July 2023 Treecologist Tribune

An Ideal Growing Season

During late May and most of June, we saw increasingly dry conditions. We had less than an inch of rain (some areas had none), most of which fell during the weekend of May 27. Luckily, June was not too terribly hot. There were a few peaks here and there (notably on the 16th and 25th), but overall the weather has been quite tolerable compared to previous growing seasons.

The rain changed dramatically on the week of June 19 when we saw continuous rain for many days. Depending on your location, you may have registered as much as 5 inches during this rainy spell!

All of this is good news for trees and shrubs, especially those planted this past dormant season. We are in the midst of an ideal growing season, something we have not experienced for several years.

Because of this, we are likely seeing later pest emergence and lower pest pressure than usual. Bagworms and Japanese Beetles are just now emerging and appear to be in smaller force than last year. Speaking of pests, the period during which we can inoculate Ash trees against the Emerald Ash Borer is almost over. If you have a tree to be inoculated, please let us know so we can schedule your work immediately. Read more about the Emerald Ash Borer and the harm it is causing in North Carolina.

This month I’m addressing a topic from one of our clients. Jerilyn wrote:

“We (and the neighbors) liked the electric chain saws that L&L uses. They are quiet and effective! I know the chipper creates a racket, but that is the nature of the beast. I believe they are less efficient, but electric blowers cleaning up debris are much quieter without the emissions (especially from the two-cycle engines). Maybe Basil could reflect on this, because the transition can be expensive.”

Yes, I would love to reflect on our use of electric tools; thank you, Jerilyn! (Note to other readers: if you have questions or want to hear more about a topic, please email us – we read every single email we get!)

Several years ago, we decided to transition to electric tools, back when the market for professional electric tools was emerging (it is still very young). We spread out our purchases to help with cash flow and were able to recoup some of the expenses by selling our old equipment. There are risks associated with being an early adopter, and prices are generally more expensive. But we believe strongly in the merits of electric tools and wanted to put our money towards supporting this endeavor. There are four reasons why:

  1. First and foremost, they are safer for of the health our staff. We love that they do not vibrate as much, reducing the likelihood of carpal tunnel. Also, they do not emit the harmful exhaust that comes from most gasoline-powered equipment. That exhaust is loaded with pollutants that cause health issues like cardiovascular disease, stroke, respiratory disease, cancer, and neurological conditions. 1 This is nasty stuff you do not want to breathe. Worse yet, power tools emit more pollutants than a full-size pickup truck! 2 If you have ever worked with a power tool, you know how hard it is to avoid breathing in this exhaust. Electric tools completely eliminate these harmful impacts.
  2. Second, they are easier to use. They start with the push of a button (no pull cord or choke necessary), making a far more manageable experience for the user. It’s annoying to pull-start a chainsaw while in the canopy of a tree! They also have far fewer moving parts, which reduces the work required for maintenance and general repairs.
  3. Third, we like that they have fewer CO2 emissions and pollutants contributing to local air quality alerts. Helping reduce our negative impacts on the health of this beautiful planet is a top objective at Leaf & Limb.
  4. Finally, to everyone’s delight, they are so much quieter. It is a standing joke at Leaf & Limb that no matter where you travel in the Triangle during a day in the growing season, there will be at least one power tool creating noise pollution. The constant drone of mowers and blowers is a nuisance, and we don’t want to contribute to this. Reducing noise also makes for a more pleasant, less stressful work site. We enjoy our quiet work sites where we can easily communicate with one another r and our clients (and listen to the birds sing).

Still, electric tools are an emerging market. Battery life is good but could be better. We carry a lot of spare batteries, and managing the charging station at our office is relatively easy but can be a bit cumbersome. The blowers work for 95% of situations, but sometimes we need the power of a large, gas-powered blower. Although electric chippers are not available yet, there is some promise of engineless chippers run by high-powered hydraulics in the future.

The industry for electric tools is still young, but as popularity increases, so will their performance. Recently, Stihl announced the arrival of a new electric top-handle saw, which is exciting. But, even without future advancements, we still find electric tools far superior to gas-powered ones. If you want to know more about which tools we love best – please do not hesitate to reach out.

