Jeff Grewe Featured in Recent Podcasts

2/7/2023

Our founder and CEO, Jeff Grewe, has recently been featured in two podcasts sharing his entrepreneurial journey and leadership initiatives. Check them out below!

Bootstrappers for Entrepreneurs Podcast

Over the last several years, we have placed an emphasis on cultivating an open and honest work environment in which our people thrive as individuals and professionals. Vulnerability is at the heart of our ethos and we believe it's what makes Arbor Aesthetics, well - Arbor Aesthetics.

Jeff had the opportunity to share his thoughts on the power of vulnerable leadership on the Bootstrappers For Entrepreneurs podcast. Check it out:

Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gtYVpG_H
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gWaWK7Bc
Youtube: https://lnkd.in/gn-wEWG8

Tree Service Digital Podcast

Listen: https://treeservicedigital.podbean.com/e/jeff-grewe-founder-of-arbor-aesthetics-shares-his-story-of-addiction-recovery-and-business-success/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kNnzrQsIuk

"Jeff Grewe, the founder and chief growth officer for Arbor Aesthetics in Omaha, Nebraska shares his business story with us here on the podcast. He goes into his past addictions, his recovery, and how he got the help he needed to overcome those years and succeed!
And...how he built and maintained a Multi-Million dollar Tree Service & Plant Health Care business while being the local leader in his space.

I enjoyed the discussion with Jeff, and I think you will too. Thanks for sharing your valuable insights with us, Jeff!"

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WINTER TREE WATERING

1/9/2023

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Drought Conditions Call for Winter Watering

We don’t tend to think about trees too often in the dead of winter, but we should! We have had three consecutive years of drought-like conditions and this takes its toll on trees, especially evergreens which lose moisture to the air even in winter, and shallow rooted ornamentals. Between fall of 2021 and spring of 2022 we saw an unprecedented number of trees and shrubs die due to a lack of water.

DIY WATERING INSTRUCTIONS

When temperatures rise above 40 degrees, turn your hose on at a half-trickle and place it at the trunk. Move the hose every 5-10 minutes, working your way around the trunk, then taking a few steps back moving farther from the trunk. Continue in this manner, making concentric circles moving from the trunk to the drip line. A good watering at least twice per season will go a long way toward combatting drought and winter burn.

DEEP ROOT WATERING SERVICES AVAILABLE

Alternatively, we are happy to do it for you! Instead of setting out a hose, we will “deep root water” throughout the entire root zone using a probe. We will have technicians out while temperatures allow and are pricing the work by the hour. We charge $250 per hour with a $125 minimum. A typical residential property can likely be done in about an hour.

FREE PROPOSAL

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Winter Burn Prevention with Anti-Transpirants

11/23/2022

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Winter burn to plants can occur in winter when water is lost from the needles to the air. On a nice summer day, this water loss is replaced from the soil, but in winter with frozen grounds, this isn’t possible. We see evergreens with needles turning brown on the margins, or in more serious cases entire needles dying. Because evergreens don’t just readily produce new needles quickly, this damage can disfigure, or even kill these plants. This can be more extreme for plants more exposed to winds, those near roads (as there is also water loss from road salt), as well as those close to the home (the house itself gives off heat, and on the sides of the plant closest to the house, this winter burn effect is more extreme).

Additionally, it is not always the extreme cold years that do this. The winter of 2021/2022 we saw a lot of ornamental trees and shrubs die from the abnormally warm temperatures and lack of soil moisture due to very little snow/rainfall.

What can you do?

First, watering “sensitive” trees on warm (40 degree plus) days can help. If the hose is shut off, a 5 gallon bucket of water or two at the base can help. Trees/shrubs at the highest risk include dwarf Alberta spruce, arborvitae, junipers, boxwoods, young redbuds and Japanese maples.

HOW WE CAN HELP

We offer anti-transpirant, or, “wilt proof” sprays. Applied once or twice a season, these sprays coat the evergreens in a waxy material that locks in moisture. In some cases, these sprays can mean the difference between happy healthy lush evergreens, and replacing a whole row of arborvitae.

