Not every call an arborist gets is about tree work. In our second special short episode of Acorns to Oak, ISA Certified Arborist Matt Baldwin shares the story of rescuing a hawk caught high in a tree.

We talk about how the situation unfolded, the challenges of reaching and safely handling a wild bird, and how professional tree climbing and arborist skills helped make an unusual wildlife rescue possible.

It’s a unique story about arboriculture, wildlife, and one very memorable day in the canopy.

If you have questions about your trees or want a professional evaluation, contact Bluestone Tree. A certified arborist would be happy to help. You can contact us at [email protected] or visit www.bluestonetree.com.

Sometimes working in the trees means helping more than just trees. In this special short episode of Acorns to Oak, ISA Certified Arborist Ash Phelps shares the story of an unexpected cat rescue high in the canopy. We talk about what happened, the challenges of safely reaching and rescuing a stranded cat, and how an arborist’s climbing skills can come in handy in some pretty unusual situations.

It’s a quick, fun look at one of the more unexpected sides of life as a professional arborist.

If you have questions about your trees or want a professional evaluation, contact Bluestone Tree. A certified arborist would be happy to help. You can contact us at [email protected] or visit www.bluestonetree.com.

What does it really take to manage a city’s trees? In this episode, we sit down with Haskell Smith, ISA Certified Arborist and Urban Forester for the City of Bloomington Parks & Recreation, to explore the realities of urban forestry in Bloomington, Indiana.

We talk about the challenges of managing an urban forest, from tree selection, species diversity, and long term tree health to limited rooting space, sidewalks, utilities, budgets, and public expectations. Haskell also shares how much control an urban forester actually has when working within existing city infrastructure, including those notoriously difficult planting spaces known as “tree coffins.”

It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the decisions, challenges, and planning that go into growing and protecting the trees that make up our urban communities.

If you have questions about your trees or want a professional evaluation, contact Bluestone Tree. A certified arborist would be happy to help. You can contact us at [email protected] or visit www.bluestonetree.com.

What makes great compost—and what can it actually do for your soil?

In this episode, we sit down with Bloomington farmer Jonas Carpenter to hear his story and learn why compost has become an important part of his farm and growing practices. Jonas shares the long-term benefits he’s seen from using locally produced compost and why soil health matters for everything we grow.

Grayden Bloxham, co-owner of Bluestone Tree and head of the Recycling Division, joins us to break down how Bluestone’s compost is made, what goes into it, and what makes quality finished compost different from raw organic material.

From vegetable gardens and farms to trees and residential landscapes, we dig into compost, organic matter, healthier soil, sustainability, and why keeping these resources local matters.

If you have questions about your trees or want a professional evaluation, contact Bluestone Tree. A certified arborist would be happy to connect with you. You can contact us at [email protected] or visit www.bluestonetree.com.

Tree work is one of the most dangerous professions in the world, and every arborist has a story they'll never forget. In this episode, ISA Certified Arborists Simon, Matt, and Ash share the scariest moments of their careers, the split-second decisions that kept them safe, and the lessons those experiences taught them. From close calls to valuable safety takeaways, this conversation highlights why proper training, professionalism, and a commitment to safety are at the heart of every successful arborist.

If you have questions about your trees or want a professional evaluation, reach out to Bluestone Tree. A certified arborist would be happy to connect with you. You can contact us at [email protected] or visit www.bluestonetree.com.

Oak trees are some of the most valuable trees we can plant—but choosing the right oak for the right location ensures they thrive.

In this episode, ISA Board Certified Master Arborist Ashton Phelps joins us to explore why oaks are among the best trees for urban landscapes. We discuss selecting the right species for the right space, why tree diversity matters, the dangers of monocultures, the incredible ecological benefits of oaks, and how proper establishment ensures generations of healthy growth.

Whether you're a homeowner, arborist, landscaper, municipal forester, or simply someone who loves trees, this episode will help you better understand why oaks play such an important role in creating healthier, more resilient communities.

In this episode of Acorn to Oak, Stefanie Boucher sits down with fellow ISA Certified Arborist, John Xanders of Xanderbuilt Tree Care, to discuss why professional tree assessments matter before any tree pruning or tree removal begins.

Learn what it takes to become an ISA Certified Arborist, how arborists evaluate tree health, structural defects, and safety risks, and why expert guidance can help homeowners avoid costly mistakes while protecting the long-term health of their trees.

Whether you're concerned about a hazardous tree, planning a pruning project, or wondering if a tree should be removed, this episode explains how certified arborists make informed recommendations rooted in science, experience, and safety.

In this episode of Acorn to Oak, Joe Rainwater of RISE dives into crane-assisted tree work, sharing his expertise in the planning, precision, and communication required for safe, successful operations. He discusses the importance of teamwork between climbers and crane operators, the risks of complex removals, and the mindset needed to manage high-stakes situations. Whether you're an arborist, equipment operator, or simply curious about the intersection of tree care and heavy machinery, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the industry's most demanding specialties.

What makes a tree unforgettable?

In this laid-back, coffee-shop-style conversation, ISA Certified Arborists Stefanie Boucher and Simon Normile share stories about the trees that have inspired them throughout their lives and careers. From childhood memories and favorite species to legendary trees that have shaped communities and history, this episode explores the unique connections people form with the trees around them.

Along the way, they discuss what makes certain trees special, the lessons trees can teach us, and why some specimens leave a lasting impact long after we're gone. Whether you're a tree enthusiast, nature lover, homeowner, or simply someone who has a favorite tree in your own story, this episode offers a heartfelt look at the relationship between people and the living giants that share our world.

Grab a cup of coffee and join us for a conversation about the trees we love, the stories they hold, and the reasons we keep coming back to them.

In Part 2 of our conversation with veteran arborist and early ISA Certified Arborist Rick Patrick, we explore one of the most fascinating transformations in arboriculture: the evolution of chainsaws, cranes, climbing systems, and safety equipment over the last 50 years.

Rick reflects on what tree work looked like when he entered the industry and compares it to the equipment and techniques arborists use today. From heavy, hard-starting chainsaws and basic climbing gear to modern battery-powered saws, advanced rope systems, mechanical ascenders, and highly specialized tree removal cranes, Rick shares a firsthand perspective on how technology has reshaped the profession.

Join ISA Certified Arborists Matt Baldwin and Stefanie Boucher as they talk with Rick's and get a rare look at the tools, techniques, and innovations that transformed arboriculture from a physically demanding trade into the highly specialized profession we know today.

Whether you're an arborist, tree climber, crane operator, forestry professional, or someone fascinated by the history of skilled trades, this episode offers valuable insight into how tree care equipment has evolved and where the industry may be headed next. Please follow, subscribe and share.

If you have questions about your trees or want a professional evaluation, reach out to Bluestone Tree. A certified arborist would be happy to connect with you. You can contact us at [email protected] or visit www.bluestonetree.com.