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Classic City Arborists is proud to be both Licensed and Insured. We spend a lot of time and effort ensuring we remain in compliance with those two statuses at all times, for your protection as much as ours. But what do those two things actually mean? What is “Licensed”?Being “Licensed” means obtaining a business license and any additional licensing required for you to legally operate a business in your county. Having a business license means that your business is registered with the appropriate authorities and in compliance with the local regulations. Certain businesses are required to obtain additional licenses; for example, a liquor store has to have a license to sell liquor, and a sales tax license to be able to collect taxes on sales. Licensed businesses can file taxes as a business, which makes them eligible for the tax benefits and breaks associated with business costs. Licensing is also required before a company is allowed to purchase any kind of insurance, liability or otherwise. Additionally, you can register with the Better Business Bureau, or the BBB. Registering with the BBB adds some accountability to business owners, as any customer of theirs can file a complaint that will then be displayed on the company’s profile on the BBB’s website. Businesses cannot take down these complaints, but they can respond to them. The dialogue between an unhappy customer and the business, as well as the measures the business takes to help right the wrong, can tell you a lot about a company, and highly influences a lot of customer decisions. You can view the Classic City Arborists profile on the Better Business Bureau by clicking here. Finally, licensing gives your company more credibility to your customers. In our free market, there are an endless number of companies, giving customers an endless array of choices of where to take their business. Having a license says to the customer that you are serious about what you do, and gives you a leg up on companies that have not done so. What is "Insured"?Being “Insured” means obtaining insurance that is either required or necessary for your type of business. Business insurance comes in many different forms, but all are designed to protect the business, the employees, and the customers in any situation. Probably the most widely recognized form of business insurance is Worker’s Compensation (or Worker’s Comp). This insurance is designed to protect employees who are injured while doing their job. Though this insurance is required by the state of Georgia, it is especially important to us at Classic City Arborists, as we value each and every individual in our employ, and the work we perform can be extremely dangerous. We are, of course, certified and trained to do what we do, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t risks, and that doesn’t mean things can’t go wrong. Worker’s Comp helps protect our employees in the event of an accident or unforeseen incident, and also protects our customers from any and all liability should an employee be injured on their property. Another important business insurance to have is General Liability Insurance. This blanket policy protects our customers from any kind of incident that can happen on a job, from a tree falling on your house to the destruction of a small fence. While safety is always our top priority, and we do everything we can to prevent these kinds of incidents, accidents do happen. That is why we proudly maintain our General Liability Policy to protect our customers from any potential incidents that could occur. Classic City Arborists also maintains Auto Insurance – not only on our vehicles, but also on the equipment and trailers that we are towing. If any of our equipment or vehicles cause damage at a job site or while traveling to and from jobs, our auto policy covers that. What about Bonding?You might have heard the phrase “Licensed, Bonded, and Insured” coming from other businesses. A Bond is additional insurance that a company can purchase to cover circumstances beyond the general liability insurance. The bond is similar to a certified check - it guarantees that a certain amount of funds is available to cover an incident. It is similar to using PayPal to pay for your transactions. The bonding company (PayPal, in this analogy) pays the customer the insurance money and then works with the service company to collect payment. Bonds are more popular when it comes to construction companies, where work is scheduled to be completed over a long period of time, and you want a guarantee that they are going to finish everything they were contracted to do. They are also more popular for companies that are working in the home such as a carpet installer; this additional insurance covers if an employee damages something inside your home. At Classic City Arborists, we are not bonded, as we do not enter our customers’ homes, and our contracts are generally completed in one day’s time. We do have an Umbrella Policy to cover any incidents not covered by the General Liability; this policy is for $1,000,000 of Umbrella coverage, and is required by the state of Georgia in order to do work for state entities. We obtained this policy and were subsequently able to do work for the University of Georgia and for the University of North Georgia in the last year. What does all this mean?We have put extra effort (and lots of money) into keeping our Business License up to date, and maintaining our Worker’s Compensation Policy, our General Liability Policy, our Auto Insurance Policy, and our Umbrella Policy. We choose to maintain these policies for the protection of our customers and of our employees. Whenever you select a tree service company (even if you don’t choose us), we strongly recommend you pick a business that is licensed and insured for your protection. Don’t be afraid to ask for a copy of their license and insurance policy! AuthorRebekah Rushing is a mother of two under four and the co-owner of Classic City Arborists. When she isn't dealing with snotty noses and dirty diapers, she manages customer service, accounting & finance, marketing & advertising, and human resources. If you have worked with us on a project, then you have undoubtedly spoken with her on the phone at least once! Check out our website, which she designed, or give us a call to speak with her directly. EditorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of contract experience in copy editing, proofreading, and developmental story boarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.
