Reflection at the end of the year is a great thing. It was a long season in the field so it makes sense to stop during the holidays and assess.
I was especially blown away by how many firsts I collected as a seasoned veteran. It shows how varied and interesting landscaping can be; and how much there is to know and experience even for high-priced Red Seal journeymen horticulturists.
So let’s dive in and examine some of my firsts. Perhaps it will inspire you in 2019 or make you examine your own list of firsts.
Flowers
In 2018 I got to see flowers on Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) and on Osmanthus for the very first time. Considering my almost twenty seasons of experience, it seems strange.
At first I thought it was because I work as a floating supervisor without regular sites. I help out, train workers and work on projects so it’s easy to miss a flowering Japanese holly.
But then my Facebook friends pointed out that in both cases the shrubs haven’t been harshly pruned the way they normally are in strata landscape maintenance.
The Japanese holly was on top of a wall and the owner of the Osmanthus insisted on a more natural look. So there are benefits to lighter shearing: you might actually get to see some flowers.
Bare-root tree planting
This really made my day because I had been waiting to try bare-root tree planting for a long time. I don’t normally get time for root ball washing and root pruning but I got lucky.
An owner had a potted Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) and she wanted it planted in the lawn. Of course, the lawn isn’t a great location for a small tree because the grass competes with it for resources; and I worry about workers mowing around it.
When I pulled the tree out of the pot, most of the potting media fell off the root ball. Yes! This was my chance to examine the roots and arrange them the way they are supposed to look. That is, like spokes on a wheel.
I can’t wait to check on this maple in spring. I really hope it does well. You can read my full blog about bare-root planting here.
Arborist technician
This year we also graduated our company’s first arborist technician and I received my sign-off authority from the Industry Training Authority (ITA). And as a bonus they offered me one year to challenge the arborist technician exam. I will buy the study manual and do it because passing comes with a bonus from my company.
The good news is that everything worked out well. We sponsored a young worker who came back from school way more confident. I added more value by spending time with him in the field before and after his schooling.
His boss bought him the required tools like a new chainsaw and the worker then was able to complete tree work which, sadly, landscaping companies normally off-load to others. And the ITA has a new young gun with trade papers. Everybody wins.
Also, while I don’t know the exact details, I know for sure that the young dude is well-compensated.
Stump grinding
This year wasn’t my first time stump grinding but it was my first solo stump grinding. And it felt great. You can read the full blog post here.
I had time to work the rental machine and get used to it. The only downside was off-loading the heavy hog. My boss had suggested asking a passerby but, unfortunately, the only passersby were middle school girls and I wasn’t about to ask them to help me at the back of the truck.
I also earned my solo experience by suffering many mosquito bites. Luckily, my boss eventually brought me a bottle of insect repellent.
Sod install
Just like the stump grinding, this wasn’t my first time doing a sod install but it was my first solo complete yard install. And, again, everything went well. I even got a chance to check on the lawn in early December and it still looked good. The owners kept their promise; there weren’t any signs of dog damage. This is what happens when the owner pays the bill, not the strata.
Conclusion
2018 was a great work year for me during which I collected many new first experiences which surprised me. I was convinced that after almost twenty seasons in the field it would be hard to collect more firsts; and I was wrong. Now I have 2019 to look forward to.
