Click here to see the essentials for maintaining beautiful, healthy and safe trees and shrubs.

Click here for examples of how disease and sub- par appearance is caused by poor site conditions, environmental stress, insects, fungi and bacterial infections. Our licensed technicians are trained to minimize the effects of these conditions.

Click here to receive a complimentary one hour assessment.

Brian J. Kemish recently completed the Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP) program offered by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA).

The CTSP program empowers and encourages a culture of safety across the industry. Its purpose is to reduce overall work-related fatalities, injuries and illnesses.

"Having a CTSP on staff shows our commitment to safe practices in arboricultural operations", said Luke Williams, Total Tree Care president. "Brian is kept abreast of the latest technological advances and regulatory activities affecting the industry through the TCIA safety network, and commits to ongoing education in the safety field in order to maintain his certification. Customers can rest assured that retaining the services of a tree care company with a CTSP on staff ensures a safe, professional jobsite operated by highly skilled experts in the arboriculture field."

Nymph deer ticks, the primary carriers of Lyme Disease, are at their peak during spring months. Dr. Jeffrey S. Ward, Chief Scientist for the Department of Forestry and Horticulture at The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station informed me of a recent study concerning the invasive Japanese Barberry Plant and its relation to our growing tick population.

I know that mice and other rodents are the primary hosts for deer ticks but I was unaware of their relationship to the barberry plant. Because barberry spreads very thickly, its thorns protect mice from ground predators such as fox and coyotes and air predators such as hawks and owls and its fruit provides a food source.

Total Tree Care technicians are skilled at controlling the tick population by culling Japanese Barberry, an integrated pest management (IPM) technique.

mkennedy@totaltreecare.com; 203-718-1041

We don't expect that anyone will know immediately just by looking at the tree, so we've created a treasure hunt game.

Click here for weekly updates that reveal a larger section of this tree and its surroundings along with new hints, visitor comments and stats on how many guesses were made.

On April 30th, we'll reveal the answer and have a drawing from the first 50 people who answer correctly. The winner will receive a gift certificate to Carmen Anthony Steak House ($125 value).

Send your answers to mtoth@totaltreecare.com along with your name, address, phone and email.

Since 1968 Pat Munger Construction has provided commercial and industrial customers with a great experience from site planning and construction to certificate of occupancy. Munger's hallmark is finely tuned, cost effective, high quality buildings.

The partnership provides solutions for saving energy and reducing the carbon footprint. "It's a natural synergistic fit for our company because they share the same preservation values as we do", stated Luke Williams, Total Tree Care president. "Munger has been proactive with their green efforts. It's rewarding to know that we do not have to convince a construction company that preservation and going green is an important thing.

Munger's LEED construction techniques and photovoltaic solar electrical systems complement arboreal and horticultural advice provided by Total Tree Care for tree selection, preservation and placement.

(203) 483-3645 or www.mungerconstruction.com

Total Tree Care [and Sister Company Arbor Oil] align with the BBB Mission as a trustworthy business that encourages and supports best practices.

Thanks to everyone who completed our recent survey. Here is a snapshot of the results.

• 65% responded regarding their residences and 35% regarding their business property
• 78% were Total Tree Care customers
• 30% purchased fertilization, mulching or insect and disease protection
• Relying on tree care provider solutions is the preferred means for combating insects and disease
• 27% prefer to pay bills and correspond electronically to save paper, time, postage and trash. It's more secure than the USPS, enhances convenience and is easier to archive