Blog Archive - HMI Advantage

If I Could Grow Only One Flowering Tree It Would Be Redbud

The Georgia Green Industry Association nursery and landscape conference was held in Athens, June 9-11, 2026. Executive Director Lanie Riner and the Board decided to shift gears and include a pre-tour to several gardens including the Dirr’s. The 50-person bus and many interlopers arrived for the tour. Griffith Propagation, Windmill, and Greenleaf Nurseries showcased and […]

Halesia Carolina: Carolina Silverbell - For Whom the Bells Toll

To witness silverbells in flower at 5,000’ elevation along the Blue Ridge Parkway, clinging to mountainsides, is an unforgettable experience. In May 2026, Bonnie and I were botanizing along the Parkway and encountered them in flower at 5105’ elevation (Photos 1 and 2 below). I have always loved this species, planting the first in our […]

Wrapping Up Q1 2026

To Members of our Network, I would like to lead off this letter by acknowledging the Authorized Members who supported HMI during a large scale event earlier this year. I am always grateful to all network members who trust the HMI program enough to deploy crews and equipment beyond their local market in support of […]

Fastigiate/Columnar Trees - Stairways to the Heavens

This HMI article/blog is based on a February 2014 consulting visit to the University of Massachusetts (UMass), Amherst. I graduated from UMass in 1972 and continue to support the University. The education was superlative and my wife, Bonnie, and I are forever thankful for the many friendships that continue to the present. Todd Cournoyer, campus […]

Member Spotlight: Scott Lacey

Scott’s Tree Experts serves the Columbus and Cleveland markets in Ohio. Owner Scott Lacey is a TCIA member and certified arborist who's been an HMI member for many years, and his company successfully deployed into Nashville on behalf of HMI during the recent ice storms impacting the area. Upon starting his business years ago, Scott […]

Wrapping Up 2025

To Members of our Network, As the year gets fully underway, I want to extend my congratulations to our 2025 award winners (shown below) and express my gratitude to every member of our Network. Your support and dedication to HMI and our clients throughout the past year has been exceptional. Congratulations also go out to […]

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