FREE CONSULTATION

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Omaha's Best Tree Service 2023

10/31/2022

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Voted Best of Omaha for 2023!

We are grateful and proud to have been voted Best of Omaha for 2023. This is out 8th Best of Omaha win and we couldn't be more humbled by the support of our community for their votes. Thanks, Omaha!

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Arborist Spotlight on Jake Popham

10/24/2022

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We are proud to share that our very own Jake Popham has been featured in the Nebraska Arborists Association's newsletter in the Arborist Spotlight! You can read the article below.

"Jake wonderfully exemplifies what it means to be an Arbor Aesthetics employee by acting on our Core Values: Ownership, Courage, and Show up and Serve.”

Arborist Spotlight
By Alyssa Brodersen, NAA Executive Director

We asked for nominations, and membership delivered. This issue’s spotlight goes to Jake Popham of Omaha, NE!

Jake was nominated for the Arborist Spotlight by a team member at Arbor Aesthetics Tree Service. Jake has been with Arbor Aesthetics Tree Service since December of 2020 and became a Nebraska Arborist Association member in August 2021 and a Nebraska Certified Arborist in February 2022.

Jake began his career path working at a Menards Greenhouse where he learned the basics of plants through a retired nurseryman. He then pivoted by working at a family-owned wood shop manufacturing various products.

When Covid struck, Jake was forced to find a new job (like many during that time). Jake found his footing at a local nursery, Tree Shrubs and More, where he soon realized that he wanted to take care of larger trees, instead of potted nursery stock. After hearing more about tree work and what it was like to be in the industry from a salesman at Davey Tree, Jake began to research businesses in his area and joined the team at Arbor Aesthetics. During his time at Arbor Aesthetics, Jake has attended Arborist School, the 2022 Winter Conference and 2022 Field Day. Jake is now a crew leader and climber for the company.

When I asked the team at Arbor Aesthetics about Jake they said: “Jake is a fast and eager learner and is always excited to gain new skills - not just in the trees but also in our shop, taking on maintenance of our vehicles and small engines. Jake wonderfully exemplifies what it means to be an Arbor Aesthetics employee by acting on our Core Values: Ownership, Courage, and Show up and Serve.”

The co-worker that nominated Jake said: “Jake has been a great asset to the Arbor Aesthetics team. He is always willing to learn something new, take on ownership of tasks, and is overall a team player. He is one of our field trainers and takes pride in teaching new employees how to safely operate on a jobsite. Whether he is hauling brush, cleaning up the jobsite, demonstrating proper pruning cuts or climbing, he takes every opportunity he has to help others learn. He is also learning how to keep our equipment operational and running and has been a great asset in fixing any issue that may come up with our chippers to avoid breakdowns on the jobsite.”

Jake’s wife, Claudia, is a teacher in Omaha Public Schools where she teaches the Spanish side in the dual language program. She is an amazing woman who has supported Jake in his various career changes. Their daughter, Natalie, is now two years old and has taken a liking to grabbing tree leaves and fruit. Jake says that she is a future arborist in the making!

When I asked Jake why he choose Arboriculture he said: “I wanted to become the solution to the issues that I was causing because of nursery sales. We are selling poor nursery stock, bad species, and improperly planting them in the wrong spots. Instead of adding to our tree problems, I wanted to remedy these
issues by trimming and removing.”

When I asked Jake what he loved the most about his career he said: “There’s a feeling you get, climbing to the top of a massive tree and just looking at the world around you, hearing the birds and feeling the wind. Everything we do as arborists is so engaging and fun, I can’t find myself doing anything else as a career. I feel so alive doing what I do.”

Jake is a great example of the hard working, dedicated people that work in the arborist industry and have a true passion for trees and caring for them. If you know an arborist who is exceptional in the industry please nominate them by filling out the Arborist Spotlight form at https://www.nearborists.org/newsletters and sending it into the Nebraska Arborists Association office so that we can continue to showcase our members and all of the great work that they do.

