Tree Talks
Welcome to Tree Talks, Talks with the Tree Whisperer. Your host, Kevin Lee from KRL Tree Service, brings a lifetime of tree work experience and a solid foundation in botany to every episode. Based in Calgary, Alberta, Kevin shares practical insights on tree health, connecting hands-on expertise with deep knowledge of botany. Listeners get straightforward, expert guidance from someone who truly understands trees.
Tree Talks Episode 1 with Arborist Kevin Lee, Calgary Alberta
In episode 1 Kevin speaks of his career, education and early influences. He describes the plan of the series and goes over the basics of trees lives.
Tree Talks Episode 2: Plant Cells
In Episode 2 Kevin speaks about plant cells, their contents, their walls and the different types of plant cells, and their functions. This is about how different cells develop and do different jobs.
Tree Talks Episode 3: Meristems
In episode 3 Kevin speaks about meristems and the RAM, the root apical meristem, and root primary growth. This is about how roots grow.
Tree Talks Episode 4: Meristems: SAM
In Episode 4 Kevin speaks about meristems and the SAM, the shoot apical meristem, and shoot primary growth. This is about how shoots grow.
Tree Talks Episode 5: Vascular Cambium
In Episode 5 Kevin speaks about meristems and the vascular cambium—where it is, how it works in the ongoing process of secondary growth. This is about how the trunk grows.
Tree Talks Episode 6: Water Movement in Trees
In episode 6 Kevin speaks of water movement in trees. He describes the cohesion/ tension model of the ascent of sap. He also describes the major water loss through the leaves.
CBC interview with Dan McGarvey, March 17, 2024
Calgary tree expert Kevin Lee says this winter’s extreme temperature swings aren’t nearly as bad as hot, dry summers and droughts when it comes to the health of trees in the city.
“Your Trees What They Want You to Know” - A Tree Book from Calgary Arborist Kevin Lee
After decades spent working hands-on with the trees of Calgary, arborist Kevin Lee realized a critical gap in information for local gardeners and homeowners. This video introduces his essential guide, "Your Trees What They Want You to Know," written for informed, hands-on gardeners who want to become their trees’ best advocate.
This book is the core information Kevin wished he had when starting out, designed to empower you to maintain tree health, communicate effectively with contractors, and avoid unnecessary services.
In this introduction, Kevin discusses core philosophies and the book’s contents.
On-Site
How to Prune a Lilac
In this video Calgary Arborist Kevin Lee demonstrates how to prune a lilac, and he discusses his tree pruning philosophy. He describes the tools required for Tree and shrub pruning and how to use them properly. Kevin talks energy systems of the plants and how to shape a French lilac for health and beauty using the “little tree” technique. He also discusses caring for your lilac in Calgary and how often to prune.
In the Classroom
How Trees React to Damage and Pruning
In this clip Kevin talks about some of the consequences of over-pruning and how Trees react to damage.
What to Look for When Buying Conifer Trees in Calgary
Tree expert Kevin Lee talks about inspecting trees before purchasing them, and what to look for when shopping for conifers such as Douglas Fir and pine trees in Calgary.
Dealing with Power Lines and How to Prune Your Trees
Having a powerline run through a tree can be challenging, Kevin explains his approach to pruning when power lines are involved and how the tree will respond to different styles of pruning.
Calgary’s Four Native Trees and Summer Pruning
Kevin talks about Calgary’s four native trees and which trees must be pruned in the summer.