Talking Trees with Davey Tree - podcast cover

Talking Trees with Davey Tree

The Davey Tree Expert Companywww.davey.com

Your trees and landscapes require year-round care, and The Davey Tree Expert Company is here to help provide you with expert advice. Join our professional Davey arborists and gardening-expert host Doug Oster to learn all about caring for your properties. We'll talk about introduced pests, seasonal tree care, tree diseases, arborists' favorite trees, how to help your trees thrive and everything in between. Tune in every Thursday because here at the Talking Trees Podcast, we know trees are the answer. 

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Episodes

How to Save Your Trees Before Starting Backyard Construction Projects

Taylor Judd, sales arborist with Davey's East Denver office, talks about the importance of tree care and preservation before beginning backyard construction projects. In this episode we cover: Late spring Colorado snow (:40) How construction projects affect trees (1:55) Handling neighbor disputes with trees and construction projects (3:49) Dealing with astroturf on trees' roots (6:19) (8:33) Brick wall construction and tree roots (10:59) Using Phosphonate for tree care (13:38) How do Colorado re...

May 23, 202421 minSeason 4Ep. 21

Spotted Lanternfly and Other Pests to Watch for

Mike Holleran from Davey's Wilmington, Delaware, office talks about spotted lanternfly (SLF) and other pests affecting his office and how they can best be treated. In this episode we cover: Spotted lanternfly (SLF) (0:40) When SLF reached Delaware (1:36) SLF damage (2:22) Tree of Heaven (3:27) SLF treatment (4:57) (6:47) How long SLF was a major pest in Delaware (6:00) SLF peak (8:28) Emerald ash borer (EAB) (9:39) Crape myrtle bark scale (10:15) Tree and shrub maintenance (11:50) Least toxic tr...

May 16, 202421 minSeason 4Ep. 20

Why Trees Fail - Environmental Factors & Things We Do

Rob Dallmann from Davey's Annapolis office talks about the reasons why a tree could fall and how arborists have to be "history detectives." In this episode we cover: A fallen tree in Rob's neighborhood (0:44) Looking at the history of the scenery (1:11) Events that can contribute to a tree falling (4:33) The importance of an arborist looking at your trees for expert opinions (7:43) How homeowners contribute to a tree falling (11:42) Treating your trees like your pets (14:15) How environmental fa...

May 09, 202428 minSeason 4Ep. 19

Learn About Ecotherapy from a Certified Forest Therapy Guide

Chelsi Abbott, a technical advisor and education specialist at the Davey Institute (and Certified Forest Therapy Guide), talks about ecotherapy, also known as forest bathing, including how to do it and its benefits. In this episode we cover: What is ecotherapy? (0:53) What a Certified Forest Therapy Guide does (1:45) How long does forest bathing take? (4:19) What the forest gives (5:46) Garden Meditation Day (6:38) Why Chelsi is a guide (8:22) How Chelsi became a guide (10:00) Finding yourself i...

May 02, 202420 minSeason 4Ep. 18

How Home Runs Help Plant Trees: Partnership with the Cleveland Guardians

Sandee Reid, Davey’s vice president of corporate communications and strategic planning, talks about Davey’s partnership with the Cleveland Guardians and why reestablishing the tree canopy is so important. In this episode we cover: What is Swing for the Trees? (0:46) Which trees are planted through the program? (1:18) Where are the trees planted? (2:00) How the partnership began (2:32) Earth Week Sponsorship (3:42) Sandee's ceremonial first pitch (5:28) Why the Guardians? (5:45) Davey's other spo...

Apr 25, 202415 minSeason 4Ep. 17

How Preventative Healthcare for Your Trees Can Save Them

Aaron Hoot from Davey's Dallas office talks about preventative tree healthcare, common problems that can be prevented and the importance of treating emerald ash borer on trees. In this episode we cover: Girdling roots (0:45) Proper planting practices (2:43)) Looking for distress signals (4:25) Preventing emerald ash borer (6:13) How arborists conduct preventative checkups (10:35) Mistletoe pruning (17:57) How Aaron became an arborist (20:39) To find your local Davey office, check out our find a ...

Apr 18, 202425 minSeason 4Ep. 16

Importance of Diversity in the Landscape and Planting to Replace

Josh Fritz from Hartney Greymont, a Davey company, in the Boston North Shore office, talks about Doug's dying oak forest and how he can slowly replace the trees that have succumbed to oak wilt, as well as why planting a diversity of species in your landscape is so important. In this episode we cover: Planting diversity (0:35) Street trees (2:03) What to replace a Bradford pear with (3:39) Replacing Doug's oak forest (5:32) Understory trees (7:25) Spring planting in Boston (8:51) Evergreens for f...