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For this month’s Job Spotlight, we want to feature an oak tree with codominant stems that we cabled together for support as the tree continues to grow. These two stems (or "leaders") emerge from the same location on the trunk and have remained similar in size as the tree has grown, neither one dominating as the main tree trunk.  Trees with codominant stems are at a much higher risk for failure. As the tree continues to grow, bark will build up at the junction where the two leaders separate from the trunk. This "included bark" is not as strong as wood which creates a weak connection point at the "V" shaped union where the leaders come together. As the tree continues to grow, the weight and leverage of the two separate canopies can pull the tree apart like a giant wishbone. So what do we do?The most drastic option would be to remove the tree entirely. This is definitely the most expensive option, and oftentimes, customers don’t want to lose their tree if they don’t have to. In the Athens area specifically, many of our oak trees have been growing since the town itself was established. If you’re lucky enough to have one of these stately, mature trees in your yard, you’ll want to keep it there if at all possible. Another option would be to prune the limbs of the tree to reduce the canopy weight, thus decreasing the overall leverage acting at the union point. While this can work in some cases, it is by no means a long-term fix, as both leaders will continue to grow and need to be pruned again in the future. The final option, and the option we went with in this month’s Job Spotlight, is cabling. What is cabling?This process typically involves the installation of a cabling system between opposing portions of the tree in the upper canopy, usually between half-way and two-thirds of the overall height of the tree. Connecting portions of the upper canopy that are on opposite sides of the main union helps improve the structural integrity of the tree as a whole by decreasing the likelihood of a weather event causing a failure. Other reasons a tree might need to be cabled are due to a small root system, poor branching habits, split limbs, or even pruning or tree maintenance that was executed improperly in the past. Any of these instances can be aggravated into failure by strong winds or heavy rain.  In this case, we have a codominant tree with two leaders growing in opposite directions from each other. Cabling this tree requires connecting the two leaders together so they can support each other, rather than working against each other. The connection point is determined by a certified arborist to ensure the greatest level of support. How does it work?Cabling, as the name suggests, involves using cables, bolts, and brace rods. All the hardware used in this process is usually constructed of extra-high-strength steel to ensure that it can successfully support the tree and also stand up to the test of time and the elements. Once upon a time, this process involved drilling a hole into the tree, and then screwing large bolts into those holes for the cables to have an anchor. The number of bolts varies, but usually there’s a minimum of two: one where the tree needs support and one where that support is going to come from. The tree in this particular job had actually been cabled before, using this older method, however the tree grew around the bolt and the cable snapped, leaving the dual leaders with no support.
In the last few years, the method of cabling has changed; rather than using bolts with loops at the end to install cables, we use cable end stops, which look kind of like an old-fashioned telescoping camera lens. To use them, a small hole is drilled all the way through the target area, that being the dual leaders in this case. A cable is then ran through the small holes of both leaders, and one of the two cable end stops is attached to one end of the cable. Before attaching the second cable end stop, a roping system is used to pull the opposing leaders together so that the newly installed cable will be taught (no slack) but not tight. Pulling the two leaders too tight can have adverse affects on the system and the tree. The tree is cabled -- what happens next?
