Kevin Masters Arborist Services

05/29/2026

The rings inside a tree trunk provide a clear and detailed record of the tree’s life. Each ring represents one year of growth and can reveal information about the environment the tree lived in, the climate conditions, and even periods of stress or healthy growth throughout its lifetime.

The very center of the tree is called the pith. By counting outward from the pith to the bark, you can determine the tree’s exact age.
Most trees experience two main growth periods each year. The lighter colored bands represent Spring growth, while the darker bands represent Fall growth. Spring growth rings are typically lighter and wider because the tree grows more rapidly during this season. Fall growth rings are denser and darker due to slower growth as temperatures begin to cool.

Wider rings generally indicate favorable growing conditions, such as warm temperatures and abundant moisture. Thinner rings, on the other hand, may suggest periods of environmental stress, including drought, extreme cold, or limited nutrients. Off center growth, or lopsided patterns can also reveal that a tree was leaning during part of its life, as rings may appear thicker on one side of the trunk than the other.

To learn more information on how tree rings have been a huge factor in learning more about a tree's biology and the world's climate; check out https://www.arborday.org/perspectives/living-forest-what-tree-rings-tell-us-about-life-tree
And for more information on tree ring science (Dendrochronology); check out https://www.nps.gov/articles/archeology-dendrochronology.htm

05/28/2026

05/22/2026

Meet Jake, one of our guys in the Tree Crew
Jake has been with us since March 2024.

Jake enjoys playing video games, hanging out with friends, and free climbing. He also enjoys drifting cars. Go Jake!

If Jake could be any tree, he would choose to be a Cherry tree. They smell super good and look beautiful when flowering.
Jake would describe himself as hardworking and usually tired. (Relatable!)

A unique fact about Jake is that he has Vitiligo and can naturally grow white eyelashes and hair.
Jakes favorite place to eat in Columbus is La Poblanita Food Truck.

05/22/2026

You can also follow us on Instagram to see more.

05/18/2026

Bagworms are a species of moth, native to Ohio. Although only male Bagworms form into moths, while the females do not form wings, and never leave their "bag".

Bagworm Larvae create a silk "bag" to cover their bodies, to which they attach small pieces of foliage and/or leaves to disguise themselves. Bagworms feed on the needles and leaves of hundreds of species of plants, although they do have preferences. Bagworms tend to prefer Arborvitae, Junipers, Spruce, Cedars, Pines, and some deciduous trees such as Maples and Oaks.

If not treated, Bagworms can cause a tree to decline rapidly due to the significant defoliation they cause. Mature larvae can attach their bags to stems using strands of silk, which can last several years and can possibly girdle branches.

Bagworms are normally slow to spread, but populations may build rapidly on their preferred host plants, especially in landscape settings.
Infestations can often go unnoticed until large populations are present, so it is important to call out a professional once you see them.
If you notice bagworms in your landscape, it’s best to have the infestation evaluated early before damage to your trees and shrubs becomes severe.

05/14/2026

What does drought stress look like in trees? 🌳☀️

Some of the first things you may notice are wilted or curling leaves, brown edges that look scorched, fading or yellowing color, and leaves dropping earlier than normal as the tree tries to hold onto moisture.

Drought stress may not show up right away; sometimes it can be months until signs start to show up.
As drought stress gets worse, trees can start looking thinner up top, produce smaller leaves, develop dead tips on branches, or even show cracks in the bark. Some trees may start turning brown or grayish-green, while others can show curling leaves and leaf scorch first.

Stressed trees are also more likely to struggle with insects, borers, and disease, which is why catching the signs early and giving trees a good deep watering during dry stretches can make a big difference. If you’re unsure whether your tree is dealing with drought stress or something more serious, it never hurts to have it looked at. 🌳💧

05/12/2026

What Does It Mean to Top a Tree? 🌲

Tree topping is the practice of cutting off the upper portion of a tree, removing large branches and leaves until only stubs remain.

Why Do People Top Trees?

There are several reasons people choose to top trees. The most common reasons are to clear power lines, create space around homes or other structures, reduce a tree’s height, or prevent large trees from falling during storms. However, topping can actually make a tree more dangerous in severe weather conditions.

Why Is Tree Topping Harmful?

Topping is extremely damaging to a tree’s overall health and structure. It often leads to weak, unstable limbs, an unnatural appearance, and a much higher risk of breakage. When a tree is stripped of a large portion of its canopy, it loses its ability to properly produce energy through photosynthesis. In response, trees often grow new shoots rapidly, but these sprouts are typically weak and more likely to fail over time. Tree topping can also significantly shorten a tree’s lifespan.

What Are the Alternatives to Tree Topping?

Crown Reduction
Crown reduction safely decreases the height and size of a tree while helping maintain its natural structure and overall integrity.

Thinning
Tree thinning improves light and air circulation throughout the canopy while also supporting better structural stability.

Removal or Replacement
If a tree has outgrown its location, removal is often the safer and healthier long-term option rather than creating future hazards through topping.

05/05/2026

A lot of the time, we get called out to look at a tree once it is already declining due to construction being completed right next to it. A new foundation goes in, the grade changes, or heavy equipment is brought through, and everything looks fine at first. Then, months or even years later, the tree starts to decline. What’s easy to miss is that the damage usually happened during that construction process, long before any symptoms showed up.
A tree’s root system is doing most of the work you don’t see. It takes in water and nutrients, stores energy, and needs loose, oxygenated soil to function properly. When roots are cut, buried, or compacted, it disrupts that entire system and does not provide the proper environment for your tree to thrive. If you’re planning any kind of construction or excavation near trees, it’s worth getting an arborist involved early. A little planning upfront can protect your trees and save you from bigger issues down the line. Reach out before you start so we can help you do it right!

04/30/2026

Thank you all so much for the amazing reviews this April!
This season has bee super busy for us - so thank you!
Our application season has also had a wonderful start between treatments, fertilizing, and just having the opportunity to care for your beautiful trees in general.

We couldn't do this without you guys and we can't wait to see what the rest of the year brings!

04/29/2026

Meet Kenton, one of our guys on the Tree Crew.
Kenton has been with us since February 2025.
Kenton used to professionally ride horses, and his saddle, to this day, is his favorite piece of equipment to use.
Kenton enjoys playing video games, reading, and playing Dungeons and Dragons. He’s a super fan and knows almost everything about the game.
If Kenton could be any tree, he would be a Redwood because they are beautiful, and FUN FACT, many of the Redwoods we see in the USA today, are older than the USA itself!
Kenton would describe himself as nerdy, fun, and a foodie. His favorite place to eat her in Columbus is Marcella’s.
Kenton also wants to share with the world that in 2022, Columbus, Ohio was rated the 4th worst city to drive in. No surprise to anyone who lives here!!