Willow Glen Resident

News

Photograph by Vicki Thompson

Green Row: Arborist Raul Galan of Willow Glen secures newly planted trees outside a downtown house located next to the track for the upcoming San Jose Grand Prix. The owner of LandMedics Quality Tree Care employs a philosophy that looks for ways to save trees instead of removing them.

Arborist digs deep for shady solutions

By Emilie Crofton

In the Galan family, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, literally.

Raul Galan, an arborist who started LandMedics Quality Tree Care in 1998, learned everything he knows, including his work ethics, from his father, arborist Mario Galan.

"Since I was little, my father would wake me up at 5:30 a.m. to start working and ask me, 'How many other people do you think are awake right now?' He gave me the hard-work mentality that I continually live by to this day," he says.

Following in his father's footsteps wasn't what he had set out to do after graduating from Lincoln High School. Galan used to be a competitive break-dancer, describing it as "his life." He started dancing in the sixth grade. He was a member of the dance group the Slow Rockers, which toured all over California, winning numerous competitions. The group was recognized as one of the better dance groups in San Jose, according to Galan. However, he soon realized it wouldn't pay the bills.

Galan returned to his roots and familiar ground. He began working for large corporate tree-service companies, including TruGreen Landcare and Biota Tech.

That's when Galan discovered he, like his father, was passionate about trees and nature.

"I fell in love with what I do," Galan says. "I love trees, the outdoors and meeting new people."

He received his tree-care credentials and soon began his own company.

Although Galan branched off from his father's company, Mario's Tree Service, LandMedics remains family-oriented.

Galan employs his younger brother, Rolando, his "right arm." The two work side by side. His father, who is semi-retired for health reasons, helps promote his two sons.

Galan currently works out of his own home in Willow Glen. He would like to move the business to property in downtown San Jose and may have an opportunity to purchase a piece of property on S. Almaden Boulevard. The current owner currently allows him to showcase some of his work at the S. Almaden location.

"It would be a dream come true to get this property," Galan says.

He also has a built-in advantage as a native of the area. Galan has gotten to know many of the residents and businesses in Willow Glen.

After working with the more traditional tree-care service businesses, Galan decided to take a different approach to tree care. Galan says he is not in favor of "topping" trees. Instead he specializes in planting and pruning.

Once a tree is topped, all that is left is the tree truck or grain, Galan says. Topping makes the new tree growth more sporadic and much weaker, while pruning is more pleasing visually and healthier for the tree. The growth is also more controlled.

The majority of large tree-service companies make their profits in tree removal. Galan says he would rather plant a tree than remove one.

"There are so many great reasons to plant trees," Galan says.

Galan promotes tree planting. He encounters many customers who want him to remove a tree, but often most of the trees simply need pruning and can be saved.

"So many people are just not aware of when and where to plant a tree, nor how to take care of it," Galan says. "I just want to assist people, give them a different option and help them out as much as possible."

Galan spends a great deal of time and effort getting to know his customers and developing a relationship with them, admitting that he has learned a lot from his customers.

"Working with them has changed who I am," Galan says. "I used to be shy and quiet, but now I'm not afraid. I'm open and always excited to meet new people."

One of those customers was Los Gatos resident Aldo Giordana. Galan had to convince him he was the right man for the job. Galan's efforts paid off.

"In the end I had him do work at my home, as well as rental property that I own," Giordana says. "He was not only very professional but had so much passion for what he was doing."

Galan's knowledge of trees also extends to the legal issues pertaining to the tree- removal process, which is unfamiliar territory to many residents and can become contentious if handled improperly.

San Jose resident Aamer Abbasi had two problem trees in his back yard and says that Galan helped him through the long and tedious permit process.

"Raul gave me the right advice," Abbasi says.

Like Giordana, Abbasi noticed Galan's dedication to trees.

"He's very genuine about the trees. He's always thinking, 'How can I save this tree?' " Abbasi says.

Abbasi originally wanted to remove two trees. One had to be removed because it was unhealthy, but Galan was able to save the other by pruning it.

Galan credits his motivation and business savvy to his father. And like his father, Galan is motivated to create a successful family business for his 3-year-old daughter Almah.

"She's why I get up every morning," the 27-year-old Galan says. "She's my world."

For more information, call 408.977.0200 or visit www.landmedics.com. A showcase of Galan's work can be seen at 508 S. Almaden Ave.