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The Living Landscape Blogs
Seasonal advice, local knowledge, and stories about the trees, gardens, wildlife, and landscapes we share in Campbell River, the Comox Valley, and across Vancouver Island.


The Trees We Inherit: Caring for the Past, Planting for the Future
The trees we inherit tell the story of our community, while the trees we protect and plant today shape its future. Explore why caring for mature trees, supporting biodiversity, and thoughtful planting matter to Campbell River's urban forest and generations to come.
8 hours ago6 min read


Supporting Birds in Your Campbell River Garden This Fall and Winter
As the days get shorter and our gardens begin to slow down, the birds around Campbell River are adjusting too. Fall and winter can mean fewer insects, flowers, seeds and other natural food sources. For those of us who enjoy having birds around the garden, this is a great time to think about how our properties can support them through the colder months. And it turns out that what is good for birds is often good for our gardens and trees too. Why We Want Birds in Our Gardens Bi
Sep 243 min read


Late Summer Tree Care: What to Do in Your Campbell River Garden
Late August and early September can feel like the beginning of fall, but our gardens are often still experiencing dry summer conditions. Trees and shrubs may be showing signs of heat and drought stress, while cooler mornings have many of us thinking about fall planting and pruning. This is a valuable time to care for the trees you already have, see how your garden handled the summer, and begin preparing for the season ahead. Continue Watering Your Trees Even when the air begi
Sep 115 min read


Seeing Webs Again? It May Not Be a Second Round of Tent Caterpillars
We have been receiving many calls about what appears to be a second phase of tent caterpillars around Campbell River and the Comox Valley. However, western tent caterpillars have only one generation each year and are usually active during spring and early summer. The fresh webbing appearing in trees during late August may be caused by a different insect, such as the fall webworm. The two insects can look similar from a distance, but understanding the difference can help you d
Aug 253 min read


From the Ground Down: Why Stump Grinding Matters – A Deep Dive by Ben Boykiw, Vision Arboriculture
There is something uniquely satisfying about a well-maintained property: clean lines, mature trees in their prime, a thriving garden, and safe, usable outdoor space. Here on Vancouver Island, in communities like Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland, and Parksville, many of us have chosen this region not just for its beauty, but for the lifestyle it affords. Trees, of course, are a large part of that equation. As an ISA Certified Arborist and the owner of Vision Arboriculture, I’m for
Jun 1, 20255 min read


Tree Removal in the Comox Valley: The Informed Homeowner’s Guide
Tree Removal in the Comox Valley: The Informed Homeowner’s Guide
May 19, 20254 min read


Why Accreditation Matters: How ISA-Certified Arborists Protect Your Garden and Your Peace of Mind in the Comox Valley
it’s only natural that you’d want the very best. Not just someone with a chainsaw and a ladder—but a trained, accredited professional who understands the science, art, and responsibility of working with trees.
Apr 21, 20256 min read


After the Storm: How Emergency Tree Care In The Comox Valley Protects Your Landscape—and What Comes Next
By Ben, ISA-Certified Arborist & Owner of Vision Arboriculture It often begins with a sound. Wind testing the gutters. Rain driving hard against the windows. A sudden crack in the night—and that quiet hope it didn’t come from the tall tree behind the house. By morning, you step outside to find a heavy branch where it shouldn’t be—or perhaps an entire tree leaning a little too close to your garden, or your home. This is part of living in the Comox Valley. From waterfront homes
Apr 21, 20254 min read


Tree Assessments & Lot Clearing for Developers
Safely clearing lots in the Comox Valley by assessing the tree's species, age, location and surrounding environment.
Apr 21, 20252 min read


From Branches to Blooms: How Thoughtful Tree Care Restores Balance and Beauty in Comox Valley Gardens
By Ben, ISA-Certified Arborist & Owner of Vision Arboriculture When I moved to Vancouver Island, it wasn’t by chance. Like many of you, I chose this place—drawn by the natural beauty, the temperate climate, and the opportunity to build something meaningful with my hands and my head. Vision Arboriculture was born out of a desire to offer expert, respectful tree care to homeowners who value their outdoor space as much as the home it surrounds. Over the years, I’ve worked in pro
Apr 21, 20253 min read
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