ArboSteward

03/09/2026

The Virtuous Cycle

03/07/2026

03/07/2026

Saving the world one tree at a time.

03/04/2026

03/04/2026

In Washington state, Black Cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) thrives without risk in large, undeveloped riparian areas, floodplains, and bottomlands where their aggressive roots, high water consumption, and weak branches do not threaten infrastructure. They are native, fast-growing trees that thrive along riverbanks, lakeshores, and in wetlands.

Cottonwoods are hazardous near houses because their weak wood breaks easily in storms, falling on structures.
Weak Wood & Structural Damage: They are fast-growing but have brittle, weak branches that fall during high winds, posing significant risks to people and property.
Invasive Root Systems: Their roots seek water, leading to, pipes, and cracked foundations.
Short Lifespan & Disease: They are prone to diseases like Cytospora Canker, leading to decay and a higher risk of falling.

03/03/2026

Bellingham, Washington has been my inspiration for creating ArboSteward. The City of Subdued Excitement is home to some of the tallest trees in the world. In fact, the tallest tree in Bellingham, a Douglas Fir, is taller than the tallest building downtown.
Bellingham is the perfect proving ground for Arbo-Steward. As of early 2026, the city's Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP) is in a critical "pause" due to limited staff capacity. They have the vision (a 45% canopy goal) and the urgency (the recently extended Landmark Tree Protection Ordinance), but they lack the technical engine to track and verify results at scale.
Living in a place where nature reigns supreme is both humbling and awe inspiring. With roughly 40% canopy cover, we are comparatively lucky in contrast to cities across the country suffering from the Heat Island effect due to a lack of tree canopy to insulate the landscape from climate pressures.
But the truth is, we are lucky. Trees can’t help but grow in a near rainforest. Indeed, the effort to keep nature from overtaking the human landscape fuels a thriving tree killing industry.
To be good stewards requires intentional planting of native species using the Miyazaki method, a reforestation technique developed by Japanese botanist Dr. Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s, designed to create dense, fast-growing, native, and self-sustaining "mini-forests" (pocket forests) in just 20-30 rather than centuries. . It involves planting diverse, native species very densely—often 3–5 saplings per square meter—on prepared soil to mimic natural ecosystem.

02/22/2026

Case Study T001
The benefit of meeting the Beloved Elm tree at the end of winter was to assess the structural integrity before covered by foliage. A full investigation will require retuning in the summer to inspect the canopy.

This Stewardship Plan outlines proposed actions for the care and maintenance of the Beloved Elm tree located at 2324 Lynn Street in Bellingham from 2026 to 2027. The goal of the plan is to enhance the tree's health and longevity, ensure structural stability, and promote its ecological benefits.
Given the tree's current health score of 50/100, focused interventions will be essential to mitigate risk. Monitoring will occur seasonally over the course of one year to assess tree health, detect pests or diseases, and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented care practices. Regular soil assessments and follow-ups on the tree’s structural condition will also be recommended annually following the first year.

American Elm trees (ulmus americana) are technically long-lived species capable of surviving 150 - 300 years, their average life-span in Washington - and across North America - is significantly reduced by a fungus known as DED (Dutch Elm Disease) which is active in the Pacific Northwest. Spread by beetles, it is the primary killer of elm trees in urban settings. If not affected by DED, these trees are exceptionally hardy and long lived, frequently reaching 175 - 200+ years in Cascadia (western Washington state).
The Mendoza property hosts an Ulmus Americana Elm tree on the northwest corner. To determine to exact age, a core sample would be taken to measure the number of rings inside the trunk. Key characteristics indicate the tree is over-mature and in a state of decline including a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 72 inches, a height of 91 feet, and cavities in the trunk with indicators of decay. A hollow trunk primarily signifies internal decay, often caused by fungi consuming the heart wood. However, a hollow tree can remain alive for years because the vital sapwood and nutrient transport is in the cambium layer just below the bark. Hollows provide crucial habitat for owls, bats and small mammals.

The tree's health is currently in action-required status, indicating that immediate care and maintenance are necessary to preserve its structural integrity and ecological functions. The tree plays a vital role in the surrounding ecosystem, providing habitat, contributing to air quality improvement and human well being as a beloved landmark tree.

Winter - **Structural Pruning**: Conduct LCR, Lateral Crown Reduction, to remove dead branches and balance weight distribution to minimize risk of failure. This should be performed in late winter and was completed on February 17, 2026.

Spring - **Soil test**: Proper soil management is key to ensuring healthy growth and longevity. Here are the optimal soil conditions for Elm trees in the region.
Neutral to slightly acidic pH: Ranging from 6.0 to 7.5 for nutrient availability to the tree’s roots
Well drained soil: essential to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot
Loamy texture: a balanced mix of sand, silt and clay that retains moisture and nutrients
Rich in organic matter for essential nutrients

Summer- **Pest and Disease Management**: Monitor for Dutch Elm Disease and other pests with a summer inspection of canopy to measure vitality and inspect leaves for “flagging”
- **Watering**: Watch for signs of drought related stress. Deep water the tree with 10-20 gallons every 2-3 weeks during dry periods, with adjustments based on seasonal rainfall.

Autumn - **Soil and Root Care**: Based on the results of the soil test in the Spring, apply a layer of organic mulch and incorporate organic compost to enhance soil health.
Storm-prep as needed by removing dead branches.

Potential risks include:
- The development of pests or diseases, particularly Dutch Elm Disease. If the Beloved Elm is infected, it will be deemed in critical condition and is recommended to safely be removed by carefully disposing of the wood so as not to spread the deadly fungus
- Environmental factors such as drought or extreme weather could impact tree health.
- Structural stability may vary as the tree ages; routine inspections will allow for timely action should any changes arise.

02/22/2026

Arbo-Steward is more than just the next-generation platform & app designed to transform urban forestry by integrating GIS-based tree inventories, health monitoring, risk assessment, and long-term stewardship planning into a comprehensive solution for arborists, municipalities, and environmental stewards.
ArboSteward™ is part of a greater social movement towards a better way of caring for the urban forest and our communities known as Responsible Stewardship. Beginning as a mission-driven non-profit and transitioning to employee ownership, we ensure the company remains dedicated to its ecological mission while operating with the transparency, efficiency, quality and care of a professional, employee-owned ESOP.
Together, we're building a future where every tree is valued for its ecological contribution, and every human is a steward of the earth.