28 ton crane to be at a park where some of the worst damage was. An array of 110 foot Eastern White Pine smashed through houses and hanging into other trees. ........ As we waited for our names to be called it wasnt looking good.

IN THE EYES OF A CHILD

Thu, 04/21/2011 - 08:16 — Frank

BLACK KNOT....DISEASE AFFECTING MAYDAY AND SCHUBERT....(http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/black_knot/blacknot.htm)

Thu, 04/14/2011 - 09:31 — Frank

Symptoms

The disease is characterized by the presence of thick, black, irregular swellings on the twigs (Fig. 1). The presence of these symptoms is often first noticed in the winter season when they are unobscured by leaves. However, the fungal disease-causing agent has been present for quite some time. The pathogen's presence disrupts the normal growth of the twigs and a tumor-like growth forms at the infection site. Infections may take place as much as a year or more prior to the development of these characteristic "knots", therefore, the swellings are normally not noticed until the winter of the second season of infection. It takes a keen observer to notice the subtle, initial symptoms present during the first season of infection.

The Snow Melts

Sat, 04/02/2011 - 12:36 — Frank

Wow its really nice to see the sun. The snow is rappidly melting and the trees are beginning to pressure up. Buds ar swelling and the trees are putting on some weight. Like we do in the off season (ha ha). It has been quite difficult to get into yards due to the amount of snow, however we are doing it with a smile. We welcome the season and can't expect everything to be perfect. The moisture is more than welcome after many seasons offering less than average moisture. Being that the season is off to a late start it will offer another challenge. We'll be feeling the pressure of getting a lot of work done in a small amount of time. That's the life of an arborist I guess. It seems to be the same in the fall as we can never predict when the weather will change on us. All in all the team is ready to go strong for another season. Can't wait to see you and catch up.

Frank Chipps

North American Tree Climbing Championships

Wed, 03/23/2011 - 17:31 — Frank

My wife and I had the pleasure of spending a week in Savannah Georgia at the end of February for the North American Tree Climbing Championships. It was the first one of its kind. I was fortunate to see lots of old friends and fellow competitors. I have not competed for four years or so as Daddy duty has taken up a lot of my time. I have now been encouraged to return to the sport and am very excited to do so. The Live Oak trees in Savannah are amazing. You can see a good friend of mine in the picture. He is 6ft 6 inches tall. This was only one of many beutiful trees that grow in Savannah. We had 69 competitive climbers cover 5 events in one day. Thats a great accomplishment by some very talented techs and judges who volunteered countless hours to make it all possible. What a great time we had, not to mention the good weather and great food. Im looking forward to competing this 2011 season.....

A long winter.

Tue, 03/22/2011 - 20:51 — Frank

Well its been a very long time scince I can remember seeing the grass. It has been a snow covered March, however the weather has been warm enough to get into the trees. (for the most part). The team has been climbing some big boulevard Poplars for a local municipality. This is a great way to get our "tree legs" back. After a couple of months off the tree climbing and a long snowy winter clearing parking lots, getting into these giants is just what we need to kickstart the season. Long winters like this give us a better appreciation for spring.

Look forward to seeing you this season.

Frank Chipps

After the storm

Fri, 08/20/2010 - 12:06 — Peter

In the evening of Monday, August 16th, a thunderstorm rolled over the skies of edmonton, with several lightning bolts touching down within city limits. On Tuesday morning, Frank Chipps, ISA Certified Arborist and owner of Chipps Tree Care, Inc. was pruning the trees and shrubs in a clients' backyard and listening to the client tell the story of a lightning strike the night before that seemed too close for comfort. Having several mature spruce trees on the property, Frank decided to perform a visual inspection of these 60' specimens.