At Schmid Gardens, we’re proud to have volunteers who bring their love of nature and sometimes, their professional experience to our nursery. One of our long-time helpers, James, brought something unexpected: a background in tree surgery from his time in Richmond, London.
As a team with shared interest toward gardening and nature, we’ve always loved learning from each other. We’re grateful to have James as an addition to our growing family, because he brought a fresh perspective about tree care. Even our returning clients loved learning from him when they visit our center.
From Brent to the Midwest
James worked as a tree surgeon in richmond alongside the team at The Richmond Tree Surgeon, a respected company based in Richmond upon Thames known for precision pruning and urban tree management. He used to volunteer in our nursery when he travels to Michigan, until he recently decided to stay here for good. We thought it would be great to have him as a permanent member of the team, so if you still haven’t met him, you probably will the next time you stop by. Feel free to say hi!
In the UK, arboricultural practices are deeply rooted on historic tree preservation, so rules also tend to be stringent. Heritage trees and zones are protected, so active work cannot be done without obtaining permission from the local authority. They’re maintained not only to ensure long-term strength and durability, but to keep their appearance suitable to the landscape.
Yes. UK’s heritage trees are preserved, similar to historic buildings, because of their irreplaceable value. In one article, The National Geographic even talked about the stories surrounding the most historic trees in the country, including Isaac Newton’s apple tree.
We hope to be able to preserve Michigan trees as well with help from the community and our tree specialists like James.
What James Taught Us About Tree Care
We’re excited to share with you in detail what we’ve learned from James so far. Here’s a quick overview!
- Pruning using the “3-cut method.” This is where we make 3 cuts to a limb, starting from the undercut, which is about 1-2 feet away from the beginning of the trunk to the top cut, which is slightly further away from the undercut. Last is the third cut from the bark ridge to the branch collar.
- A tree health checkup that is done from the base up. We examine from the root to the trunk, then the branches, and the leaves. Should you spot irregularities, our team can offer advice on how to resolve the issue and restore tree health.
- Pruning in winter during dormant stages. Winter can be harsh in Michigan, blanketing the city in thick snow layers, while winters in London are rainy and cold. But in some cases, this season can be perfect for pruning because there’s no active or new growth on trees.
- Preventing disease by cleaning tools properly. Since trees and shrubs can be infested, it’s a good practice to clean tools in between use. This simple practice is critical in protecting healthy greenery and is beneficial in home gardens as we tend to care for different plant species.
UK vs. US Tree Care: Surprising Differences
In the UK, particularly in London, rain is a frequent visitor, and snowy and sunny days are rare. Meanwhile, Michigan summers are great for spending time outdoors, while winters can be brutal. We can grow different types of sun-loving plants on our yard, but this requires thorough planning in a typical English garden.
Given the significant weather differences between the UK and US, James also had a lot to learn in looking after our native trees, but he quickly picked up knowledge and experience as he’s not entirely a newcomer in the team (He’s one of our favorite volunteers!). In addition, training is also regularly carried out for all our staff.
With James on board, we’ve proven once again that great tree care is universal. For one, we’ve seen how patient he is in everything he does at the nursery, from monitoring young plants to nursing the sick ones back to health. Climate and tree species may vary, but the desire to preserve nature knows no physical boundaries.
Valuing Shared Knowledge at the Nursery
Schmid Gardens is committed to learning, growing, and sharing knowledge with the community.
We know we’re bound to discover something new from everyone we encounter at the center – whether it’s a regular customer, a first-time visitor, a fellow nature-lover, or an expert like James. And every day, we look forward to these unexpected, valuable lessons.
As we soak up these nuggets of information, you can count on us to keep sharing them with you too. Tree care experience from London can help Michigan gardeners like us to thrive.
Ready to Learn Something New About Gardening?
Visit our nursery for local advice and to meet our wonderful staff. Got a tricky tree situation of your own? Go ahead and ask questions you have about your own trees or lawn. We’re all ears!
Whether you’re in Michigan or based overseas, we’re happy to help. If you happen to be in London, check out The Richmond Tree Surgeon, as well. We’ve heard amazing stories about how they’ve helped homeowners save their sick trees and keep landscapes eco-friendly and sustainable.