Well, y’all, the longest day of the year has passed, which is hard to believe. We are on the steady march to Winter Solstice. Time is moving so fast – don’t forget to take some time to go out and enjoy this gorgeous summer! Be present, breathe, feel the warm sun on your skin, and give an extra-long hug to somebody you love.


Note About this Treecologist Tribune

(written in a later edition of the Tribune)

Per a request from one of our readers, I wrote about our transition from gas-powered to electric tools here at Leaf & Limb. Since then, I learned that cobalt – a critical component of most batteries – is being mined inhumanely. A recent book called Cobalt Red: How the Blood of the Congo Powers Our Lives by Siddharth Kara takes a deep dive into the horrors of cobalt mining. Kara risked his life to go undercover in these mines, where he found child labor, enslavement, no protective equipment, and regular fatalities due to mine shafts collapsing. The suffering is heart-wrenching. Worse yet, hugely profitable tech giants like Apple, Samsung, Tesla, and many others look the other way and continue to mislead consumers. This has since given us pause as we consider electric tools moving forward. As with most decisions, this one comes with shades of grey, but we want to share this information so that you can also make the best decision when purchasing new tools.

Start your next project with us!

Get a free quote for tree and shrub care, compost tea, planting, pruning, Piedmont Prairies, Pocket Forests, and more!

Like this article? Pass it on.