How do I know if my tree needs cabling?The decision to prune, cable, or remove a tree entirely depends on a wide range of factors, and we recommend that you always consult a certified arborist before you choose. An arborist will be able to consider the tree as whole and determine which limbs are vital to the tree’s structural integrity and should therefore be saved, and which can be pruned away. They will also be able to tell you when a tree presents too much of a risk or is simply too damaged and needs to be removed all together. In addition, a certified arborist is aware of and will adhere to the range of material and practical standards established by both the American National Standards Institute as well as the International Society of Arboriculture that are designed to ensure any and all tree work is executed safely, carefully, properly, and effectively. Any tree at risk for failure presents a danger to you, your family, your home, and your property, so if you suspect one of your trees might need work, give us a call! At Classic City Arborists, we offer free estimates. Scott will come out to look at your tree and let you know what his professional opinion is, as well as how much it should cost. Your safety and the safety of our community is our main priority. Whether or not you choose to work with us, we encourage you to seek professional advice and professional tree care! AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio. AuthorRebekah Rushing is a mother of two under four and the co-owner of Classic City Arborists. When she isn't dealing with snotty noses and dirty diapers, she manages customer service, accounting & finance, marketing & advertising, and human resources. If you have worked with us on a project, then you have undoubtedly spoken with her on the phone at least once! Check out our website, which she designed, or give us a call to speak with her directly. The eastern red cedar, scientifically known as juniperus virginiana, is a tall, conically-shaped evergreen that can be found on the North American continent, east of the Great Plains and all the way from Canada down to the Gulf of Mexico. Just like our last tree of the month, the willow oak, isn’t actually a willow tree, the eastern red cedar isn’t actually a cedar tree! It shares the look and some of the properties of cedars, but it belongs to the juniper family. You might have also heard it referred to as red cedar, eastern juniper, red juniper, Virginian juniper, and even aromatic cedar.
In some locations, the formidable competition they present to other surrounding flora has earned them the classification of invasive species, despite being native to the area. If you’re considering planting an eastern red cedar or two in your yard, make sure to keep this in mind; you don’t want your new trees to kill off your prized Japanese Maple or favorite azalea bushes! This grand tolerance for soil type and hardiness to environment isn’t necessarily a bad thing; eastern red cedars are considered a pioneer species, which means they are some of the first trees to return to eroded, cleared, or otherwise damaged land. It also means that, even if your yard isn’t suitable for growing more delicate plant species, it’s probably great for some eastern red cedars. These trees are often used as ornamental addition to landscapes, and take well to being trimmed to form certain shapes; if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try and make an elephant out of a tree, an eastern red cedar will do the job! When properly supplied with sunlight, nutrients, and space to grow, healthy eastern red cedars can grow anywhere from 12 to 24 inches every year. At full maturity, they can reach heights of 40 to 50 feet with foliage spreads of 8 to 20 feet in all directions. “Full maturity” for eastern red cedars is about 10 to 20 years of age, but don’t let that fool you; these old coots can live well over 900 years long, reaching heights recorded up to 90 feet. Make sure you plan for this kind of space and height when looking to plant, so you don’t end up with a tree growing through the eaves of your home! Across the United States, eastern red cedars are well known for their use as windbreakers, sound barriers, and privacy screens. Thanks to their deep, complex root system and dense foliage, they are extremely effective at disrupting air flow, muffling sound, and obstructing view, which is why you’ve probably seen them lining the edges of yards located close to roadways. In states such as Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, they are also used as Christmas trees. They are avoided and even removed in and around apple orchards, as they serve as an alternate host for cedar-apple rust, which is a form of fungal disease that plagues apple trees. Be sure to keep that in mind if you want to introduce an eastern red cedar anywhere near your fruit trees.