Apr 11, 202420 minSeason 4Ep. 15

How Drones are Used in Arboriculture

Deb Sheeler, a Geospatial & Software Support Services production manager with Davey Resource Group (DRG), talks about the ways drones are used in arboriculture, what kind of data they can capture and how it's used in the industry. In this episode we cover: What does geospatial and software support mean? (0:36) How drones are used in arboriculture (1:04) Drones creating 3D images (2:27) How many people operate a drone? (3:35) What was used before drones? (4:38) Who can operate a drone? (5:55)...

Apr 04, 202417 minSeason 4Ep. 14

Spring Tree Care Tips from an Arborist

Matt Betz from Davey's Charlotte office talks about what you should be doing this spring on your landscape to keep your trees and property thrive this season! In this episode we cover: Spring so far this year in Charlotte (0:33) Damage becomes apparent in spring (1:23) Right tools and sharp tools (3:22) Should you avoid pruning in the spring? (5:04) Benefits of a certified arborist and cabling and bracing (6:18) Spring planting (12:03) Mulching (15:47) Fertilizer (17:02) Things to look for at th...

Mar 28, 202423 minSeason 4Ep. 13

Managing Nature - Storms, Fluctuating Temperatures and Pests

Lou Meyer, business developer for Davey's mid-Atlantic region, discusses how arborists work with nature while dealing with storms, temperature changes and pest concerns. In this episode we cover: Managing nature (1:02) Working with storms (1:58) Best time to treat trees (3:30) Winter in the mid-Atlantic (5:08) Cherry blossoms (6:17) How trees handle abnormal temperatures (7:14) Managing emerald ash borer (9:43) Managing other pests (10:57) Enjoying nature (13:38) ArborLock Growth Regulator (15:0...

Mar 21, 202418 minSeason 4Ep. 12

Why Biochar is Important & How it Can Be Used in the Landscape

Dr. Chris Fields-Johnson, technical advisor with the Davey Institute, talks about the many uses and benefits of biochar and how it can be used in the landscape. In this episode we cover: What is biochar? (0:40) What does biochar do to the soil? (1:35) What does biochar look like? (3:57) How is biochar made? (5:11) How would biochar be used in tree plantings? (6:37) Is biochar a new product? (8:51) How is biochar packaged? (11:25) How would a home gardener use it? (12:06) Chris' background with b...

Mar 14, 202421 minSeason 4Ep. 11

How Davey Women Support Others

Audrey Sellepack, pesticide compliance specialist at the Davey Institute, and Anne Embrey, organizational change management specialist, talk about their experiences as women in the green industry and their involvement with Davey's Women+ affinity group. In this episode we cover: What is a pesticide compliance specialist? (00:53) What an organizational change management specialist does (1:42) Anne's green industry journey (2:30) Audrey's green industry journey (3:15) Davey's women population (4:5...

Mar 07, 202421 minSeason 4Ep. 10

Davey's Diagnostic Laboratory - How it's Used & Common Diagnoses

Kodi Riedel, diagnostic laboratory supervisor at the Davey Institute, talks about her work in the lab, how a diagnosis happens and the common diagnoses she's seen in the lab. In this episode we cover: What is a diagnostic laboratory supervisor (00:39) New things seen in the lab (2:09) How Davey keeps up with tree trends (2:41) How arborists use the lab (3:40) The lab's busiest times (5:30) Abiotic issues (5:58) Kodi's Davey journey (9:27) What Davey's lab looks like (10:47) Diagnosing common con...

Feb 29, 202419 minSeason 4Ep. 9

A Look into Davey's Annual Training Program D.I.T.S.

Hear from three students attending the Davey Institute of Tree Sciences (D.I.T.S.) program, Davey's annual flagship training program in biological sciences, safety, tree and plant care and management techniques. Philip Bauerle from Davey's North Pittsburgh office, Izzy Christmann from Davey's Portland office and Max Hackney from Davey's health and safety department talk about their experience in the four-week program, including what they're learning, how they got there and what they're excited t...

Feb 22, 202416 minSeason 4Ep. 8

Resurrecting The Great American Chestnut Tree

Dan Herms, vice president of research and development at the Davey Institute, talks about the American Chesnut tree - the history, chestnut blight and how scientists are trying to bring the species back to the United States. In this episode we cover: History of the American Chestnut (0:38) Mature specimens of the tree (2:44) Bringing the tree back (4:19) GMOs (7:57) Back crossing (11:27) How are the hybrid forests doing? (12:56) The future (15:14) To find your local Davey office, check out our f...

