Well, the storm has passed and it looks like we need to do a little clean-up in the garden.  Because of the storms we are hi-lighting a couple of storm related stories.  We have one piece on what to do before you start your storm clean-up, and we revisit a story we did with Collier Arbor Care on the warning signs of dangerous trees.  We also have a couple of stories on getting ready for the holidays.  We hope you all weathered the storm well and are all safe.

This week we feature...

Winter Tool Safety Tips

The storms have passed, for now, and it is time to head out into your garden to clean-up the damage.  Before you head out we have some tips from Wayne Sutton of Stihl Tools to help you get ready.  Wayne talked about the safety issues involved in using power equipment to get the job done.  Always use some form of ear, eye and body protection.  Using a power tool also means that you should be aware of your surroundings.  Keep all the spectators, kids and pets away from your work area, even if you have protection they can be injured by flying pieces of debris.  If you encounter any type of power line that has fallen, or you are working on a weak tree near a power line, call the power company.  They are experts in dealing with those situations.  Finally, if you encounter any job that seems to be too hard to handle, contact a certified arborist.  You can find names at your local garden center or call your local Stihl dealer.

Winter Tree Care

The wind, rain and possible snow of the coming winter can mean trouble for your large landscape trees.  How can you tell is your trees are healthy enough for all that mother natural has to offer?  We sought out our favorite ‘Certified Arborist’ Terrill Collier from Collier Arbor Care (503-72ARBOR) and asked him for some signs we can look for.  Terrill took us to a park in Vancouver Washington to show us a multiple trunked tree that had lost one of its trunks due to rot and decay at its base.  That is just one of the 8 signs that you should look for in a dangerous tree.  Other signs included weakly attached branches, cracks in the branches of the trunk, pealing bark and signs of decay or rot.  These are the most obvious  signs, but if you are unsure of the safety of your trees you can contact Collier Arbor care or a certified arborist.  Collier’s even has a brochure that can tell you what else to look for.  Terrill emphasizes that you insist on a certified arborist.  They are trained to look for the damaged spots and are trained (insured and bonded) to remove the weak tree safely. 

Deb’s Easy Holiday Centerpiece

It is easy to build a spectacular centerpiece for your holiday table.  Debbie Yost walks Judy through the assembly of this masterpiece.  All you need are a container, lemons, cranberries, water and a candle.  It will bring bright and festive colors to your home and is a great accent to all your regular decorations.

Holiday Heritage Plant

Ever wonder why we use holly in our holiday decorating?  What is the story behind kissing under the mistletoe?  William and Judy covered the reasons why we use specific plants during the holidays.  Holly’s origins are based on both Christian and non-Christian traditions.  In one tradition, the holly protects the home from evil spirits.  In another, the holly represents the crown of thorns of Christ’s passion and its berries represent the drops of blood.  Ivy is a very misunderstood plant.  We sometimes see it growing all over trees, almost smothering them.  In the Middle Ages ivy meant prosperity, and if it died financial hard times were soon to follow.  Mistletoe has a longer history.  It has various meanings that include fertility, immortality and love.  Of course the best meaning involved kissing.  In proper English society you could not kiss your spouse-to-be in public.  During the holidays you could kiss under the mistletoe, but you had to remove a white berry every time you did.   Naturally, twigs with lots of berries were highly prized!  So next time you are decorating your home, take some time and learn some of the meanings.