Climb Corps LLC

04/27/2026

Headed to the Florida Chapter ISA Trees & Construction workshop this week.

Excited to learn more about protecting trees during development and improving how we support builders, contractors, and property owners with reports, permitting, and planning.

If you’ve got a project coming up and need help navigating tree requirements or documentation, feel free to reach out.

Homestead Registration:
https://members.floridaisa.org/ap/Events/Register/DgFj0J1H1CQCW
Cocoa Registration:
https://members.floridaisa.org/ap/Events/Register/lzFnRWeHjC5Cw

03/16/2026

This tree has **co-dominant stems with included bark**, which is a structural issue we watch for during inspections.

Instead of one strong trunk, the tree developed two stems competing for the same space. Over time bark gets trapped between them, preventing a solid wood connection from forming.

That area can become a weak point as the tree grows and the stems push against each other.

Not every co-dominant stem is an immediate problem, but it’s something an arborist keeps an eye on because it can increase the risk of splitting during storms or as the tree matures.

Structural pruning early on can often help reduce these issues.

— Chad
ISA Certified Arborist
Climb Corps LLC

03/07/2026

One of the most common pruning mistakes we see is **lion tailing**.

At first glance this oak might look “cleaned up,” but most of the interior foliage has been removed and all the weight is left out at the ends of the limbs.

That can actually make the tree more vulnerable over time. Long bare limbs act like levers in the wind and the tree often responds by pushing out fast, weak regrowth.

Good pruning focuses on structure and keeping foliage distributed along the branch — not stripping the canopy.

Trees don’t need to be hollowed out to be healthy.

— Chad
ISA Certified Arborist
Climb Corps LLC

02/27/2026

These two trees are now sharing a limb.

Over time, the lateral branch from one tree has grown into the adjacent stem — a natural process called inosculation, where stems or branches fuse together as they expand.

At a glance, it can look like added support.

Sometimes it is.

But inosculation does not automatically mean shared structural strength. It can also create included bark, uneven load transfer, or concentrate stress at the point of attachment.

When a long horizontal limb extends over a structure and becomes structurally tied into a second tree, the weight and wind load are no longer isolated to one stem.

That changes the risk profile.

Tree structure is not always intuitive. What looks strong is not always stable.

Climb Corps LLC
Certified Arborist
Tree Risk Assessments
Central Florida

02/23/2026

This is oleander.

It’s one of the most commonly planted shrubs in Florida — along roadways, in HOA entrances, and in residential landscapes.

It is also highly toxic.

Oleander (Nerium oleander) contains cardiac glycosides that can cause serious poisoning in pets, livestock, and humans. All parts of the plant are toxic — leaves, flowers, stems, and sap.

Burning oleander is dangerous as well. The smoke can contain toxic compounds, and inhalation can cause serious health effects.

How to identify it:

Oleander grows as a dense evergreen shrub. The leaves are long, narrow, and leathery with smooth edges. They typically grow in clusters or whorls along the stem, often in groups of three.

The flowers bloom in clusters at the ends of branches. They may be pink, white, red, or yellow. Some varieties have a simple five-petal flower, while others have a fuller, double bloom like the one shown here.

Because it is so widely planted, many people assume it is harmless.

Correct plant identification matters — especially in homes with pets or children.

Climb Corps LLC
Certified Arborist
Central Florida

02/19/2026

The Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) is common in Florida yards — but it’s also one of the most toxic ornamental plants for pets and people.

Every part of the plant is toxic if ingested, especially the bright orange seed pods.

⚠️ Toxic to:
• Dogs
• Cats
• Children

Ingestion can cause:
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Lethargy
• In severe cases, liver damage

The seeds are the most dangerous part — and they can be tempting to curious toddlers and pets.

How to identify a Sago Palm:

• Short, thick trunk (pineapple-like appearance)
• Very stiff, glossy, feather-like fronds
• Bright orange/red seed cluster in the center
• Usually waist- to chest-high in residential landscapes

It looks like a small palm, but it’s actually a cycad.

We share posts like this because property safety includes understanding what’s planted in your landscape — especially when kids and pets are involved.

If you’re unsure what’s growing in your yard, we’re always happy to help identify it.

📍 Serving Central Florida
📞 352-397-4309

02/09/2026

This is spot-on information. Timing and technique matter when pruning crape myrtles, and improper cuts can cause long-term issues and fewer blooms.

we agree — intentional, minimal pruning done at the right time protects the tree’s structure and future growth. When in doubt, less is more.

02/04/2026

The initial cut is a peel-back, used to control the piece and keep it from hitting the driveway.

This type of cutting helps manage movement and reduces the chance of damage below.

01/22/2026

Chad doing what he does best 🌳💪
Precision, experience, and a whole lot of trust in the rope.

01/07/2026

Clean cuts. Controlled removal.