Feb 15, 202418 minSeason 4Ep. 7

Reconnect with Nature! Your Reminder to Get Outside

Jason Gaskill from Davey's Wilmington, Delaware, office shares his personal experience connecting with nature through work, traveling and leading hikes, as well as why it's important to get outside, enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature. In this episode we cover: When did Jason's appreciation for trees start? (1:12) Leading nature hikes (4:19) Suggestions on how to reconnect with nature (6:41) (17:23) Everyone walks through the forest differently (8:50) Working outdoors (11:29) Planting a t...

Feb 08, 202423 minSeason 4Ep. 6

Storm Preparedness & Safety Checks After Storms

Jason Parker from Davey's Horsham, Pa., office talks about what to do before and after a storm to protect your landscape. In this episode we cover: Winter in Philadelphia (0:37) What arborists look for before a storm (0:55) Scheduled storm maintenance (1:33) Handling ice storms (3:15) (5:50) What arborists do after a storm (3:52) Winter rain events (6:56) Planting the right tree in the right place (9:00) What Jason likes to plant near houses (10:35) How arborists prepare for forecasted storms (1...

Feb 01, 202421 minSeason 4Ep. 5

Did You Know Salt Can Damage Your Property? Here's How to Stop it

Cindy Grady, regional business developer in Minnesota, talks about the affect salt can have on your landscape and plants and possible alternatives available to property owners. In this episode we cover: Smart Salting Certification from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (0:52) Salt's impact on water sources (2:03) Alternatives to salt (3:09), (13:52) Salt's impact on plants (5:13) How properties can responsibly use salt (5:47) How to remediate the impacts of salting your landscape (9:27) Gyp...

Jan 25, 202418 minSeason 4Ep. 4

Landscaping Trends to Know About in 2024

Lou Meyer, business developer for Davey's mid-Atlantic region, talks about landscaping trends he saw at the 2024 Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS). In this episode we cover: What is the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show? (0:48) Trends in landscaping (1:48) Fabric grow sacks (2:00) Gardening containers (5:52) Shifting away from native only (6:25) Environmental restoration (9:27) Software in landscaping (11:50) Winter in D.C. (12:26) Davey's project with the National Aquarium during MANTS (13:...

Jan 18, 202418 minSeason 4Ep. 3

Protecting Newly Planted Trees in the Winter

Matt Betz from Davey's Charlotte office talks about what to do to help a young tree be successful in the winter and his family's history at Davey. In this episode we cover: Winter in North Carolina (00:40) Considerations for young trees in a cool climate (1:28) Wrapping trees (2:36) Staking young trees (5:50) Watering young trees in cold weather (7:53) Mulching (8:57) Matt's Davey journey (11:47) When to plant in North Carolina (16:40) Charlotte's tree canopy (18:43) Chinese Elm Trees (21:57) To...

Jan 11, 202425 minSeason 4Ep. 2

How to Make a Difference in Your Landscape During the Dormant Season

Brian Sieber from Davey's Cincinnati office talks about what homeowners can be doing to care for their trees during the winter. In this episode we cover: Winter in Southwest Ohio (0:40) What can be done to help trees in winter (2:40) An arborist's annual visit schedule (3:44) Winter watering (4:47) Evergreen watering (5:44) Pruning in cold weather (6:19) Brian's favorite trees to plant in winter (7:00) Trees with interesting bark (8:32) Is it okay to fertilize in winter? (9:35) How Brian became ...

Jan 04, 202421 minSeason 4Ep. 1

Dormant Pruning - Why Prune in the Winter?

Mike Holleran from Davey's Wilmington, Delaware, office talks about why it's beneficial to prune in the winter, when an expert needs to help prune and tips on pruning your own tree. In this episode we cover: Benefits of pruning during dormancy (0:34) (9:55) Reasons homeowners think their tree needs pruned (1:40) Right tree right place (3:21) When a homeowner should prune vs when to leave it to an expert (5:05) Tools (7:20) How to make cuts + serrated saws - replace or sharpen? (8:27) What it's l...

Dec 28, 202322 minSeason 3Ep. 49

Should You be Watering in the Winter?

