Historic & Mature Tree Preservation
The Tree That Changed the Mission
Louisiana (plantation name withheld)
What began as a removal call helped redefine Ricky Folse’s philosophy toward mature-tree preservation.
- Project type
- Historic tree preservation
- Client
- Private (withheld)
Primary arborist- Ricky Folse
The Challenge
Ricky Folse was asked to remove an old tree standing in front of a Louisiana plantation. It wasn’t just any tree: it was one he had played under as a child.
The Assessment
Rather than simply cutting it down, Ricky asked four arborists to come and examine the tree first. He wanted qualified opinions on whether it could be preserved before anyone made an irreversible decision.
The Solution
The approach was simple and, for a tree company, unusual: stop, assess, and seek expert judgment before removal.
Why this approach
A mature tree that took generations to grow can’t be replaced. When there’s any doubt, the responsible first step is an arborist assessment, not a saw.
The Result
The experience moved Ricky from cutting trees toward the science of keeping them: plant health care, soil, tree biology and the preservation of Louisiana’s historic trees. That preservation-first philosophy now defines how Veteran Tree Care approaches every mature tree.
Reported in TCI Magazine, September 2025.
The arboricultural science
Techniques Used on This Project.
Only the methods actually used on this project are listed.
- Independent arborist opinionsSeveral qualified arborists examine the tree before any irreversible decision.
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