Acorn to Oak

Trees Are Our Friends: Favorite Trees, Tree Stories, and the Ones That Shape Us

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

What makes a tree unforgettable?

In this laid-back, coffee-shop-style conversation, ISA Certified Arborists Stefanie Boucher and Simon Normile share stories about the trees that have inspired them throughout their lives and careers. From childhood memories and favorite species to legendary trees that have shaped communities and history, this episode explores the unique connections people form with the trees around them.

Along the way, they discuss what makes certain trees special, the lessons trees can teach us, and why some specimens leave a lasting impact long after we're gone. Whether you're a tree enthusiast, nature lover, homeowner, or simply someone who has a favorite tree in your own story, this episode offers a heartfelt look at the relationship between people and the living giants that share our world.

Grab a cup of coffee and join us for a conversation about the trees we love, the stories they hold, and the reasons we keep coming back to them.

Tree Work then and Now: Rick Patrick on 50 years of Change

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In Part 2 of our conversation with veteran arborist and early ISA Certified Arborist Rick Patrick, we explore one of the most fascinating transformations in arboriculture: the evolution of chainsaws, cranes, climbing systems, and safety equipment over the last 50 years.

Rick reflects on what tree work looked like when he entered the industry and compares it to the equipment and techniques arborists use today. From heavy, hard-starting chainsaws and basic climbing gear to modern battery-powered saws, advanced rope systems, mechanical ascenders, and highly specialized tree removal cranes, Rick shares a firsthand perspective on how technology has reshaped the profession.

Join ISA Certified Arborists Matt Baldwin and Stefanie Boucher as they talk with Rick's and get a rare look at the tools, techniques, and innovations that transformed arboriculture from a physically demanding trade into the highly specialized profession we know today.

Whether you're an arborist, tree climber, crane operator, forestry professional, or someone fascinated by the history of skilled trades, this episode offers valuable insight into how tree care equipment has evolved and where the industry may be headed next. Please follow, subscribe and share.

If you have questions about your trees or want a professional evaluation, reach out to Bluestone Tree. A certified arborist would be happy to connect with you. You can contact us at bloomington@bluestonetree.com or visit www.bluestonetree.com.

Roots of Arboriculture: 50 Years in Tree Care with Rick Patrick

Wed, 20 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Join ISA Certified Arborists Stefanie Boucher and Matt Baldwin for a special interview with Rick Patrick, one of the earliest ISA Certified Arborists and a respected mentor to generations of tree professionals. With nearly five decades in the tree care industry, Rick shares stories from his early days working in California, the evolution of arboriculture, and his journey bringing that knowledge back to Indiana.

From old school climbing techniques and pruning practices to modern tree preservation and urban forestry, this episode explores how the industry has changed over the years and why mentorship, education, and passion for trees still matter today.

If you love trees, arboriculture, tree climbing, urban forestry, or hearing stories from longtime professionals in the green industry, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Join us in two weeks on Acorn to Oak for Part Two of our conversation with Rick Patrick, where Rick shares how tree care equipment and climbing gear have evolved over the decades, from the early days of arboriculture to the modern tools used in the industry today.

Hosted by ISA Certified Arborists Stefanie Boucher and Matt Baldwin of Bluestone Tree. For more information go to www.bluestonetree.com or email us at bloomington@bluestonetree.com.

Wildfire, Tree Care, and Ax Men: Lessons from a Hotshot Turned Tree Company Owner

Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

What does it take to work on the front lines of wildfire—and how does that experience shape the way we care for trees today? In this episode of Acorn to Oak, ISA Certified Arborists Stefanie Boucher and Jerad Oren of Bluestone Tree share a conversation about Jerad’s experience as a Hotshot firefighter and his time on the History Channel’s Ax Men. We dive into life on a Hotshot crew, wildfire behavior, forest health, and how fire experience translates into better tree care and land management. This episode is perfect for homeowners, landowners, and anyone interested in arboriculture, wildfire risk, and real-world tree expertise.

Killing Trees with Kindness: Common Yard Mistakes & How to Spot Problems Early

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Today's episode we talk about how you might think you’re doing everything right for your trees. You have been mulching, trimming, keeping things tidy, but what if some of those well intentioned habits are actually causing long term damage?

Today on Acorn to Oak, we’re talking about the most common mistakes homeowners make often without realizing it and how simple changes can make a huge difference in the health and longevity of your trees. We’ll also talk about how to actually look at your trees and what to watch for, and how to catch structural issues before they turn into real problems.

I’m Stefanie Boucher, joined by fellow ISA Certified Arborists Matt Baldwin and Simon Normile and this is Acorn to Oak.

Healthy Soil, Healthy Trees: Why Soil Testing Matters!

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

What’s happening beneath your trees plays a bigger role in their health than most people realize. In this episode of Acorn to Oak, Stefanie Boucher is joined by fellow ISA Certified Arborist and PHC specialist Jerry White to explore why soil testing matters, how soil health impacts tree and shrub vitality, and how arborists use soil data to guide treatment plans. If you want healthier trees, it all starts with understanding the soil.

Mulch Matters: How Proper Mulching Benefits your Trees and Soil

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Mulch does much more than make landscapes look nice. It plays a critical role in tree health, soil biology, and moisture retention.

In this episode, Stefanie talks with ISA Certified Arborist and Bluestone Tree co-owner Grayden Bloxham about why proper mulching is an important part of tree care. This episode we discuss the benefits of mulch, soil health, moisture conservation, weed suppression, and how recycling tree debris into mulch supports sustainable landscapes.

Grayden also explains common mistakes like mulch volcanoes and how homeowners can mulch trees correctly to protect roots and improve long-term tree health.

If you have any questions from today's episode, please email one of our Bluestone Tree, ISA Certified Arborist at bloomington@bluestonetree.com

Music intro by Stefanie Boucher and Sarah Kenny

Wildlife Friendly Trees: What Every Homeowner Should Know

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:15:00 -0400

In the first episode of Acorn to Oak, host Stefanie Boucher sits down with Bluestone Tree’s ISA Certified Arborists Ash Phelps, Matt Baldwin, and Simon Normile to explore a question many homeowners ask about tree care and tree selection: which trees attract wildlife in the Midwest and which ones do not. From native species that attract birds and pollinators to commonly planted trees that offer little ecological benefit, this episode dives into wildlife-friendly tree selection, biodiversity, urban tree care, and practical guidance for planting with purpose. Whether you're a homeowner, tree enthusiast, or green industry professional, this episode brings expert arborist insight to smarter tree decisions.

If you have any questions from today's episode, please email one of our Bluestone Tree, ISA Certified Arborist at bloomington@bluestonetree.com

Music intro by Stefanie Boucher and Sarah Kenny