Michael Sundberg from Davey's South East Denver office shares how he handles winter watering in Colorado's (typically) year-round dry conditions. In this episode we cover: Winter in Colorado (1:17) Watering in all four seasons (3:55) Handing faucets in winter (4:47) How arborists water client trees (5:15), (12:37) How to know how much to water (8:19) How weather impacts arborists' work (9:35) Problems caused by moisture levels (10:30) Importance of watering (13:30) Soil conditions in Colorado (1...

Dec 14, 202322 minSeason 3Ep. 48

Tree Care in Extreme Temperatures

Travis McDonald from Davey's South Minneapolis office shares advice on tree care and planting in extreme temperatures, from heat waves to cold and snow. In this episode we cover: Weather shifts (0:35) Irrigation during dry spells (1:31) Hardiness zones changing (2:37) Minneapolis summer (4:06) What time should you be watering? (4:48) Watering probe (5:24) Which trees should you water? (6:42) Mulching (7:15) Biochar (13:42) Winter in Minneapolis (16:05) Watering until the ground freezes (17:33) T...

Dec 07, 202320 minSeason 3Ep. 47

How to Hang Outdoor Lights Without Harming the Tree + A GIVEAWAY!

Jason Gaskill from Davey's Wilmington, Delaware, office talks about how to carefully and safely install lights on your outdoor trees without harming them, pruning considerations to make this winter and fun story about one of the trees featured in Davey's 2024 Trees of Davey calendar, plus how you can WIN a copy! In this episode we cover: Staying safe while decorating outdoors (1:07) Don't wrap too tightly, and remember to remove the lights (1:57) LED lights? (3:36) Pruning considerations (4:45) ...

Nov 30, 202320 minSeason 3Ep. 46

Growing an Edible Landscape!

Lou Meyer, business developer for Davey's mid-Atlantic region and Emily Tepe, Department of Horticulture professor at the University of Minnesota, talk with Doug about the best practices of creating an edible garden, including which trees to plant and how to handle different hardiness zones. In this episode we cover: Emily's book: The Edible Landscape (1:08), (24:24) Edible landscaping (2:01) Which trees can be used in an edible landscape? (2:46), (5:36) Growing cherry trees (4:07) Growing apple...

Nov 16, 202326 minSeason 3Ep. 45

Saluting Branches Volunteer Tree Work - Honoring Our Veterans

Jason Parker from Davey's North Philadelphia office talks about the volunteer work he and other arborists across the country do for Saluting Branches, a non-profit organization dedicated to recognizing and honoring our veterans by doing tree work on veteran cemeteries. In this episode we cover: What is Saluting Branches (0:40) Jason's experience with Saluting Branches (1:01), (4:23), (9:53) What work arborists do (1:36) What it's like to work on a volunteer project (2:10) Working on historic pro...

Nov 09, 202315 minSeason 3Ep. 44

How to Prepare Your Trees for Colder Weather!

Kris Baker from Davey's Orlando office uses his experiences as an arborist in Michigan and Florida to share how arborists can help your trees in cold weather. In this episode we cover: What arborists do for cold weather in Orlando (00:51) What arborists do for cold weather in Detroit (2:01) Why oaks and elms must be cut in cold weather (2:54) Tree care in late fall (3:42) Examining the whole tree (4:26) How long can you fertilize (5:08) End of season mulching (5:47) Kristoffer's move from Detroi...

Nov 02, 202318 minSeason 3Ep. 43

Progress at Davey's SEED Campus

Dan Herms, vice president of research and development at the Davey Institute, and Dan Joy, executive vice president and assistant to the president, talk about their experience leading development of the Davey Tree SEED (Science, Employee Education and Development) Campus. In this episode we cover: What is the SEED Campus (0:45) Dan Joy's role with the SEED Campus (1:45) Sustainability on the Campus (2:53) Tree planting on the Campus (4:37) Tree canopy walk (6:10) Timeline of the Campus (7:23) Re...

Oct 26, 202320 minSeason 3Ep. 42

The Pawpaw Tree - History, How to Grow and Unique Facts!

Miles Stephens from Davey's South Pittsburgh office talks with Doug over their fascination with the pawpaw tree. In this episode we cover: How Doug and Miles learned about the pawpaw tree (0:43) What is the pawpaw tree? (2:07) How to grow the pawpaw fruit (2:50) Pollinating a pawpaw tree (3:22) Pawpaw tree folktales (4:12) The pawpaw tree fruit and its flavor (5:50) How long it takes to get a fruit harvest (6:57) Pawpaw tree ice cream (8:05) Lewis and Clark with the pawpaw tree (9:25) Educating ...

Oct 19, 202320 minSeason 3Ep. 41
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