Chicagoland Tree Care Advisor

"Your Trees Have a Friend In The Business"

 

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Who we are

Working in the Chicagoland area for 15+ years in the green industry has given us an appreciation of the unique environment that we live in. Our main focus has always been plant health care. From installation to maintenance to diagnosing problems, we have done pretty much every job there is to do in tree care. We also have a good understanding of turf care, flowers and other landscaping plants.

Chris has been an ISA certified arborist since 1998 and is licensed as a commercial pesticide applicator in Illinois.

A MESSAGE FROM CHRIS

Trees are the largest and oldest living organisms on planet Earth. They make this planet habitable for human life as we know it.

They do many things that make our lives more comfortable---they clean the air, cut down erosion, provide food, fuel, medicines and building materials. They shade our homes in the summer, act as windbreaks and even take the lightning strike that might otherwise start our house on fire.

We would not be able to survive if it wasn't for trees. Unfortunately, they would be better off without humans being around. Our activities put stresses on them that they somehow survive. Construction---the damage to the root system and taking away of nutritious soil. Even just walking over the root area causes compaction which drives out pore spaces for air and water.

It's surprising that there are any trees left at all.

Some of us have devoted ourselves to doing what we can to help trees survive in an urban/suburban setting. This is done by mimicking the natural environment by using biofertilizers that replace beneficial fungi, bacteria and other microorganisms, using mulch and encouraging the planting of native trees.

I am one of these people. It's not just my job, it's my passion. I know a lot of you are as passionate about trees as I am. Statistics show that people who care about trees are more attractive, happier and more successful. I welcome the opportunity to work with you to see that the trees on your property are as healthy as they can possibly be.

Thank you for visiting our website.

 

 

 

My alumni internet newsletter did a profile of me in the July 2010 edition. I have pasted it in below. Yes, that is a photo of me kissing a tree.

 

Chris Mest ’79

Branching Out

By Donna Parker
 

Chris Mest

There is no doubt about it—Chris Mest, who received a bachelor’s degree in geology from Trinity in 1979 —loves his job.  As a certified arborist, he works for a full-service tree company and owns a small consulting company, Chicagoland Tree Care Advisor, for which he spends his days examining trees.

“I usually get a call from people having a specific problem with their trees and I look at everything on the property, checking out the position and kind of trees and whether they have health issues with insects and disease and then I make recommendations,” says Chris.

Originally, Chris tried to stay true to his college major, going to work for an oil company right after graduation, but he says, “I saw the treatment of the land and my interest in that line of work didn’t last for long.”

Instead, he focused on his love of the earth and land, specializing in trees.

“We can’t live without trees because the air that we breathe is cleaned by trees, and they provide wood for shelter.  To me, trees are indispensable.  I marvel at trees and how brilliant nature really is.  Guess it shows that I love what I do,” he says, proudly.

Chris spends a good deal of time serving on environmental commissions and talking to elementary students about becoming better stewards of nature.

“I love my work so much that I go out on weekends to parks or arboretums to observe the different kinds of trees.  However, I do make time to watch my two favorite teams—the Dallas Cowboys and San Antonio Spurs, whenever they’re on TV!”

At home, Chris spends time with his wife and their pets, tending the garden and his collectible cartoon character figures.  He also serves as a director of the Chicago Alumni Board, helping out with career events and mentoring new graduates who settle in that area.

“Trinity was a great time of life for me,” says Chris.  “It was the ’70s and there was a lot going on around the campus.  School was great and it gave me a chance to grow up and figure out what I wanted to do with my life.

“Drs. Robert Freed and Walt Coppinger, both of the department of geosciences, were great instructors; very engaging and just cared about their students.  I really didn’t realize how much they’d taught me until I speak with others and see how much I do know!”

Chris, who describes himself as having a good sense of humor, loves to make people laugh—and that’s pretty easy when you’re happy doing what you love. 

You may e-mail Chris at chris@treecareadvisor.com.

 

 

Contact us at:   847-562-6215 or e-mail