 An interesting misspelling appeared in "another" newspaper, within an advertisement for tree work. I cannot remember all the details, but I recall the ad mentioned "topping" and "shopping" among the services performed. It is likely that the "op" of "shopping" should have been simply an "a" for "shaping." However, because the misspelling is in the context of the term "topping," I can't help but wonder if the "s" of "shopping" was intended to be a "c." But of course, chopping would be redundant with topping anyway. (Topping is to trees what decapitation is to humans.)
Some of the best arborists I know of work in the Santa Clara Valley. In fact, I occasionally work with some of them. Unfortunately, there are many more "hackers" who will perform such immoral acts as topping and chopping; some even frequently visit the malls! Because mature trees are the most substantial features of a garden, they deserve the best. Less-substantial features may recover from abuse or be replaced, but trees may be more severely damaged if improperly treated, and they are not easily replaced.
Most of the best arborists are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture. The most reputable of tree-service establishments are likewise affiliated with the ISA and employ certified arborists. Such affiliation is certainly an indication of dedication to the industry. A list of certified arborists and their contact information is available at the ISA's website at www2.champaign.isa-arbor.com.
Hackers rarely display such affiliations and can often be identified by their unprofessional presentation. Those who advertise services that are arboriculturally abusive, such as topping, should be avoided. Likewise, those who advertise services that are not remotely related to arboriculture are not specialized enough to work on your trees. For example, an arborist who hauls associated brush and grinds stumps may be legitimate, but someone who also hauls trash and builds fences probably doesn't take arboriculture very seriously.
I also recommend smaller, local arboricultural establishments that more efficiently manage quality control. Others (you know the ones) may compromise quality to maximize production, regardless of the number of staff arborists. Pruning that they commonly perform for clearance of utility cables is certainly very important, but the unfortunately necessary techniques simply are not appropriate for every application.
Landscapers and maintenance gardeners are not so easily identified and are not nearly as common. Landscapers and landscape designers are perhaps best found by referral from satisfied clients. Credentials are a good indication of dedication to the industry but are variable among the various professionals. I suppose good gardeners should be found in the same manner, but I have yet to hear from anyone who is satisfied with a particular gardener enough to recommend his or her services to an associate.
Flower of the Week: Mallow
My favorite mallows are marshmallows. They were once—and may still be—made from the powdered root of a mallow, Malva spp., that grows in marshes. (Where else would marshmallows grow?) I have only seen marsh-mallow plants once, a few years ago at Bongard's Nursery in Half Moon Bay. Although the ornamental species are most popular, they are still somewhat obscure and not commonly seen in nurseries. Unlike marsh mallows, other mallows prefer good drainage and reasonably rich soil.
The most common species are "temporary" perennials. Some only live as long as three years but can easily be replaced by their own seedlings before their demise. The tallest mallows are less than four feet tall and are two feet wide. Most have simple small leaves, but some exhibit larger, lobed foliage. The flowers, which may be as wide as 2-1Ž2 inches, resemble those of the related hollyhock and bloom from summer to autumn in white, pink or pale lavender. Even less common species bloom with brighter colors and are more tolerant of inferior soil. Perhaps these should be more common.
Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be
contacted at 408.358.2574 or at LGHORTICULTURE@aol.com.
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Photograph by Shari Kaplan