Sarah N. Helton, ISA Certified Arborist

08/29/2025

08/29/2025

Cool field find!!! Discovered a hidden clutch of Arilus cristatus eggs (wheel bug) on a mature hardwood today — a sign of healthy biological control at work. These fierce yet beneficial predators will emerge next season, ready to take on pest populations the natural way. No sprays required. As we were heading home for the day, we were lucky to capture a photo of an adult wheel bug!

08/07/2025

🌳 Today’s Work in the Field
We spent the morning closely examining numerous pin oaks and some other trees that appear to be under stress. Careful observation, photo documentation, and groundwork for next steps.

✅ Root zone evaluations
✅ Canopy and foliage inspection
✅ Pest and environmental monitoring
✅ Site condition documentation

Urban trees face a tough reality — compacted soils, limited root space, heat, drought, and insect activity all contribute to long-term stress. Consistent observation and early attention are key to long-term health.

Need an expert eye on a tree that doesn’t look quite right? We’re here to help.

07/01/2025

City of Lima, OH - Government 🌳 Stop the “Halo of Hurt” — Protect Our Park Trees! 🌳

Have you noticed those brown, barren rings at the base of some park trees?
That’s usually grass-killer (herbicide) at work…and it can quietly weaken even the biggest shade tree.

Why it matters

Roots live near the surface. Non-selective herbicides soak straight into the feeder roots that keep a tree alive.

Chemical stress adds up. Each spray might seem harmless, but season after season it can invite pests, disease, and branch die-back.

Soil life suffers. Healthy soil microbes—nature’s “tree vitamins”—are wiped out, leaving roots hungry and dry.

A simple, tree-friendly fix

1. Ditch the chemicals. Skip the spray around trunks and exposed roots.

2. Mulch instead! Spread shredded bark or wood chips 2–4" deep in a 2–3 ft ring (keep mulch a few inches away from the bark).

3. Hand-pull or carefully string-trim weeds outside the mulch ring if needed—no more “halo of hurt.”

Big benefits

Saves labor and herbicide costs over time.

Prevents mower/weed-whip wounds on trunks.

Builds richer soil, better moisture, cooler roots…and longer-lived trees for all of us to enjoy!

🛑 Let’s protect our green canopy. Share this post, talk to your park crew or HOA, and help every tree trade that brown ring for a healthy mulch blanket.

Healthy roots = healthy trees = a healthier community. 🌱💚

07/01/2025

🌳✨ Out and about this week doing tree and landscape consultations!

These visits are one of the most important parts of what we do—walking the property, observing health, structure, placement, and how everything is interacting with its surroundings.

Consultations help homeowners make informed decisions about pruning, removals, pest prevention, and new plantings that fit their space, their goals, and their values. Whether it's preserving a mature tree or planning for future shade, thoughtful guidance makes all the difference.

🪴 We believe every yard tells a story—and we’re here to help shape that story with care, clarity, and long-term vision.

04/22/2025

Don't forget about this weekend

03/15/2024

Update: The school has been overwhelmed with donations and have paused accepting them temporarily ♥️

We will be collecting donations to go directly to Indian Lake School's efforts in acting as a shelter. Below is a list of suggested items, no cash please, as we don't have an official process to get that to them at this time.

Bottled water
Paper towels
Kleenex
Individually wrapped snacks
Disinfectant wipes and sprays
Compact fleece blankets

We'll add to this list as we hear directly from them on their need.

11/01/2021

The difference trees can make!

Below are two photos. Both were taken in our beautiful city, Lima. Both are located in lovey, well maintained and aesthetically pleasing neighborhoods.

However, only one shows a street lined with trees.

Can you See the difference? Can you FEEL the difference? If you really try, you may even be able to HEAR the difference. :) After all, trees do dampen the noice pollution around us.

Which street would you prefer?!

09/01/2021

Came across this huge (and hazardous) Beech tree today while bidding service work! 😳

What we're looking at here (observations):
- leaning trunk with noticable ground disturbance disturbance present
- fracturing and splitting of root flare on backside of tree
- decay and hollow cavity on front side of trunk & root flare.
- fungal bodies at root system
- home, garage, driveway and vehicles all probable targets.

Recommendation:
- Full removal sooner rather than later

08/24/2021

I spend 80% of my day behind the wheel driving from client to client! And I'm BLESSED to do so!

06/27/2021

Large mature oak from Friday's consultation in Celina, Ohio.

I named him Mr. BOOMBASTIC ❣️🙂