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Air Spade - Diagnose and mitigate Root Issues

8/17/2022

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We are proud to add air spading and root excavation to our menu of tree services. Air spading involves using a compressed-air power tool to blow soil away from the root zone of a tree to evaluate and correct root issues and mitigate poor soil conditions. We can even excavate a root zone in preparation of construction projects so that roots can be worked around or protected from digging.

Girdling Roots
You can see in the photos to the right that this Norway maple has severe girdling roots which are likely a result of poor planting techniques. Our arborists were able to sever the girdling roots which were causing die-back in the center of the tree's canopy. The soil was then replaced (now which much less compaction) and a fresh layer of mulch was applied, providing an oxygen-rich environment for the roots to thrive.

Root Collar Excavation
Sometimes a tree trunk may have been buried too deeply and the root collar is not exposed as it should be to prevent decay and girdling roots from forming. We can excavate the root collar so it is properly exposed.

Soil Replacement & Amendment
In some cases, compacted or poor-quality soil could be affecting the health of a tree in which case we can replace it with nutrient-rich soil amendments.

This is such a versatile tool. If you are puzzled as to why your tree's health is declining, an air spade service is a great diagnostic tool!

FREE CONSULTATION

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Trees Feel Stress, Too!

7/14/2022

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What do humans and trees have in common? From the way we use water and nutrients to the way we keep ourselves cool, we have more in common than you'd think! There is big one thing we share that we need to avoid - STRESS!

We all know how stress affects us. Too much to do, too little time, too much to do, too little sleep. Over time, stress takes its toll on the body: body aches, headaches, trouble sleeping, weight gain, and a struggling immune system. Did you know that trees feel stress, too?

WHAT ARE STRESS FACTORS FOR TREES?

Air Pollution - Particulates and dust can actually block leaf photosynthesis. Also, trees "sweat" just like we do, and trapped particulates can prevent water from being released from the leaves, causing the tree to overheat. This is a process called transpirational cooling. Ozone and acid rain can also damage bark and cause imbalanced soil pH. Did you know that stressed trees actually release volatile carbon compounds, thus contributing to the air pollution problem?
Excessive Pruning - It's a multi-faceted problem. 1. Removing too many limbs at once will cause stress. Cuts are wounds, after all. 2. Removing too many leaves at once means removing a major source of energy for the tree. 3. Aggressive pruning can introduce the tree to more sunlight than it was used to, which can damage bark.
Soil Condition - Compaction due to things like construction and heavy foot traffic compact the soil, making it difficult for tree roots to access oxygen, which they need to be able to absorb soil nutrients. Poor top soil is also an issue, which is commonly used in new housing developments. Quality soil matters. Compost is a bonus!
Temperature - Trees don't often thrive in an urban environment. Think of cities as "hot islands," where concrete and metal don't absorb heat the way turf does.
Light Pollution - Light pollution can impact growth responses. Trees near artificial light sources that are always on are confused! How would you like to sleep with all the lights on?
Storm Damage - While we can't prepare trees are storms, we can take corrective action after the damage is done. For example, if a tree branch breaks in half, knowing where to make a clean cut will affect the long term health of your tree and prevent rot. Consult a professional if your tree has suffered damage.
Moisture - Too much or too little water stresses your trees. Much like the human body, trees are made mostly of water (75%). Leaves are 99% water! Trees need water to transport nutrients from the roots up to the canopy. A tree's water needs change with the seasons, but at its peak in the spring, a mature red oak tree can use 100-200 gallons of water per day!
Essential Elements - CO2, H2O, N, P, K, etc. You've heard it a million times, but you really should consult a professional to analyze the pH of your soil. It really does matter!

WHAT DOES TREE STRESS LOOKS LIKE?

Canopy Dieback - You might notice that the tree blooms later than normal, or the leaves drop earlier in the fall. Look at the top of your tree and compare to nearby trees of the same species. The leaves might be more sparse, smaller, and paler.