Related Articles

Emerald Ash Borer is in NC!
Piedmont Prairies: The Process & What to Expect
Piedmont Prairies
10 Native Trees to Plant in Central North Carolina
4th Annual Leaf & Limb Community Appreciation Event
November 2024 Treecologist Tribune
October 2024 Treecologist Tribune
Thickets 101: Collections of Small Trees and Shrubs that Provide Privacy, Erosion Control, and Wildlife Habitats
Opposums are Awesome (and No, They Don't Have Rabies)
September 2024 Treecologist Tribune
Video | Project Pando Needs Your Donations
August Treecologist Tribune
Video | Worried About Big Trees?
Think Your Tree Needs to Be Removed? 6 Reasons You Might Be Wrong
July 2024 Treecologist Tribune
June 2024 Treecologist Tribune
How to Perform Structural Pruning
May 2024 Treecologist Tribune
Video | How to Perform Structural Pruning
Video | How to Perform the 3-Cut Pruning Method
How to Properly Prune Using the 3-Cut Method and The Reduction Cut
April 2024 Treecologist Tribune
Video | Learn How to Save Time and Help Heal Earth in Our New Book
March 2024 Treecologist Tribune
Setting the Stage—A Conversation About Why Change is Necessary
February 2024 Treecologist Tribune
Tree Root Structure
January 2024 Treecologist Tribune
Point of View: 2023 Year in Review at Leaf & Limb
November 2023 Treecologist Tribune
Bats are the Best (and, Unfortunately, They're Endangered)
October 2023 Treecologist Tribune
Video | The Story of A Seed
September 2023 Treecologist Tribune
Video | Meadows, Thickets, and Pocket Forests: Going Beyond the Traditional Landscaping Model
Strength in Numbers: The Basics of a Pocket Forest
Wondering How to Get Rid of Crape Myrtle Bark Scale?
August 2023 Treecologist Tribune
Video | From Seeds to Serenity: The Piedmont Prairie Process
10 Native Flowers and Grasses to Plant in a Central North Carolina Piedmont Prairie
July 2023 Treecologist Tribune
Video | Tree Roots Don't Break Pipes
Do Roots Cause Damage? Debunking 3 Common Myths About Tree Roots
Stop Blaming Tree Roots: 5 Ways to Proactively Prevent Property Damage
June 2023 Treecologist Tribune
10 Native Shrubs to Plant in Central North Carolina
Video | How to Manage Invasive Plants
Managing Invasive Plants
May 2023 Treecologist Tribune
Video | Earth Day is Every Day
Plants Make the Planet Go Round
Spring Scavenger Hunt
March Treecologist Tribune
We Are Safe At All Times: Our Approach to Tree-Climbing Safety
Video | Climbing with Archie: How to Climb a Tree Like an Arborist
Video | Day in the Life
February Treecologist Tribune
Why I Recommend Herbicide for Some Ecological Restoration Projects
Point of View: Behind the Scenes at Leaf & Limb
Video | How Hand Pruning Your Shrubs is Faster, Cheaper, and Healthier than using a Hedge Trimmer!
Checklist: Tools and Supplies for Hand Pruning Your Shrubs
Still Using Hedge Trimmers? Hand Pruning is Better for Your Shrubs
January 2023 Treecologist Tribune
Sapling Stories: Bald Cypress
October 2022 Treecologist Tribune
Friend or Foe? Snakes (Yes, Even Copperheads) Are Important to Our Ecosystem.
Project Pando Needs Your Help! How to Collect Native Tree Seeds
Project Pando: Community Seed Collection
Video | Piedmont Prairies: An Alternative to Grass and Lawns Where Beauty and Life Thrive!
August 2022 Treecologist Tribune
Planting a Piedmont Prairie Helped Change the Way I See the World
Piedmont Prairies: The Process & What to Expect
Video | How to Structurally Prune a Tree for Strength
[Case Study] Before and After: Structural Pruning on an Oak Tree
Video | How to Spot a Dead or Dying Tree
Video | Bigger is Not Always Better! Planting Small Can Lead to Big Benefits.
Bigger is Not Better! 3 Reasons Why You Should Plant Trees When They are Smaller
Video | How Invasives Harm Our Local Ecosystem (And the ONE Thing You Can Do to Help)
How Invasive Trees and Shrubs Harm Our Local Ecosystem and One Way You Can Reverse That Damage
10 Invasive Plants to Watch Out for in Central North Carolina
Spring Scavenger Hunt
Fascinators and Flagella: How to Host a Tea Party for Soil Microbes
Compost Tea Makes Soil Healthy and Trees Happy
Video | Tea for Your Trees
Video | Mulch Volcanoes: Deceptively Deadly
Are Mulch Volcanoes Threatening The Trees in Your Neighborhood?
Sapling Stories: Beryl's Beauties
Video | Sheep, Seeds, and Swales: An Update from Project Pando
6 Reasons Why Planting A Native Tree Benefits the Environment and Our Local Ecosystem
Video | Drop That Rake: Save Time and Money by Leaving Your Leaves
Project Pando: Native Seed Drive 2021
Video | How to Plant a Tree: The Definitive Guide to Proper Planting
10 Simple Steps to a Perfectly Planted Tree or Shrub
Video | 3 Ways City Life Stresses Trees (And What You Can Do to Help)
Why is Tree Care Important? Outside of the Forest, Trees Face Unique Challenges.
Emerald Ash Borers are Killing Trees. A Simple Treatment Can Stop Them.
