Sierra Peaks Enterprises LLC

03/27/2024

The Myth of Tree Topping:
"It’s like a haircut – sometimes it’s necessary and a tree can always grow out of a bad one"

The Myth
Since plant scientists and arborists unanimously agree that tree topping is an unjustifiable tree management practice, I assumed that the word had trickled down to practitioners and their customers. Yet this summer, like every year before, brought a new crop of buzz-cut trees. It also brought a new crop of excuses (culled
from the internet):
• “I want to trim the top branches off a 75' tall maple because it’s causing excess shade in my yard.
I want the tree to live, but just be smaller.”
• “I wouldn't make the sweeping generalization that all tree topping is bad…Locals here whack
their weeping willows every few years and those trees seem to relish the opportunity to fill out
again.”
• “It is necessary for the electric company to top trees that grow into the power lines.”
• “The trees look like hell for a while but seem to get used to the treatment.”

The Bottom Line
• Tree topping is never a justifiable pruning practice; it increases tree health problems and is
aesthetically unappealing
• A topped tree will require constant maintenance and has an increased potential to become
hazardous
• Hazardous trees are a liability and ultimately the property owner is responsible for any damage
hazard trees cause
• Certified arborists and other legitimate landscape professionals do not practice tree topping
• There are acceptable pruning techniques designed to keep trees away from power lines and other
structures
• If problems caused by a tree cannot be solved through acceptable management practices, the tree
should be removed and replaced with plant material more appropriate for the site
• Think about the mature size of a tree and where it will grow relative to power lines and other structures before you plant it
https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/.../sites/403/2015/03/tree-topping.pdf
via Linda Chalker-Scott, Ph.D., Extension Horticulturist and Associate Professor,
Puyallup Research and Extension Center, Washington State University
Image via nfs.unl.edu

02/15/2023

03/16/2021

Now accepting applications.

Lead Climber/Foreperson: needs include ability to climb and prune to ISA/ANSI best management standards, lead a crew of 3-4 persons on day to day operations. Work with all aspects of pruning, removal, rigging, etc. ISA certified arborist and CDL a plus but not required.

Fire Fuel Groundsman: Applicant should be interested in trees, willing to work hard and safely, as well as want to learn and take on new challenges. This position will begin with an interview stage. Applicant should be motivated, have a professional attitude/image, able to work well with other crew members, and come to work prepared and ready to work hard every day. Applicants will be subject to a drug screen. This is a great opportunity to expand your knowledge in the Arboriculture/Horticulture industry, while working with a great team of people. Management opportunities are available for the right candidate. We are located in Carson Valley.

Job Duties:
*Operating Chippers
*Job Site Clean Up
*Dragging slash
*Raking
*Lifting wood
*No Drug Policy
*Must have a valid drivers license.
*Chain saw experience a plus
*Full/part time & seasonal openings.

This is a family oriented business with strong crew camaraderie. We are looking for the right persons who values good work ethics and is looking for a career in the tree service industry. Benefits package to those who qualify.

*Full time position
*Health Insurance
*Simple IRA
*Paid Time Off
*Possible temporary housing to those who qualify

Send us your resume or call 775-265-8444

03/10/2020

Needs include the ability to climb and prune to ISA/ANSI best management standards, lead a crew of 3-4 persons on day to day operations. Work with all aspects of pruning, removal, rigging, etc.
This is a family oriented business with strong crew camaraderie. We are looking for the right person who values good work ethics and is looking for a career in the tree service industry.
Benefits package to those who qualify:
* Full time position
*Health Insurance
*Simple IRA
*Paid Time Off

09/05/2019

That is a mighty fine looking fuel break. We were retained to construct this fuel break for the USFS, and it certainly seems to be performing as intended. If you have land that needs fuel reduction to improve your property’s defensibility in wildfire situations, please give us a call for a consultation and free estimate.

“Things appear to be settling down out on Jacks Valley due to a little help from the rain 🌧🌧🌧Residents are still being asked to remain aware! ”

08/22/2019

The Virginia Department of Forestry offers some good materials on tree care. If you need assistance in caring for you trees, we are happy to meet with you to discuss the needed care and maintenance of your trees to enhance the aesthetics and value of your property while improving the longevity of your tree investment. Call us today for a free estimate.

08/14/2019

So many Pests- so little time. If you see changes in your trees i.e. die back, bore holes, seeping, etc. Seek help from an ISA certified Arborist. If they don’t immediately know what the problem is, they certainly can help figure it out.

More than 450 non-native insects and diseases have found their way to the United States and successfully established populations in the Nation’s forests. Most of these species have little known effects on forests, however 83 have caused noticeable damage and of these, 15 have caused extensive tree mortality.

A new study by U.S. Forest Service scientists and Songlin Fei of Purdue University is the first to comprehensively quantify the cumulative losses of trees following invasion by all species of non-native insects and diseases at a national scale.

With lead author Fei, scientists Randall Morin and Andrew Liebhold of the and Christopher Oswalt of the found that the combined effect of invasive insects and disease cause an additional tree mortality rate of about 6.1 million tons of per year beyond the normal baseline mortality rate that occurs in U.S. forests.

In North America, forests account for an estimated 76 percent of carbon sequestration, or removal from the atmosphere and storage globally. “The key impact of the tree-killing alien insects and diseases is that they are greatly increasing the rate at which trees die on average," Liebhold said. "This transfers carbon stored in live trees to dead material and much of this carbon will likely return to the atmosphere.”

See the study, “Biomass losses resulting from insect and disease invasions in USA forests,” at: https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/58371

Check out our news release at: https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/news/release/invasives-decrease-carbon-stored

Photo of an adult emerald ash borer by Leah Bauer, USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, Bugwood.org

08/07/2019

Why hire a certified arborist to care for your trees? Well, here is one take on why hiring a professional tree care company is in your best interest.

This article was written to inform homeowners of the dangers of do-it-yourself tree care. Tree care companies – don’t forget to share this post with your customers!

08/06/2019

We made it to 100 likes. Thank you! We're committed to providing quality services with integrity in our Northern Nevada communities and hope you recommend us to your friends and neighbors. For making it to 100 likes, here's a little tree humor.