The science of preserving nature since 1964

Letter from the CEO

What a year it's been! As I am writing this, it is approaching Thanksgiving. Sadly, the Covid-19 virus has impacted so many people and businesses in our country since the spring. But, finally, I think we can see a glimmer of hope on the horizon with the news of several new successful vaccines in production. We can be thankful for this breakthrough — and we salute our healthcare and front-line workers for their service and sacrifice during this challenging time. Almstead is a family-owned company that has weathered good times and bad, ups and downs, and everything in-between for over 50 years. The strength of our company has always been our employees and customers. We are thankful for the loyalty and trust of both during these trying times. Since the pandemic started, we have provided uninterrupted essential services to our customers in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Our number one priority has always been to keep our employees and customers safe and protected. Please see the article on the front page of this issue about our Covid-19 Safety Protocols.

 

I would also like to thank many of our clients for their patience in waiting to schedule a date for service in the past few months. We've had a very busy spring due to clients spending more time at home — and wanting their properties to be safe and appealing. Additionally, the devastating storm Isaias, that occurred on August 3rd, set us back approximately nine weeks. We've been working 7-days-a-week to address the impacts caused by it in our region (you can see some of the pictures we took of the damage from Isaias in an photo-article about Storm Damage Prevention in this issue. Again, it's been an unusual year to say the least so if you did experience a delay in service of any kind please accept our apologies. We look forward to some normalcy in 2021.

 

During this stressful time, our landscapes are a source of calm and tranquility— while providing a safe environment to interact with close family and friends. Most people have spent more time in their backyards this year than any time in the past. We are very proud to have been given the opportunity of keeping our customers' properties safe and beautiful before and during the pandemic. We would like to ensure it stays that way in 2021. If you are a customer, you must have received our Seasonal Inspection mailer. Our arborists have been making inspections since October to look for any probable issues with the trees, shrubs and lawns and to make adjustments or recommendations where and when needed. It is a complimentary service we offer all our customers. If you haven't scheduled a visit from your arborist yet, please contact your local branch at your earliest.

 

As we move into winter, there are two important services we offer in the coming months. An antidesiccant treatment can keep your evergreens safe from scalding and winter burn. Please read the article on this service. Secondly, as the weather gets colder and the ground gets harder, you can take advantage of our winter pruning services. There are several advantages to winter pruning. They include a clearer view of potential defects for arborists and technicians working in trees, and reduced if not eliminated spread of disease during pruning as trees are dormant in winter. The hard ground in winter also makes it easier for our vehicles and equipment to get within working distance of the tree. So, it takes less time for us to prune your trees — which can save you money! Please visit our dedicated Winter Pruning portal for more information or to schedule an appointment in the winter (between February and March) to prune your trees.

 

Finally, we will be mailing out our annual Plant Health Care and Lawn Care contracts in early January. Please sign and return them to us as soon as you can. There are important treatments which can begin in early March depending upon your location with small treatment windows for preventative care. Contact your branch office if you don't receive your contracts by the end of January.

 

Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving and Holiday Season!

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

 

Ken Almstead, CEO

- International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist #NY-0335

- ISA "True Professional of Arboriculture” Award (2017)

- ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)

- American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA)

- NOFA Accredited Organic Landcare Professional

- New York and New Jersey State Certified Pesticide Applicator

- Soil Foodweb Certificate from the Sustainable Studies Institute

- Mauget Tree Injection Certified Applicator