Business Conservationist of the Year
Video | Did you Know? The Secret to Fertilizing your Trees and Shrubs Without Using Chemicals.
Chemical Fertilizers: 3 Surprising Myths and Why You Should Choose Organic Matter Instead
4 Options for Fertilizing Trees and Shrubs the Cheap, Easy, and Healthy Way
Video | 4 Fundamentals of Tree Care
Not Sure How to Care for your Trees? 4 Simple Steps to Happy, Healthy Trees
[Parody] Video | Introducing Timber: the Only Dating App for Trees
Video | Introducing Archie the Arborist: 5 Amazing Tree Facts
We Show That We Care: The History of Project Pando
How to Spot a Pine Borer Infestation
Video | How to Plant a Tree: 5 Questions to Ask Before You Pick Up a Shovel
Drop that shovel! 5 Questions to Ask Before Planting
10 Native Trees to Plant in Central North Carolina
Holiday Gift Guide for That Special Tree in Your Life
Measure What Matters - We are B Corp Certified!
Video | Wood Chips: The Secret Ingredient to Healthy Trees
Top 10 Reasons to Choose Wood Chips Over Other Types of Mulch
Healthy Eating Plate for Trees
Video | Welcome to Project Pando
Video | Structure is Strength - How to Make your Trees More Safe Using Pruning.
Are Your Trees Safe? Prune to Make Them Stronger.
How to Select a Safe Branch for a Tree Swing
Your Dirt is Hungry
Video | Soil is Alive
Recipe: Savory Soil Casserole
How Trees Can Heal Earth & What We Can Do to Help
Earth Day Bingo
Video | How Trees Can Save the Earth
Spring Tree Care Checklist
Spring Scavenger Hunt
Don't Make a Deadly Mistake: Top 10 Questions to Consider Before Pruning
Video | Planning to Prune? Use this simple framework and avoid deadly mistakes.
Video | Rooted by Our Purpose: A New Direction at Leaf & Limb
Why Dead Wood is Good Wood
Video | Want More Birds in your Backyard? Plant These Native Trees.
Best Native Trees for Butterflies
Fall & Winter Tree Care Checklist
Video | Fall Tree Care Checklist: Leave your Leaves, Plant New Trees, and Other Important Tasks
Top 10 Most Surprising Benefits of Trees
How I Learned to Love My Trees
Video | Trees are Critical to Our Future
Think Your Tree is Dead? Look a Little Closer
How to Spot a Dead or Dying Tree
Video | How to Spot the Warning Signs: Dead, Dying or Hazardous Trees
Right Tree, Right Place: What to Plant and Where to Plant it
Video | How To: Choosing the Right Tree for Any Location
Our Favorite Tree Recommendations for Tricky Areas
Using Fertilizer? Think Twice Before You Do.
The #1 Reason Most Soil Tests Don't Work
Friend or Foe: When to Take Action Against Pests
The Insect Apocalypse is Here. How Can You Help?
16 Fascinating Facts About Fungi
Mycorrhizal Fungi: The Unsung Heroes of Tree Care
Case Study: Watch How Soil Improvement Turned this Tree from Sickly to Stately
From Dead Dirt to Healthy Soil in 7 Simple Steps
6 Pruning Mistakes to Avoid
How to Install and Enjoy Your Rain Gauge
Help Save the Monarch Butterflies!
4 Fascinating Facts About Mistletoe
Proper Care for Newly Planted Trees
8 Ways to Accidentally Kill Your Tree When Planting
Drop that Rake! Why Leaving the Leaves is Vital to Your Trees' Health
Save Time This Fall: Leave Your Leaves
Video | How To: The Fundamentals Of Watering
Video | The Fundamentals of Mulch: Proper Care, Installation, and Selection
Too Many Choices: Which Mulch or Weed Barrier Should I Choose?
When Good Mulch Goes Bad
How To: The Fundamentals of Mulch Installation
Five Ways to Spot a Thirsty Tree or Shrub
Soaker Hoses, Irrigation Systems, and Treegators, Oh My!
Drought Resistant Trees
How To: The Fundamentals of Watering
The Joy of Planting Native Trees in Durham, North Carolina
Brightening Up Neighborhoods Across Durham
Changing lives one seed at a time in Durham
Soil Decompaction - An Essential for Good Tree Health
Emerald Ash Borer is in NC!
Cabling & Bracing - Options for Making Your Tree Safer
Tree Care for Crape Myrtles
How to Prevent Tree Damage
Help! My Tree Has a Disease!
Dragon’s Blood Tree
Deep Root Fertilization: Myths & The Truth
The Dangerous Truth About Ghost Insurance Policies
Happy Trees Begin With Proper Planting
Trees & Shrubs Need Check-Ups Too!
How To Protect Your Trees from a Lightning Strike
Mulching: A Cheap, Easy Way to Increase the Health of Your Trees!
Crape Myrtles: A Tale of Love, Murder, and Proper Pruning
The World's Oldest Trees
Help! Insects are Attacking my Trees & Shrubs!
Tree Care: Save Money and Increase Your Property Value
Root Collar Excavation is Critical to Your Tree's Survival!
Tree Risk Assessment: The Key to Safer Trees & Peace of Mind!
10 Tips on How to Choose the Right Tree Service and Avoid Scams
Happy Trees Grow From Healthy Soil
TCIA Accreditation: Empowering You With Confidence
What is Tree Care?
Mulch Volcanoes: the Mt. St. Helens of Tree Problems
Trees Need a Thriving Soil Food Web
Call Leaf & Limb Send an Intercom Message