Wachtel Tree Science

You may have heard the phrase “the right tree for the right place.” But why is that important and what does it mean when choosing and planting a tree?

 Trees are long-term assets to your property. They cannot be easily moved like furniture or painted over when you’re tired of the color. They take many years to mature and removing an undesirable tree can be costly.  So it is best to consider and plan carefully.

 Several factors should be considered with your tree selection. Hardiness assures it will survive our Wisconsin winters. Heat tolerance indicates if trees are acclimated to our hot summers. The two factors together make sure the tree is suitable for our seasons and area.

 Your tree choice will be influenced by: its mature size; the level of maintenance required; the aesthetic or functional features of the tree and for how many seasons of the year; limiting insect or disease issues; and the life span of the tree (this can vary widely). The initial cost and size may be a factor. Always look for quality and value, not just price. It is best to purchase from a local reputable source. For some, whether the tree is native or potentially invasive are important factors (the two are not the same). And most of all, consider what you want.

 The planting site itself will help you define your selection choices. Some issues to consider are: How much space is available for both roots and the crown, now and at maturity? What is the soil type? How much moisture and light are available?

The tree you plant has a lot of potential. Some benefits of trees include seasonal temperature modification and evaporative cooling in summer. They provide shade and serve as windbreaks. Property values are increased and aesthetics improved. Undesirable views can be screened or assets enhanced. Air quality improves with tree cover. Trees can provide habitat for and attract wildlife if desired.

 With proper tree selection, benefits can be maximized. Match the tree’s needs with the site and your desires. This will minimize plant health issues and reduce maintenance costs that often require the expertise of a certified arborist.

Selecting and planting a tree(s) is something that we can do for our own future as well as that of our children and grandchildren. Plan carefully and think ahead. Planned replacement for trees that may be lost in the future makes a lot of sense. “Starter” trees can be put in before removing a tree to make the change less radical. New trees can be added as the site permits and you desire.

 If you are wondering what tree selection is appropriate for your immediate or future needs, the experts at Wacthel Tree Science can advise you, find your tree, and install it for you.

By: Jean Ferdinandsen Certified Arborist # WI-0149A

Congratulations to Bob Kraus of New Berlin. Bob is the fourth of our year long monthly contest winners in our 75^th Anniversary celebration.  One of our PHC applicators fertilized two spruce trees in his yard during April as part of a two part program to help control Needlecast, a harmful disease of Spruce trees. Our applicators will also be applying fungicide sprays to the spruces in the spring season as the second part of Bob’s program.      

The prize for April was a $75 gift certificate to Johnson’s Nursery   at

W180 N6275 Marcy Rd in Menomonee Falls or to Johnson’s Gardens at 8504 Hwy 60 in Cedarburg. If you have never been to Johnson’s they have a wide selection of trees, shrubs and flowers at both locations.

As a reminder; we enter your name in our monthly drawing each time we perform a service at your home during the month. The prize for our May drawing will be a $75 gift certificate for Minor’s Garden Center located at 7777 N. 76th St in Milwaukee.

I read a couple of dozen trade and business journals a month.  I also have a file on my computer labeled, “Sayings.”  Whenever I read a one or two line quote that I feel has significance with respect to how I would like to manage my personal and/or business life, I add it to my Sayings list.

 Several months ago I added the following quote of Chris Coswell’s.  “With any service-oriented business, length in business is generally synonymous with quality of service:  the good companies survive while the bad ones fail.”  This struck a chord with me since Wachtel Tree Science & Service was founded in 1935 and is now in its 73^rd year.

 Last week as I was going through some old files I came across a few old Metro-Milwaukee Yellow Pages with notes on prices, ad size, etc.  I thought of Coswell’s quote and decided to examine the ads and see who was still in business.

 Under the heading of Tree Service there were 27 companies listed in the 1949 directory.  Of these twenty-seven companies, five are still in business today, 60 years later.  And of these five, three of them are mainly nursery/garden center type businesses today.  In 1949, Wachtel was the second to last in the listings.

 Move ahead to the 1960 yellow pages and there are 40 companies listed.  Of these forty, only the same five from 1949 are still around.  Wachtel is still the second to last listing.

 Ten years later in 1970 there are now 51 tree service companies listed in the Yellow Pages.  Of these, nine are in business today, with four of those being more nursery/garden center type businesses.  Wachtel is still the second to last listing.

 Last year there were 91 companies listed under Tree Service and we are now the seventh from the last listing.  When we are celebrating our 100^th anniversary in 2035, I wonder how many of these 91 companies will still be in business.  One thing is for sure; You can depend on us for quality and knowledgeable care of your trees.

Paul Markworth, Board Certified Master Arborist