Homefront | Spring 2017

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HOME&GARDEN SOLUTIONS&PROJECTS

Heating Up
THE Kitchen

Safe Harbor What’s hot in Home Security

Digital Camera, what’s what Picture This

A Tree of Trees & Shrubs: When & Why
Knowledge
Leader-Telegram Magazine Spring 2017

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Article & photos submitted by REiMAGINE. 827580 04-08-17 828183 04-08-17 Driven by craftsmanship, inspired by design, built rock solid

HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram 3

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827505_4-8-17 VTHEIHCITDIDMESNOF

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

By James Peters, United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley (originally published in the
January, 2015 United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley newsletter)

More than one in three women and one in four men in the United
States have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) at some
point in their lifetime. The breakdown for Wisconsin is similar
(32% of women and 23% of men).
For children living in households where domestic abuse is taking
place, they exist in an environment of continual tension and fear.
They carry this anxiety with them wherever they go, potentially
affecting school performance and social relationships.
More than 3 million children witness domestic violence in their
homes every year as reported by Safe Horizon, the largest victims’
services agency in the United States. These children also suffer
abuse or neglect at high rates (30% to 60%). Locally, Bolton Refuge
House in Eau Claire and Family Support Center in Chippewa Falls
provided services to almost 500 children in 2014.
The effect of children’s exposure to IPV is significant. In fact, in the
opinion of Bolton Refuge House Executive Director Pat Stein, “It’s
just as damaging to a child to witness it as it is to experience it.”
Erika Stevens, domestic violence youth advocate for Family
Support Center, agrees. “The threat of violence is equally as
triggering and traumatic as the act of violence.” Even in the case of
children who don’t witness the violence directly, their imagination
will make up for or magnify the violence of words or actions they
hear behind closed doors.
Even in infants, the effects are very noticeable, such as low weight,
absence of smiling, and general disengagement. Stein explains
how, many times, the victimized parent will think the infant is
simply an “easy baby,” and not realize the child is being adversely
affected.
Emotional, cognitive and physical development of a child is most
critical from birth to five. For children who grow up in a home with
domestic violence, Stevens states, that development is adversely
affected.
According to the “Children’s Trust Fund Report, Adverse Childhood
Experiences (ACEs) in Wisconsin 2010”, there is a strong
association between traumatic experiences in childhood and
mental and physical health struggles in adulthood. Specific to
witnessing domestic abuse, adults who lived through this adverse
childhood experience were found to be more likely to have physical
and mental health problems, engage in high-risk behaviors, and
have a lower quality of life.
Exposure to parental violence as a child has been found to be
a strong predictor of whether a person experiences domestic
violence in adulthood. Living through domestic violence can also
lead to habits of violence and coercion as a learned behavior to
resolve conflict.
The best hope to end, or at least greatly reduce, domestic violence
may very well be to focus on children.

827504 04-08-17

4 HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram

Heating Up Home Front Editor
the Kitchen [email protected]
715-830-5926 or 800-236-7077
Kitchen Trends
7 Graphic Artist
13 Safe Angela Rediess
Harbor
19 Magazine Advertising & Distribution Coordinator
23 Home Security Technology [email protected]
715-830-5823
Picture
This Next issue: August 2017
Published three times a year by the
What camera is right for you? Leader-Telegram Advertising Department.
P.O. Box 570. Eau Claire, WI 54702-0570.
Tree of Copyright 2017 Eau Claire Press Company.
Knowledge All rights reserved.
Available online at www.leadertelegram.com
Trees& Shrub planting guide
Heather
Rothbauer-Wanish
Heating Up the
Kitchen
PG 7

Gabriel Lagarde
Safe Harbor
PG 13

Alyssa Van Duyse
Picture This
PG 19

Ann Wessel
A Tree of
Knowledge
PG 23

local writers

HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram 5

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Article submitted by The Attic Consignment Furniture Store. 827577 04-08-17

6 HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram

hotmreends

Heating Up
KitchenTHE
By Heather Rothbauer-Wanish

kitchen trends:

What’s cooking today in design, appliances

Whether your home is small or large, old or new, one thing is almost a certain constant: The
kitchen is the heart of the home. From gathering for meals and making tea for a friend to
utilizing the island for homework completion, adults, children and visitors typically gather in the
kitchen. When building a home or remodeling an existing space, it’s important to know what’s
on-trend in today’s kitchens and what will make the most sense for your living style.

