TREEfecta

Wisdom From The BIG Oak

The Connection Between Trees, People and Community.

While trees provide us many social, economic and environmental benefits, the connection to trees goes much deeper.  Trees and people have a long history of connection through community, spirituality and health. We both play a crucial role taking root in our local communities. Just like people, trees have evolved in communities with relationships sustained by communication. A spiritual connection between trees and people has been long documented throughout many cultures. The Tree of Life can be found as a symbol in many cultures and religions. The connection between trees and human health is becoming a relevant topic when planning cities and communities. Trees can help connect us to where we live, work and play. Trees can help give us a sense of place and where we belong. The urbanization of our cities has a had a serious impact on trees, people and the general health of both. Having a connection and respect for trees can help develop an understanding as we manage these valuable resources.

For more information regarding starting, improving or selling a tree care business, check out The Big Oak’s sister website at www.treefecta.net to explore The BUSINESS of Tree Care.

TREEfecta

TREEfecta is a local Minnesota resource providing education, training and recommendations for tree & landscape care. Our goal is to cultivate long-lasting relationships that focus on connecting people with their trees, landscapes and community.  Education and recommendations will be based on knowledge, many years of experience and a respect for nature.  Our passion and understanding of trees will be evident while we educate, involve and engage.

Tree and Landscape Topics

  • Selecting a Good Tree Care Company

  • Tree Myths and Top Mismanagement Concerns

  • Tree Selection for Planting

  • Proper Tree Planting

  • Tree & Shrub Pruning

  • Importance of Shrubs in the Landscape

  • Bees and Pollinators

  • Natural Landscapes in Urban Settings

  • Rain Gardens

  • Tree Insect & Disease Management

  • Emerald Ash Borer Management

  • Trees and Soil Health

  • Connecting Trees, People and Community

  • Connecting Kids and Trees

  • Starting a Tree Care Business

  • Selling a Tree Care Business

  • Responsible Use of Pesticides and Chemicals

A Word From The BIG Oak

Throughout this website and continually through the blog, there will be information, education, recommendations, tips and hints from The BIG Oak (That’s me). With over 27 years of experience in the green industry, I have been involved in leadership, management, operations, sales and employee development. I have seen it all. I have a great deal to teach and even more to learn. In a song by the Moody Blues (Tuesday Afternoon), they sang “Something calls to me. The trees are drawing me near. I’ve got to find out why”. Years ago, these lyrics led to a path to get a degree in Ecology and I’m still trying to find out why. Why don’t you join me and we can find out together.

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Outside of a few of the trails being closed (and a frozen face), Jay Cooke State Park definitely delivers with some amazing aesthetics. Easily makes the list of Top 10 Best Parks I saw this year. Probably way up the list. #jaycookestatepark #mnwi
As I await 7 hours of #nflredzone and 3 hours of #mnvikings finding new creative ways to lose, I decided to end 2023 with one last pic from each month since I started my adventures. Another year down. #minnesotaadventures #minnesotawaterfalls #m
I started out in May with a plan to explore MN and connect with nature. I did not have an idea what would happen but I knew I was going to step away from the stress of working. In 7 months I visited over 120 parks, enjoyed 8 nature centers, fished
If you like good restaurants, breweries, boutique shopping, cool architecture and small town vibes, Minnesota has plenty of options for winter day trips. Whether it's up north, down south or on the fringe of the metro, cities like Redwing, Stillwate
Exploring many waterfalls and ravines this year, I am always amazed at how a tree can grow in peculiar ways whether being crushed by rocks, growing on top of rocks or turning into an octopus on top of a waterfall. #amazingtrees
There was a pretty definitive line of where hoarfrost developed on the outskirts of the metro yesterday. Literally one side of the street was frosty white with nothing on the other side. Definitely created a X-mas vibe. #hoarfrost #hoarfrostmn
This morning I felt like I was in a horror movie based in a creepy foggy Scottish moor waiting for a sea creature to emerge. No Lochness monster sighting. Bummer. #mississippiriver #foggyriver
As I started out the year, I was primarily fishing and exploring parks. I really didn't get into taking pictures until early summer. Since I have now adventured through 120 parks, I have started to dabble into other interests including checking out
Frosty mornings are creating some cool early morning shots. All the frosty plants interrupted the flow of the early morning hike at #louisvilleswamp. Definitely a stop and go hike but worth the extra time. #minnesotahiking #minnesotawinter

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Spring flow
Slow flow
Overhang
Overhang 2
Mossy drip
Mini Falls
VID River flow
VID Kettle River
VID Kettle River spring
VID Kettle River low spring
Pine and ice
Icy wall