By Zane Davis
According to the National Arbor Day Foundation, “Arbor Day is an annual observance that celebrates the role of trees in our lives and promotes tree planting and care.”* Arbor Day is celebrated worldwide and a statement from the National Arbor Day Foundation website illustrates the reasoning for the holiday: “Most holidays celebrate something that has already happened and is worth 
remembering like the day someone was born or a religious holiday celebrating a past event. Arbor Day reflects a hope for the future. The trees planted on Arbor Day show a concern for future generations. The simple act of planting a tree represents a belief that the tree will grow and, some day, provide wood products, wildlife habitat, erosion 
control, shelter from the wind and sun, beauty, and inspiration for ourselves and our children.”
In observance of Arbor Day on April 29, 2016, a duo of local businesses have collaborated to provide and plant several trees in the town of Weiser. Spruce Tree Service, owned and operated by Chris and Sharolyn Schofield, in cooperation with Bo and Raelene Stearns of Rustic Ranch Nursery, will be planting two trees at Weiser Memorial Hospital, as well one at Weiser Middle School.
When asked why they would donate their time to plant trees in Weiser, Chris Schofield states, “Our company typically deals with the trimming and removal of trees, and sometimes it’s very sad for both the property owner and for us. It feels good to be able to put them back for a change.” Schofield also added that he and Sharolyn have wanted to do it for several years, and with the help of the Stearns’ of Rustic Ranch Nursery, it is finally going to happen. Bo and Raelene Stearns are no strangers to donating trees in the area, as they have provided numerous trees in the 
past that can be seen at the Weiser Train Depot, the Community Pond and for the City of Weiser.
Both the Schofields and the Stearns’ are passionate about trees. Chris Schofield has been in the business of trees his entire life and even studied 
Forestry at Virginia Tech. Similarly, the love of trees is abundantly clear after only a brief conversation with Bo Stearns. He literally lights up when he discusses various varieties of trees, and his knowledge is vast and impressive.
Rustic Ranch Nursery and Spruce Tree Service will begin their Arbor Day celebration at 9:00 a.m. by planting a Golden Chain Vossi at the Weiser Middle School. A couple of years ago, the Weiser School District hired Spruce Tree Service to remove the large Silver Maple tree in front of the Middle School gym. According to the Schofields, “This tree had always provided a much appreciated bit of shade, like during outdoor band concerts.” Chris added, “We, along with a lot of other people really hated to see that big tree go. We wanted 
to see another tree put there in its place, so an Arbor Day planting seemed appropriate.” Chris went on to say, “With one of our kids leaving Weiser schools this year to head off to college, we’re thankful for the quality education Weiser has provided. He’s off to a good start!” With the assistance of Mr. Erhardt at the Middle School, the replacement of the former tree will be possible. “One of the middle school classes will be outside to watch the planting, and hopefully learn a little about arboriculture.” says Schofield. Stearns stated that the new tree to be planted at the Middle School will be a Golden Chain Vossi. At the base of the former tree was a stone marker that will be returned to the site of the new tree. The marker reads, “IN HONOR OF J.J. FULLER, A LOVER OF TREES – K – 1932”. The sentimental aspect of the former tree was touching to the Schofields, and they would like to continue the legacy surrounding the marker and the new tree at this location.
There will also be two new trees planted at Weiser Memorial Hospital. Spruce 
Tree Service was also hired by the Weiser Memorial Hospital to remove a large Honey Locust tree that was a potential hazard to the main power lines. “Again, it’s another tree that will be missed. Our own family has seen its share of emergency room visits over the last few years, and have good memories of one of our children being born there. We’ve always received great care, so in return, we’re really happy to add some beauty back to where it belongs,” said Sharolyn. Bo Stearns has chosen his favorite tree, which is called an Improved Flowering Bechtel, also known as a Bubblegum Tree. Stearns says, “Very few nurseries sell this type of tree, and it is a beautiful, flowering tree.”
Spruce Tree Service, LLC is locally owned in Weiser and has been in operation since 2009, with most of their work performed primarily in the Weiser area. They are fully licensed and insured, offer free bids and have very competitive rates with other companies in the surrounding cities. They provide not only basic tree trimming and removals, but also 
professional climbing and rigging for more complex tree work. You can contact Spruce Tree Service at (208) 869-9427. Similarly, Rustic Ranch Nursery is a local nursery located at 1554 Loafer Lane. They have had the tree nursery for six years and are famous for their $10.00 fruit trees. Two years ago they expanded to include, ornamental plants, flowers, vegetables and hanging baskets. The Stearns’ can be reached at (208)550-5995 or (208)550-7322. You can also check out their quality nursery items at their stand, which is located at the corner of Park Street and US Highway 95. Their hours of operation are Wednesday-Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thank you to both Rustic Ranch Nursery and Spruce Tree Service for their donation of their time and the trees to continue to beautify the community of Weiser. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
*Picture of Chris Schofield cutting tree at Weiser Middle School Courtesy of Weiser Signal American.
*Source: https://www.arborday.org/celebrate/documents/learn-more.pdf
