Saluting Branches is a non-profit organization dedicated to recognizing and honoring veterans by having arborists donate free trees at national cemeteries across the United States.

We had seven volunteers and were able to thin and shape eight flowering crabapple trees at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, South Dakota. Donations of time, materials, employees, equipment, prizes and lunch came from Black Hills Energy, Wright Tree Service, Vermeer High Plains and Black Hills National Cemetery, with volunteers contributing their time, equipment and knowledge.

The work completed included various types of pruning, climbing, operating an aerial lift, and managing and chipping debris. Terry Corkins, director of Black Hills National Cemetery, was very pleased with the work that was done and happily invited us back for next year’s event, which we are all looking forward to.

Learn more about Saluting Branches. 

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