Water Sprouts - Sprouting new shoots from the trunk or main trunk is a sign of stress. These limbs are often weak and unsightly. The photo to the right is a good example of a stressed tree. The limbs are covered in new sprouts and leaves. Think of the tree as "gasping for air" in response to stress.
Wilting Leaves - "Turgor pressure" is what helps leaves and needles hold their shape. Much like how being well-hydrated does wonders for our skin, proper moisture levels keep leaves "plump" and healthy.
Early Fall Color - Trees displaying their fall color early in the season are no doubt under stress. Is your tree susceptible to low iron or manganese absorption? This could also be causing early fall color.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Right tree, Right place - Selecting a tree that is genetically specific for your region is very important. The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum has a great list here. Also, set your tree up for success from the get-go. Choose a good location where it has room to grow, access to moisture and adequate sunlight, and little foot traffic. The tree should also be well-suited for the type of soil and water-drainage qualities. Some trees do better than others with poorly-draining soil.
Water - Oftentimes, watering is overlooked in the winter. Winter watering is important - especially during dry spells. Wait for a warm day when you can safely hook up the hose and give your tree a good soak.
Avoid compaction - Soil compaction reduces oxygen and water availability to the roots. You can reduce compaction by eliminating heavy traffic zones around the trunk of your tree and within the drip-line zone. You should also be mindful of heavy construction equipment driving over these areas if you plan to have construction nearby.
Prune conservatively - Never remove more than 1/3 of biomass of a tree in a single season - and you could probably be even more conservative. Removing a large amount of the tree's resources will send the tree into a stress response. A Certified Arborist will know how much is too much.

It never hurts to call on one of our Certified Arborists if you're concerned that your tree is stressed. We have many solutions to encourage healthy root growth, proper nutrient absorption and more.

FREE CONSULTATION

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Best of Omaha 2023 voting is Open!

7/14/2022

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𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐦𝐚𝐡𝐚 𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐬...

For us, earning your Best of Omaha vote isn’t just about bragging rights or putting a logo on our trucks. It’s about our mission to 𝘾𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙏𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙨. By voting us Best of Omaha, you’re helping fellow Omahans find quality tree services performed by Certified Arborists who stand behind their work.

It’s hard to find contractors who care. We’re a family-owned, grassroots business. We take good care of our staff so they can support their families. We do things the right way - not the easy way. We give back to our community every year with our Gift of Beautiful Trees charity program. You can support our growth and mission by casting your vote.

Voting is now faster than ever and only requires voting in 5 categories. Click here to automatically fill in the Tree Service category:

http://www.BestofOmaha.com/59699

VOTE NOW

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Faces of Omaha 2022 Released

6/9/2022

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We are excited to announce that Omaha Magazine just released their 2022 FACES of Omaha edition and we were featured as the face of tree services of Omaha, Nebraska.

FACES of Omaha is an annual sponsored publication introducing the “faces” of local industry experts in a variety of professions. Arbor Aesthetics is proud to be featured in this year’s publication, alongside other top business leaders in Omaha.

Learn more about our story: https://www.omahamagazine.com/.../402111/faces-of-omaha-2022

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Gift of Beautiful Trees 2021 Complete!

2/19/2022

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We are THRILLED to announce the completion of our seven 2021 Gift of Beautiful Trees charity projects. That's right - that's with an 'S!' For the first time in the seven years we've been serving the Omaha community with this program, we partnered with five other local tree care companies to expand our reach considerably. With the six companies combined, we were able to donate $15,000 in FREE tree services to families in need!

This is HUGE. We are so grateful to the following tree services for their support and partnership:

As always, the connections we make with the families were are nominated for these projects warms our hearts and remind us that we all have so much to be grateful for. Nearly every nomination we receive involves heartache, tragedy, misfortune, illness and so many other trying circumstances. Although we are just trimming and removing trees, we see time and again that they can become quite a burden when life already has its challenges. We are always humbled to be a part of lightening the load for these families.