Meet Joe McIlvaine of Joe McIlvaine Tree Service
by Linda Herman

I haven't done this in awhile, interview someone on the phone, sight unseen. But Joe McIlvaine is so busy, I mean REALLY so busy, that on the phone, while he was in the car, was the only way I could tie him down to a twenty minute "chat." I like to meet my "victims" face to face.... body language tells a lot. However, I've learned to make do with what I'm handed, and my talk with this "tree climber" extraordinaire was just perfect as it was!

Immediately I could tell that Joe is a high energy kind of individual. He's also devoted to his profession and his family. I wanted to find out if he had any "roots" in the tree business. "Perhaps a bit," he said. "My uncle did tree work and I used to help him. I guess my interest in that propelled me to study horticulture. I spent time working for Asplundh Tree Expert Co. And by the time I was 21, I had already started my own tree service company. From the beginning, I loved being outside, surrounded by trees, plants, etc. I liked climbing trees too."

I've always wanted to know what it's like to climb a tree and be so high above the world underneath. "Well, it's exhilarating. A real adrenalin rush. And yes, it can be dangerous. I haven't climbed a tree for awhile now. A climber needs to be focused." What about training? "Usually you're trained by another top climber, someone who's very experienced. A climber, to be safe, needs to master a variety of knots that help you climb and help keep you safe. It's the knots and how they're tied that hold a climber and secure their position on the tree. There's no recommended age or even preferred age for being a tree climber.... the only thing that is a must is adequate training and the use of proper techniques."

If you're like me, when you see someone high on a tree, power saw in hand, trimming it down, you might wonder if there's any rhyme or reason to what is being done. "When we cut a tree there's definitely a right way and a wrong way, especially if you're looking to keep that tree healthy. (And we hope you are.) When cutting the limbs there are proper cuts that foster natural healing and continued growth. Different situations require different techniques. Clearly our objective is to trim, but it's also to maintain a healthy tree."

"We provide routine maintenance that includes pruning and cleaning out dead, diseased tree limbs. They are nothing more than a burden on a healthy tree. When we dead-wood a tree, we foster its long life. My son, Scott is a certified arborist and makes sure we do all we can to insure the health of the trees we work on." ("He's also V.P. of Operations," a proud father told me!)

And this is what led Joe McIvaine to talk about his other passion in life, his family. "We're a family business. My son Luke, a student at Rosemont College, runs a crew part time. And Susan, my wife, is our office manager. Among other things, she sets up my appointments and hopes I get to where I'm supposed to be, on time!! She's the chief bottle washer and cook for everyone, including our two other middle-school age children. Of course, everyone who works with us..... we're all like family. And our clients know this; it shows in what we do and the pride we take in work accomplished."

And they do a lot, both commercial and residential.

"We handle the tree work for Holy Redeemer Hospital, Newtown Borough and New Hope Borough, for starters. And when the snow comes, we handle a lot of big commercial accounts including hospitals, schools, etc."

But trees are his life.

So, is there one time better than another to "deal" with tree issues? "Most people call us when there is trouble; a tree has fallen, branches have broken off, their home and safety is at risk because of a tree. Clearly, we need to be called then. However, preventative maintenance is sometimes the best kind of maintenance. Trees and the surrounding areas need to be cleaned out and refilled. Loose soil and seeding fosters good growth. They're less likely to blow over then. Get rid of the deadwood and branches, and your trees will remain healthy."

And what should we look for from a professional "tree man?" "Qualifications, experience, references, if they're fully insured. You also have to watch out for tree topping. That's when you want the tree cut shorter and you just take off the top. Of course, there are situations when topping might be the only way to go. However, often times, topping a tree only prevents growth and leaves a tree not as strong as it would be otherwise. It wouldn't be our first choice."

Joe told me there are no special trees indigenous to this area. We really enjoy the full gamut throughout the Montgomery and Bucks County environs. But does he have any favorites? "Japanese Red Maple, and any of the oaks." His response took me back to my childhood home in Ridley Park where we had a beautiful Japanese Red Maple. Yes, it was really special.

So what does this "tree climber" do when he's not climbing trees? "I spend time with my family. We do a lot of outdoor activities like boating, skiing, any winter sport and all summer sports. We love the islands. We have wave runners and enjoy using them. Scott, our son, is a licensed pilot, so he likes to fly. I've done sky diving...." (What I didn't tell everyone in the beginning, is that Joe McIlvaine is actually a West Coast transplant, albeit for many, many years now. But it's clear he can't deny his "roots" and the joy of being outdoors and lots of activity! And it seems his entire family has caught the bug.)

I had one last question before I let Joe go..... I usually ask everyone the same "last question." Did I miss anything? Is there anything you want to add that wasn't said? "Ours is a family business. It takes everyone to make it work. And it does work. And by family, I mean both "blood" and "not-blood." The people who work with us have become as family. That's what makes us different from all the rest. We devote ourselves to our clients, the job, and doing it the best we can. We don't want to let anyone down..... whether you're a customer, or a family member."

Well done Joe McIlvaine. And well said. Next time I see a tree, I'm going to look right to the top and wonder if this tree was climbed by Joe McIlvaine. If it's standing tall, strong and healthy, it just might be! And I'll think, how exhilerating! But my final thought, my very FINAL thought will be, "Joe, better you than me!" Thanks!

Joe McIlvaine Tree Service
215-322-8394
www.mcilvainetree.com