Letter from the CEO

As we move past this very wet spring and into the bright days of summer and towards the crisp beauty of fall, I want to take a moment to thank you for entrusting Almstead with the care of your trees, shrubs, and lawn. This time of year is one of transition — not just in our landscapes, but in the rhythms of our work as well. Whether you’ve already enrolled in our Plant Health Care or Lawn Care programs for the season or are still considering additional services, we are here to ensure your property remains safe, vibrant, and healthy through the months ahead.

 

One highlight this year has been Almstead’s continued accreditation by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), a designation that reflects our company’s commitment to safety, professionalism, and industry best practices. As a TCIA-accredited company with ISA Certified and TRAQ-qualified arborists on staff, we take great pride in meeting the highest standards in arboriculture and customer service.

 

This spring, we once again celebrated Arbor Day with community partners across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. From school visits and town gatherings to sapling giveaways and educational talks, our arborists shared their knowledge and enthusiasm with hundreds of residents. This year, we were proud to distribute hundreds of tree saplings and participate in meaningful events that highlight the importance of trees in our communities. You can read more about these events in our Arbor Day recap article in this issue.

 

As summer temperatures rise, we face seasonal challenges like pest outbreaks, fungal lawn diseases, and drought stress. Our technicians have been hard at work monitoring landscapes across the region and applying targeted treatments where needed. In this issue, you’ll find helpful information on current pest and disease pressures — as well as what you can do now to protect your property through the end of the season.

 

Summer also brings a number of challenges, including drought stress, pests, and sudden decline in trees and lawns. In this issue, we’ve included several timely articles to help you better understand these seasonal concerns. “Is Your Tree Dead or Just Late to Leaf Out” explores how to distinguish between stress symptoms and true tree failure—something many homeowners have asked about this year. Our “Drought Watch” article provides insights into how prolonged dry conditions are affecting landscapes across our region, along with what you can do to protect your plants. And because storm season can arrive quickly and with force, “Identifying Hazardous Trees Before Summer Storms” offers valuable advice on how to spot potential risks and plan ahead to prevent damage.

 

Our arborists are always available to walk your property, evaluate plant health, and make recommendations tailored to your goals. Whether you need emergency response, pruning, pest treatments, or simply expert guidance, we’re here to help.

 

Wishing you a safe, healthy, and beautiful season ahead.

 

Warm regards,

 

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)

- Member 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