At Good News Tree Service, Inc. of Wilsonville, Oregon, we’re much more than out-of-work loggers (although Nathan has experience way back when in that industry as well) who have fallen into residential tree removal. In fact, we come from a solid three generation, more than six decade family business with a background in the nursery, landscape, horticultural, farming and arboricultural business. And not wanting to rest any any laurels we may have, we’re constantly gaining education to keep up with new information and techniques in tree care.
As part of our continuing education, Jared (Nathan’s son and Good News Tree Service, Inc. Crew Supervisor and tree climber) and I just returned from the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture’s annual training conference at Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. For four days we sat in classes taught by some of the nation’s leading experts on a number of subject including scientists from several universities.
As ISA Certified Arborists, both Nathan and Jared are required to take continuing education classes to maintain our certifications, and conferences such as these are an excellent way to pick up the required CEUs quickly. Between the two of us, we spent some 35 hours in classes and workshops.
Why do we go to these events? For several reasons. We love what we do and are passionate about trees. We’re also curious and want to keep learning about our trade. We want to keep up with the last science and technology. We want to provide the highest quality service and the best and latest information on tree care to our clients. Plus, it’s just plain fun hanging out with a bunch of other tree geeks!
What did we learn about at the latest PNW-ISA tree conference? There were classes on wide range of subjects including soil science, plant pathology, business practices, rope climbing, chainsaw maintenance, invasive pests, tree physiology and biology, tree protection and preservation and more.
Here are some photos of this our latest adventure in the art and science of tree care.
