Blizzard look-back: Tree repair continues for local arborist

Arborist Dave Johnson had just one day off of work in the two months following the Oct. 4, 2013 blizzard the Thanksgiving Day holiday.

Otherwise, he and his crews at Johnson Tree Co. worked long hours seven days a week, often high up in the trees with a chainsaw doing dangerous aerial tree trimming and removal in wet, slippery conditions.

People have this idea that tree companies sit back and relish these types of natural events, said Johnson. Thats not the case.

He doesnt remember what finally allowed him to feel it was OK to take a breather, but he does remember the extreme fatigue that plagued him and his crews during those months.

He also remembers the emotional devastation that could have easily become commonplace.

I have never seen so many people with tears in their eyes as I saw last autumn. People really do develop a relationship with their trees, especially memorial trees. People who arent in the industry dont understand the attachment, he said.

Now, one year later, Johnson Tree Co. still has a list of about 100 people who need storm clean-up done.

After 35 years in the tree business, Johnson is sure that the blizzard that caused so much tree destruction and heartache was a rare event.

I dont believe for a second, in my lifetime, that I will ever see it again, said Johnson. It was the perfect tree storm.

Staff writer Ava Henrickson

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Blizzard look-back: Tree repair continues for local arborist