Benefits of Membership with the International Society of Arboriculture

Based in Rogers, Minnesota, Gould's Tree Service has been in business for nearly 40 years and provides clients with quality tree trimming and tree and stump removal services. Committed to staying current with industry trends, Gould's Tree Service maintains membership with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

Operating as a non-profit organization, the ISA aims to promote the value of trees around the globe and support a vast network of professionals working within the arboriculture industry. Membership with the ISA provides a wide range of benefits including access to the society’s online learning resources including exclusive ISA member-only courses and podcasts, free of charge or at a discounted rate. Members also receive a monthly e-newsletter called ISA Today and free online subscriptions to the Arborist News magazine and the Arboriculture & Urban Forestry magazine.

ISA members are invited to attend the society’s annual conference and to connect with fellow industry professionals from around the globe via the member directory. They are also provided with access to the ISA Career Center to post job openings and are given resources to help educate the public about the importance of proper tree care. 

Common Tree Problems for Homeowners

Highly rated by the Better Business Bureau, Gould's Tree Service handles tree maintenance services in eight Minnesota communities. Gould's Tree Service addresses common tree issues at a reasonable price.

While mature trees can bring beauty and charm to a property, they can also lead to serious issues for the homeowner. Most tree-related problems can be mitigated with proper maintenance and care. These problems can include:

Oversized branches - Some tree species can grow a few stories tall, which causes branches to grow precariously close to the building. These branches can become a hazard during a storm and cause considerable damage. Large tree branches may also encroach on a neighboring property and lead to community disputes.

Excess shade - While some shade is desirable, overly shady trees can make it impossible for sunlight to reach the ground. This can cause a bare patch in the lawn and prevent other plants from growing. Most trees will require trimming every 2 to 5 years.

Tree disease - Trees are susceptible to illness due to fungus, pests, mildew, or poor soil. Very sick or dead trees are a major hazard, as they develop cracks in their trunks and will eventually fall. Dying trees should always be removed by professionals. 

Wood Chip Use for Garden Health

Gould’s Tree Service, based in Rogers, Minnesota, assists clients with tree maintenance and removal needs. Recently, Gould’s Tree Service began providing free wood chips to the local community; these are a natural byproduct of tree-trimming that can be used for ecologically-friendly garden maintenance.

Typically, wood chips are ground up with mulch and bark and are spread on the ground for both aesthetic appeal and to protect the garden. Among a number of its benefits, wood chip mulch allows soil to retain moisture. For those living in especially hot and dry climates, adding wood chips to mulch can prevent the excessive loss of moisture in the soil due to evaporation. They can also prevent soil erosion; wood chip mulch can be a defensive layer that locks into the soil underneath, and during heavy rains or wind, this layer is a natural way to maintain the stability of the soil.

Wood chips from certain trees also repel pests. Pine and cedar wood chips can help reduce flea, gnat, and tick populations in the garden. If a homeowner is concerned about termites being attracted to the wood in a house, placing cedar mulch six inches away from the building foundation can help prevent an infestation. Gardeners also use wood chips to slow down the growth of weeds. Applying a two-to-four-inch-thick layer of wood chip mulch to the ground prevents weed growth simply by impeding unwanted plants from getting sunlight; thus, weeds are deterred from sprouting up by the mulch.

Finally, wood chip mulch can be used in temperature regulation. The added layer protects the soil from the sun while retaining moisture. In the winter, it protects the ground from the harsh cold by providing an extra layer of insulation.