Branching Out - Spring 2020 BranchingOut_spring2020

[TREE VITALITY 2020] Drought, Defoliation and Disease, Oh My! The multi-year drought, lasting from 2016-2018, caused so that it can more readily heal itself. Healthy Trees Happy Planet systems and defenses. The same can be said about our trees. lingering damage to our trees after the rain returned. HMI Specialty services nurture a better world POLLINATOR GARDENS A TREE PLANTING ON EVERY PROPERTY We install pollinator-friendly gardens to support butterflies and honey bees. No time to tend a hive yourself? We work with our friends at Best Bees to install and maintain a hive on your property. You will be supporting our pollinators, enjoying an attractive new garden, and generating your own honey, without ever lifting a finger! Our goal is to plant a tree per day this year. Gifting a tree to a friend, or planting in memory of a family member, leaves a lasting impression. Not only does it honor the recipient, but it gifts the earth with an important resource for future generations. In a weakened state, these water deficient trees be- To this end, our scientific approach for Plant Health came more susceptible to insect and disease attack. In Care in 2020 is to treat many of our stressed trees with When not in their native forest environment, additional some areas the gypsy moth caterpillar took a big toll. a (precisely delivered and applied) “Growth Regulator”. stressors, damaging heat from pavement, soil compac- But don’t be confused by the name. While this treat- tion, road salt, poor drainage, insects and diseases can But as nature proves time and time again, not all is lost. ment does slow down the speed at which the plant add to the complications for our urban trees. Add the There are trees that, with the proper TLC, can be nur- grows, there are some amazing health benefits. Think stress of drought and our trees are screaming for a day tured back to health. Like most health care challenges, of yourself when you get tired and stressed. Is that the off and a good spa treatment! By combining a growth be them flora or fauna, the answer lies in not just one time to go to the gym for a hard work out? Is it time to regulator with proper nutrition, watering, soil care, and treatment, but approaching their health care with a push at maximum speed and cross everything off of pruning, the tree can benefit from a slower pace to “big picture” perspective – targeting and treating the your to-do list? Not at all! When we get run down, we rebuild and restore its “root to shoot balance”. Trees will RAIN GARDENS root of the problem and not simply the symptoms of are more susceptible to further illness, and we tend not develop thicker and greener leaves, that are more effi- these challenges. This means focusing on building up to perform well the tasks we do attempt. What we most cient and drought tolerant - and energy will be directed the root system, energy, and inner strength of the tree, need is good nutrition, and time to rest and rebuild our towards developing a healthier root system. We design and install these specialty gar- dens to help slow the run-off of rain water, and erosion of soil. Can a walk in the forest make you healthy? What is Forest Therapy? Forest Therapy, also known as “Shin- rin-yoku,” refers to the practice of spending time in forested areas for the purpose of enhancing health, wellness, and happiness. The practice follows the general principle that it is beneficial to spend time bath- ing in the atmosphere of the forest. The Japanese words translate into English as “Forest Bathing.” Which means pending time in nature in a way that invites healing interactions. There is an infinite number of healing ac- tivities that can be incorporated into a walk in a forest or any other natural area. An ac- tivity is likely to be healing when it makes room for listening, for quiet and accepting presence, and for inquiry through all eight of the sensory modes we possess. SLOW WALKS It is not something to rush through. A Forest Therapy walk is typically between a half or quarter mile long, suitable for all ages and physical conditions, lasting two-three hours. Walks are about slowing down enough to notice and reconnect with the senses. FOREST THERAPY IS A PRACTICE Forest Therapy is best seen as a practice, not a one- event. Developing a meaningful rela- tionship with nature occurs over time, and is deepened by returning again and again throughout the natural cycles of the seasons. HEALTH BENEFITS OF FOREST THERAPY In The Japanese Way of Forest Bathing for Health and Relaxation (2018) Miyazaki put forward the results of his 29 years of research in the field of Shinrin-yoku, or Forest Bathing. • Improvement of weakened immunity, with an increase in the count of natural killer cells, which are known to fight tumors and infection • Increased relation of the body due to increased activity in the parasympathetic nervous system. • Reduced stress of the body due to a reduc- tion in sympathetic nervous system activity. • Reduction in blood pressure after only 15 minutes of forest therapy. • Reduce feelings of stress and a general sense of wellbeing. • Reduction in blood pressure after one day of forest therapy, which lasts up to five days after the experience. Other studies have shown that exposure to natural environments enhances our ability to recover from stress, illness, and injury and provides a wide range of social, psychological and physiological benefits. (Ulrich, 1984; Kofler, 2010) Ditch the Plastic “VETERAN TREE” MANAGEMENT Respect your Elders! Well cared for, mature trees, are great at retaining soil, sequester- ing carbon, and producing oxygen. Let’s respect them and give them the care they deserve! By Jen McPhee Environmentally sensitive behavior is a common characteristic here here – without even trying – what could possibly be found in more at HMI. Recycle bins can be found in every corner of the office; we populated areas? And was any of this necessary? A plastic fork ... all have reusable water bottles and coffee carafes; and we religiously probably used once by someone “too busy” to cook one night. mail in our used ink cartridges for recycling. But despite our nature-fo- cused business and good intent, there are constant reminders that Like so many working Americans, we also found that take-out was the more can be done……and that seemingly small, harmless habits, easiest solution after a long day. And even though we’d bring dinner have a growing negative effect – which soon may be irreversible. home and use our own flatware, those plastic utensils (and food con- There were two occasions this year that made tainers) still made it into our bag….encouraging this significantly clear to me – and so sparked our further production and doing nothing to slow company’s renewed efforts to do our part. the use. I may have been against it but I never campaigned to have restaurants choose paper In February, 2019 Scott and I travelled to St. Kitts or compostable products. In effect, I was really to attend the Tree Care Industry Association’s doing nothing to move the needle……and one (TCIA) Winter Management Conference. Small of those forks on the St. Kitts beach could easily and picturesque, St. Kitts is nestled amidst a chain be mine! of British West Indies islands off of the East coast of the United States. At higher altitudes you can That was a turning point for me – and the see both coasts of the island, making it crystal moment I decided it was time to draw a line in clear that you are on the smallest speck of land the sand….no more plastic…no more excus- in the middle of the ocean – far from the nearest es. Since I’ve done this, I’ve found many more population centers. One morning, we took a hike ways I can support the cause. Let me introduce off the beaten path to a remote beach – inac- our HMI bamboo cutlery set. It contains two cessible by any main stream tourist. Despite its stainless steel straws, a bamboo fork, knife remoteness, I was shocked to see the quantity of and spoon, a straw cleaner, AND its own carry plastic, fully in-tact, and clearly there as a result pouch! Would you like to join us in making this of the incoming tide. This plastic had travelled across the ocean and small, but meaningful change? Just email us with your request and found its way to this pristine beach. If I could find this much plastic we’ll get one out to you.

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