Well, as you have probably figured out, we are in hiatus. Last week was our last show for 3 months. We will be returning at the beginning of March in 2014. We have had a great season but now we need to take a break. We will return occasionally with timely stories on our website throughout our hiatus, so keep checking back.
You can also become a friend on Facebook, just click on the link on our homepage to sign up. You can also get our monthly magazine during these winter months by also clicking on the link on our homepage.
Happy Holidays!
This week we feature...
Winter Tree Prep
The wind, rain and possible snow of the coming winter can mean trouble for your large landscape trees. How can you tell if 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 an area near Wilsonville for our first stop to show us a multiple trunked tree that could lose 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 of 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.
P aulee at Paulee
The holidays are full of family and friends and celebrating. This week we were invited to a harvest celebration at Paulee Restaurant (503-538-7970) in Dundee, called ‘Paulee at Paulee’. We were able to visit with a bunch of local chefs, food vendors, wine and beer makers, and suppliers. This really showed us how bountiful our local area is in wonderful food and beverages. In addition to talking with chef Sean Temple of Paulee, we also visited with Chris Dillon of Two Kilts Brewing, Jody Kropf and Shiloh Ficek of Red Hills Market, and Don and Johanna Sandberg of iOTA Cellars. They are only a few of the great local food and wine vendors in our area. Make it a holiday gift to yourself to go and visit one of them this season!
Fall & Winter Equipment Maintenance
It is the time of year that we are putting away our power tools for the season and to keep them in the best condition for the next year; give them a tune-up for the winter. Wayne from STIHL tools talked about how important it is to either get the old fuel out of your equipment or to add a fuel stabilizer so the fuel stays viable and doesn’t gum up your machine. He also talked about the new electrical and battery operated equipment that is now available. Remember to keep those batteries from freezing to prevent damage to them as well. You will also want to check the cutting edges and moving parts of your mower, blower, chain saw and other equipment for the cold months ahead! The benefit of doing it now keeps your tools in the best condition so you have less maintenance in the future. Check air filters and spark plugs. Sharpen blades/chains and clean all surfaces. If it sounds like too much to tackle, you can always take it to your local STIHL tool dealer.
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