Alex Shigo

Dr. Alex Shigo, dubbed “the father of modern arboriculture,” passed away in October. He spent most of his 76 years studying, lecturing, dissecting, and writing about trees.

Shigo served in the Air Force during the Korean War, and later worked with the U.S. Forestry Service, where he developed a new method of longitudinally dissecting trees. He was soon publishing other theories that went against conventions, earning many supporters along the way. Denne Goldstein, publisher of this magazine, said, “Alex was one of the most knowledgeable people about trees. His enthusiasm was contagious and he will be greatly missed.”

Shigo will be remembered for disputing the idea that trees are mostly dead wood, as well as one of his most common catchphrases, “You have to touch a tree and feel it.” “This is a tremendous loss for the green industry,” Goldstein said. “Our condolences go out to Alex’s family.”
 
Brickman Acquires Groundmasters

Brickman recently acquired the Cincinnati, Ohio-based commercial landscape firm GroundMasters. Both are family-run businesses that value building long-term relationships with their clients.

Brickman’s national scale and time-tested production practices will be augmented by GroundMasters’ outstanding customer service and strong leadership.

  GroundMasters owner, Mike Rorie, will remain with the company as a vice president, as will the existing management team.
 
John Deere 50th Anniversary

The John Deere Construction and Forestry Division (formerly the Industrial Equipment Division) is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

In 1956, company leaders saw an opportunity for the company’s products to be adapted to move into the construction and forestry market. In the fall of that year, the new division was formed, and to this day, “strives to utilize the latest technology to improve the efficiency and comfort of the products we sell. Our first priority is to deliver exactly what our customers want,” said Bob Brock, senior vice president of sales and marketing.
 
Beach McLeod Acquired

Initial Tropical Plants has announced its acquisition of Beach McLeod, an interior landscaping business in the Toronto, Canada area. Beach McLeod was established in 1975 and employs more than 35 people to service over 600 clients.

“Beach McLeod has gained an enviable reputation in the industry for having a well-trained and motivated staff and long-lasting client relationships,” said Jeff Koopmans, vice president and general manager for Initial Tropical Plants’ eastern region in Canada. This acquisition increases the company’s Canadian portfolio 51% countrywide.
 
Western Tree Symposium

Presented by the Street Tree Seminar (STS), Inc., the Western Tree Symposium is holding its annual all-day meeting in Arcadia, California, on January 18. The theme is “The Three Ps: Planning, Planting, and Pests.”

There are a variety of speakers scheduled for the day, including Dr. Mark Wourms, Dr. Jim Downer, and Dr. John Kabashima. A discounted registration fee is available for STS members. For more information, contact Kevin Holman at 714-870-6352 or Rose Epperson at 714-639-6516
12/06
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