NEED a Tree Doctor? Call Arbor Tech in St. George, Utah!

NEED a Tree Doctor? Call Arbor Tech in St. George, Utah!

While on route to the Prado & Kramer Real Estate office Monday morning, I noticed two huge trees on Tabernacle Street had several branches split, almost laying to the ground. Strong winds had come through the night before and I thought, what a shame! As I drove back by a few hours later, one of the trees was completely GONE! I was curious...So I stopped and spoke with the people in charge.

The State of Utah conducted an inspection of numerous trees in downtown St. George, Utah and decided that 11 needed to be cut down due to disease and / or improper pruning. Their branches are now brittle on and pose a safety threat for those who walk down the sidewalk or drive by in a vehicle.

Mind you, these trees are at least 50 years old and have been a source of shade, beauty and a familiar fortress as you travel along Tabernacle Street. This street is also a popular parade route for many local events per year.

Arbor Tech, a tree care company, created a study based on conditions of the 11 trees and recommended that 5 trees, instead of the total amount were necessary to take down at this time. I asked Troy, about the time frame to cut a 50+ year old tree down to the stump. Forty-five minutes was his answer.

I watched as he climbed the tree, strapped in and began cutting the far reaching branches first, then moving in to cut the main branches closest to the trunk. I was amazed at the steady pace and the ease in which he moved while up to 30 feet at times.

After taking down the trees and removing the stumps, they will plant trees in their place to ensure the serene atmosphere of the downtown area remains.

Mark Hodges, owner of Arbor Tech for 10 years has been working with trees since high school, when he started his first tree care company. He spent time working for the City of St. George, serving for a time as City Forester and presently serving on the Utah Community Forestry Council. He is a professional consulting arborist, specializing in treating disease and insects in trees and shrubs.

His company does everything, including:

• Pruning
• Planting
• Consulting
• Irrigation
• Preventative Maintenance

He is proctor for the ISA testing in St. George, Utah, maintains his ISA certification and has a degree in Horticulture and Business Management. A Master Gardener, having served on the City of St. George's Shade Tree Board for the last twelve years and also a term as President.

Evidently, he and his crew really enjoy their work as they answered my questions without hesitation and were willing to share their expertise. It is assuring to know that experts are taking necessary steps to ensure the safety of the people who live here and are also concerned about restoring beauty to the downtown St. George, Utah area.

For more information on arboriculture / the study of trees, go to:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arborist

For questions or a consultation call Mark Hodges / Arbor Tech at 435.656.1099 or contact him at arbortecmh@yahoo.com.