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Company News

Hearing Tests

By | Arborist Insights, Company News, Education, Videos | No Comments

hearing

I had my first hearing test in 2014 and I was worried about entering a claustrophobic box inside a mobile truck. Now I am glad I did it. After sixteen loud seasons in the field, always diligently wearing ear protection, it was nice to get a picture of my hearing. That first 2014 test became my baseline. The 2015 test also showed normal hearing. Great! (Only my wife questions the results.)
The few lines below normal range (see picture) could be caused by machine noise exposure for hours before the test; and, possibly, by the friendly, heavy-set female technician coughing and moving about in the mobile truck.

Action steps:

1) Always wear ear protection!

2) Get tested – best through your employer- to establish a baseline for your hearing.

3) Do NOT abuse your headset. I use Peltors and my bad habit is sticking goggles inside them. Just like resting the headset at the top of your front truck seat, this reduces the headset’s effectiveness.

photo 4

Bad habit: goggles inside my headset

Atsushi in Kyoto

By | Arborist Insights, Company News, Education, Interviews, Landscaping, Plant Species Information | No Comments

tokyo_and_kyoto_highlightsI met Atsushi, a 20-something Japanese guy, at a Burnaby landscape company and we did a few weekend sessions together. He went through years one and two of the apprenticeship program which I thought was a great idea. Then, he surprised me (and his boss!) with his decision to move back to Japan. Specifically, to ancient Kyoto to work for a great company. Kyoto is a must-see place with its many temples and shrines. The fall colors are so spectacular, my in-laws visit there every fall! And rumor has it that Kyoto gardening companies are a bit high on themselves because they operate in such a spectacular setting.

 

I took the liberty of asking Atsushi a few questions.

V: What are the biggest differences between your Burnaby landscape company and your new one in Kyoto?

A: We don’t use hedge trimmers and prune with hand pruners instead. We also don’t use blowers. We climb trees even if they are over 10 meters high. We prune and take care of our trees; we don’t call tree service companies for help.

V: What does your typical day look like? Hours, breaks, etc.

A: I work 8hrs. 10 min breaks at 10am and 3 pm. 45min lunch break.

V: Who are your clients?

A: Residential, temples

V: Are young people entering the trade in Japan?

A: Yes, there are many young people in the trade.

V: What is the average monthly salary?

A: The average is lower than in Vancouver.

V: Are jobs available?

A: It depends on the company.

V: What is your biggest challenge right now?

A: To work in a completely different environment.

V: What is it like living and working in ancient Kyoto?

A: It’s only been two months so I don’t know yet.. but I’m very happy to be able to work in Kyoto.

Can-West Horticulture Expo 2015

By | Company News, Education, Events, Landscaping | No Comments

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This show is a must-see for all local green professionals. Walking through the trade show is always interesting. Sometimes there are plant identification quizzes and when you feel like taking a break, head for the beer garden.

There are always plenty of interesting seminars and most are good for education credits, if you are ISA and Landscape Industry Certified. If you are not certified, why not?

My favorite is the all-day Urban Forestry Symposium. The speakers are tree experts with Ph.D.s and the fee includes lunch. So not only do you get to learn new things about trees, you also get a chance to network and meet new green professionals. Priceless.

Most landscape companies have free or discounted tickets. Ask your employer to cover your time so you can attend some courses. I feel it’s time well-spent.

See you there!

  • New Location
  • Expanded Show
  • Stellar Education Program

Registration is now open!
www.CanWestHortExpo.com

Your Safety Equipment

By | Arborist Insights, Company News, Landscaping, Resources, Seasonal, Tips | One Comment

Safety has to be taken seriously. Employers have to comply with WCB regulations that aim to protect the health and well-being of all employees. Are the contractors you hire thinking about safety?

saftey

A) safety goggles
B) gloves
C) high visibility vest
D) water and stain resistant work pants with extra pockets
E) STIHL Landscape Pro steel-toe, lawngrips

And do NOT forget hearing protection when working with or around machines. Some companies pay for annual hearing tests.

Stay safe!

Garden Giant Gunnera

By | Arborist Insights, Company News, Landscaping, Resources, Seasonal, Strata Maintenance, Tips | No Comments

Gunnera manicata is one of the biggest and most spectacular herbaceous plants. It requires a lot of space and is best used as specimen plant in damp bog gardens or beside ponds.

The fat growth buds clustered in the crown are prone to frost damage so cut back the leaves in the fall and pile them over the buds for winter protection.

A B

Picture A is from fall 2014; picture B is from spring 2015.

Vas’ (our Arborist) Favorite Plants… What Are Yours?

By | Arborist Insights, Company News, Landscaping, Seasonal | No Comments

We all have our favorite plants. This is my top three. What are yours?

  1. Davidia Involucrata – aka, Ghost Tree
  2. Doronicum Orientale
  3. Albizia Julibrissen – aka, Silk Tree; once you experience its amazing scent you won’t forget it, it doesn’t leaf out until June!