Straight Cut Tree Services, LLC

03/24/2026

Good morning!

03/19/2026

Arborists work in a world of extreme heights and life-or-death consequences every day. I went behind the scenes of a professional tree-climbing competition to meet the people who maintain the canopies above our heads.

03/14/2026

Have you noticed that smell?

Bradford pears, or *Pyrus calleryana*, are well-known for their white blossoms in spring, but they’re often criticized for their unpleasant odor. The smell is primarily due to the production of volatile compounds during blooming, particularly compounds like trimethylamine and hydrogen sulfide, which can give off a scent reminiscent of rotting fish or other decomposing organic matter. Here’s a deeper look into why they stink and their connection to flies:

Reasons for the Odor

1. Chemical Compounds: During the flowering period, Bradford pears emit certain sulfur-containing compounds. These are often produced as part of the plant's reproductive strategy to attract pollinators.

2. *lPollination: The strong smell is an evolutionary trait aimed at attracting specific pollinators, including flies. The scent mimics the smell of decaying matter, which can attract certain flies that are drawn to such odors for breeding purposes.

3. Flower Structure: The structure of the flowers can also contribute to the odor. The flowers are not very attractive to traditional pollinators like bees, so they rely on the foul smell to attract flies instead.

Connection to Flies

- Attraction: The foul odor attracts flies, particularly those that are scavengers or carrion flies, which are drawn to decaying organic matter. These flies help with pollination by transferring pollen from flower to flower as they feed.

- Reproductive Strategy: By attracting flies, Bradford pears ensure that their flowers are pollinated, even if the pollinators are not the typical ones associated with flowering plants.

Given their unpleasant odor, reliance on flies for pollination, and the fact that Bradford pears are considered invasive in Kentucky, this serves as another compelling reason to remove them. They can outcompete native species, disrupt local ecosystems, and contribute to biodiversity loss. Removing Bradford pears not only helps restore native habitats but also eliminates the nuisance of their foul smell and the attraction of unwanted flies.

03/14/2026

It’s that time of year again!

Bradford Pears, the tree everyone loves to hate. They grow fast, but that's about their only redeeming quality. Their weak wood snaps in storms, their brittle limbs drop like confetti, and their invasive nature means they're constantly popping up where they don't belong. Oh, and let's not forget that unforgettable scent in the spring.

If you've got one, now's the perfect time to prune it properly. Right down to the stump. Better get rid of the stump too, their roots send up suckers that keep coming back, so complete removal is the best way to stop them from taking over. Native alternatives like serviceberry, fringe tree, and black gum provide beautiful blooms, strong wood, and food for wildlife without the headaches.

02/19/2026

The "view from an arborist's office" is rarely from a desk, but rather from the canopy of trees, offering a unique, high-altitude perspective of urban landscapes, parks, and residential neighborhoods. It is a constantly changing, dynamic, and often vertical workspace that combines, technical, and high-risk work.

01/26/2026

"The ox is in the ditch"

Luke 14:5, where Jesus asks if someone would not pull their child or ox out of a ditch, even if it were the Sabbath. It is used to justify performing necessary work on a day of rest to help someone in crisis.

A hole in a roof in the middle of a winter storm is definitely an “ox in the ditch”.

A huge thank you to Cody Petrey, Tom Baltzer, Preston Hampton, and Jason Hurst and the crew of T&H towing Crystal Hurst for all the hard work today.

11/11/2025

Happy Veterans Day!

We are proud Americans. We are proud to be citizens of the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. But we would not be free, if not for the brave. That's why we honor our American veterans. For Straight Cut Tree Service, it is especially important to celebrate this day. Not only because our owners are veterans, but also because of our veteran employees and their families. We want to show them on this day, and every day, how very much we appreciate and respect their sacrifices for our freedom.

All of us at Straight Cut Tree Service are thankful for our veterans. One way we express our appreciation is by making a concerted effort to hire veterans whenever possible. We encourage you to celebrate Veterans Day by saying thank you to those who have served in the armed forces. As a veteran-owned business ourselves, we hope that on this day you will enjoy your freedom while remembering those who fought for it. THANK YOU TO ALL OUR VETERANS!

09/14/2025

Only half way through and I can’t recommend this book enough!

06/23/2025

Heartwood is the older, central wood of a tree, distinct from the outer sapwood. It’s typically darker, denser, and more durable than sapwood. Heartwood is essentially dead wood, no longer involved in the tree’s growth or nutrient transport.

05/28/2025

Snakes in trees!

Stay safe

05/27/2025

Meet Oggy! He’s a one-year-old rescue Gerberian Shepsky looking for a loving forever home. Oggy is neutered, up-to-date on all his vaccines, and comes with a supply of flea and tick medicine. He was dropped off three months ago and has been an absolute joy ever since—smart, house trained, and has a wonderful personality. He gets along great with other animals, too! If you or someone you know would like to make Oggy a part of your family, please reach out for more information.

05/26/2025

Thank you, Jason Mckinnley, Preston Correll, Dale Greer, Jennifer Hampton, Preston Hampton, Bob Wilson, and Operation Blessing, for coming together to help remove fallen trees at Mchargue’s Mill today on Memorial Day. Your hard work, generosity, and willingness to serve our community mean so much, and we deeply appreciate everything you’ve done.