Acorn to Oak

In this episode of Acorn to Oak, Joe Rainwater of RISE dives into crane-assisted tree work, sharing his expertise in the planning, precision, and communication required for safe, successful operations. He discusses the importance of teamwork between climbers and crane operators, the risks of complex removals, and the mindset needed to manage high-stakes situations. Whether you're an arborist, equi...

What makes a tree unforgettable? In this laid-back, coffee-shop-style conversation, ISA Certified Arborists Stefanie Boucher and Simon Normile share stories about the trees that have inspired them throughout their lives and careers. From childhood memories and favorite species to legendary trees that have shaped communities and history, this episode explores the unique connections people form with...

In Part 2 of our conversation with veteran arborist and early ISA Certified Arborist Rick Patrick, we explore one of the most fascinating transformations in arboriculture: the evolution of chainsaws, cranes, climbing systems, and safety equipment over the last 50 years. Rick reflects on what tree work looked like when he entered the industry and compares it to the equipment and techniques arborist...

Join ISA Certified Arborists Stefanie Boucher and Matt Baldwin for a special interview with Rick Patrick, one of the earliest ISA Certified Arborists and a respected mentor to generations of tree professionals. With nearly five decades in the tree care industry, Rick shares stories from his early days working in California, the evolution of arboriculture, and his journey bringing that knowledge ba...

What does it take to work on the front lines of wildfire—and how does that experience shape the way we care for trees today? In this episode of Acorn to Oak , ISA Certified Arborists Stefanie Boucher and Jerad Oren of Bluestone Tree share a conversation about Jerad’s experience as a Hotshot firefighter and his time on the History Channel’s Ax Men . We dive into life on a Hotshot crew, wildfire beh...

Today's episode we talk about how you might think you’re doing everything right for your trees. You have been mulching, trimming, keeping things tidy, but what if some of those well intentioned habits are actually causing long term damage? Today on Acorn to Oak, we’re talking about the most common mistakes homeowners make often without realizing it and how simple changes can make a huge difference...

What’s happening beneath your trees plays a bigger role in their health than most people realize. In this episode of Acorn to Oak , Stefanie Boucher is joined by fellow ISA Certified Arborist and PHC specialist Jerry White to explore why soil testing matters, how soil health impacts tree and shrub vitality, and how arborists use soil data to guide treatment plans. If you want healthier trees, it a...

Mulch does much more than make landscapes look nice. It plays a critical role in tree health, soil biology, and moisture retention. In this episode, Stefanie talks with ISA Certified Arborist and Bluestone Tree co-owner Grayden Bloxham about why proper mulching is an important part of tree care. This episode we discuss the benefits of mulch, soil health, moisture conservation, weed suppression, an...

In the first episode of Acorn to Oak, host Stefanie Boucher sits down with Bluestone Tree’s ISA Certified Arborists Ash Phelps, Matt Baldwin, and Simon Normile to explore a question many homeowners ask about tree care and tree selection: which trees attract wildlife in the Midwest and which ones do not. From native species that attract birds and pollinators to commonly planted trees that offer lit...