The scaly, evergreen leaves of the eastern red cedar are fragrant and colorful, ranging from greyish greens, bluish greens, and dark greens in the summer and greyish brown to black-brown in winter. Thanks to their year-round availability, these leaves provide nesting grounds and roost coverage for all kinds of bird species and small mammals. As they are dioecious, meaning male and female trees are separate, eastern red cedars will either grow small, berry-like fruits or conical, pollen-filled pods. Male trees will produce these pollen cones as early as late winter and shed all throughout spring, often irritating those with seasonal allergies. Female eastern red cedars produce the gray- or blueish-colored fruits that measure only a quarter of an inch in diameter; they are a diet staple for many of the same species that use the tree for shelter. In particular, the Cedar Waxwing bird loves them, and contributes significantly to the germination and dispersion of its namesake. Browser and grazer animal species will also eat both fallen and green twigs and foliage. All parts of the tree also have their place in herbal medicinal practices, but be careful; the leaves and berries have low levels of toxicity to humans. They won’t do any lasting damage to you or any kiddos running around, but they might upset little tummies. Even so, these trees make a great addition to your home’s landscape. Whether you’re looking for a physical barrier from some nosy neighbors, a hardy solution to damaged soil, or an ornamental adventure, the eastern red cedar is a stately, regal choice. AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio. When you go to the doctor because you don’t feel well, how do you know you’re in good hands? Maybe someone you know and trust recommended this doctor. Maybe you went to a clinic and just got the first doctor available. Either way, you still trust the doctor to take care of you. Why is that? Doctors, by nature of their profession, hold some kind of degree in their field. They have years of experience learning and subsequently proving their proficiency, and years of experience treating patients. You trust the “M.D.” to mean this person is qualified to do their job, and do it well. So when you hire a tree service, how do you know that your trees and other flora are in good hands? The ISA, or International Society of Arboriculture, offers a variety of credentials and certification programs that serve a similar purpose of your doctor’s medical degree. Certified arborists have taken the time to learn about their field, prove their proficiency through examinations and rigorous course work, and have years of experience to back up their qualifications. Your trees deserve the same care and attention you’d want for yourself. When you hire a tree service, choosing someone certified in tree care is like choosing a medical professional who has been to med school—someone you can trust. What is the ISA Certification?The ISA began the arboreal certification program in the 1980s to improve the standard of the tree care profession. Creating this qualification established a baseline of knowledge for all tree care professionals, which in turn enhanced the spread of proper tree care across the nation. Who is an ISA-Certified Arborist?
What does it take to become an ISA-Certified Arborist?To begin this certification process, you must first hold a degree in arboriculture, horticulture, landscape architecture, or forestry from an accredited university, and secondly, you must have three or more years of “full-time, eligible, practical” experience in arboriculture. Scott Rushing proudly holds a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Education from the University of Georgia and has worked in arboriculture in the Athens-Oconee area since 2008. The certification track itself includes written and practical training and examinations, ensuring that every individual who goes through the process is well-versed in all aspects of arboriculture, including (but not limited to): “basic tree biology, tree identification and selection, tree-soil-water relations, tree nutrition and fertilization, tree planting and establishment, pruning concepts and techniques, cabling, bracing and lightning protection, problem diagnosis and management, tree preservation on construction sites, climbing and safe work practices, and tree risk assessment.” The final written examination features approximately 200 questions on all of these subjects.
Continuing Education Units come in a variety of forms, including things such as college courses, workshops, conferences, webinars, safety trainings, online learning modules, and other opportunities approved by the ISA. Why choose a certified arborist?Certified arborists are trained in how to assess any given trees health, potential for failure, and livelihood, and is also qualified to offer courses of action to mitigate potential failure, reduce risk, and remove trees entirely. They are also well-versed in the proper vocabulary to accurately describe tree-related situations; arboriculture is an increasingly scientific field that is, day by day, becoming less dependent on vague language and ambiguous practice and more dependent on factual, measurable components. This ensures that both the arborist and the customer are confident that both parties understand the necessity and potential ramifications of any given treatment. What happens after certification?In addition to education, training, and testing, ISA certifications come with a Code of Ethics that all credential-holders must abide by to ensure the credibility and reliability of the tree care service profession. The Code sets minimum standards for work quality, but also establishes the level of honesty, integrity, and honor that all certified arborists are expected to live by. What does certification mean to us?
If you’re interested in learning more about the services we provide, please check out our website, or contact us directly for more information or to schedule a free estimate! AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio. |
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23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,
24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Colossians 3:23-24
24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Colossians 3:23-24