Cont. on page 8

HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram 7

hotmreends

Cont. from page 7 in both Wisconsin and Minnesota. When working
on remodeling projects, they try to keep the kitchen
For 24 years, R. Tews Construction and Design, based makeover to about 8 to 10 percent of the total home
in Altoona, has been working with homeowners to value or after-repair value (ARV), so they can focus
build and remodel homes. The company focus is on a return in investment.
to complete projects correctly the first time while “We upgrade appliances, freshen up or put in new
remaining dedicated to customers. Because of cabinets and hardware and try to use upgrades that
his longevity in the construction industry, Randy are current to other comparable homes in the area,”
Tews knows what makes a project successful. “It is Riek said. “In addition, we often use granite or quartz
most important to use open communication with for our countertops and add tile back splashes.”
your remodeler or contractor, including budget If a homeowner would rather complete some minor
expectations and logistics,” Tews said. kitchen changes on his or her own, Riek offers
When a current homeowner is simply looking to some advice. “Painting the old cabinets or changing
remodel a kitchen, Tews can offer some advice. out the doors and hardware can go a long way in
“Kitchen remodels are a wise home investment and freshening up the look of your kitchen. A new and
are worth doing; they are where your family and larger sink, along with a new faucet are also nice
friends gather the majority of the time,” Tews said. features that can be changed cost-effectively,” she
The Tews team currently performs approximately 40- said.
50 remodeling projects per year varying in size from When it comes to today’s kitchen colors, grays seem
small kitchen or bath remodels to extensive home to be a popular choice. “We have seen grays and
renovations. whites with a few fun black cabinets mixed in that
And, as in the areas of technology and fashion, have been done very nicely,” Riek said.
kitchen trends change with the times. Certain colors Combining various colors can add interest to the
and product types vary in popularity levels as people kitchen, while cabinet colors can also be paired with
start to use their kitchen space differently.
“Trends are constantly evolving for the Midwest. The stained wood. Black and white is
current popular kitchen products are stone or quartz still a kitchen combination that
countertops, tall cabinets and exudes high-contrast. And, for
unfussy designs,” Tews said. those that want to highlight both
Because people’s lives tend to a country and modern look, varied
be busier than in the past, it’s color combinations allow these
vital that the kitchen design two styles to mix fashionably
and appliances offer ease of and professionally. Color doesn’t
use. Pete Cigan is the store have to stop with the cabinets.
manager at the Eau Claire If the cabinets trend toward the
location of Karl’s Appliance. lighter side, utilize a dark wooden
“Black stainless steel is very flooring or laminate to add a point
popular right now. It’s a of interest.
stainless look without the If you are seeking more
upkeep standard stainless automation in your kitchen
steel requires,” Cigan said. design, touch faucets are an
And, obviously, cooking is one option. These faucets allow you to
of the primary functions of a simply touch them — with your
kitchen. “When it comes to hand, elbow or arm — without
appliances, cooking products getting the faucet dirty with your
seem to be the main focus for most recent cooking escapades,
our customers,” he said. meat or cookie dough. While it
Cassie Riek and her husband may not seem like a big issue, a
own Heart 2 Home Ventures. dirty faucet will be one less thing
They focus on buying, you have to clean in your kitchen.
remodeling, and selling homes
Cont. on page 10

8 HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram

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HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram 9

hotmreends

Cont. from page 8

And as the population ages, homeowners
need to remember the importance of
accessibility in their new or remodeled
kitchen. Thinking ahead allows people to
stay in their homes longer and after they
retire if they choose to do so. Putting in
appliances that are counter-height can
reduce bending or reaching, something
that may be difficult in the future. In
addition, utilizing removable boxes,
stackable trays and dividers can allow
you to organize existing drawers and
make them easier to use.
For many years, kitchens were walled-
off from other areas of the home. Some
even had a swinging door between the
kitchen and family room areas. Today,
that concept has changed drastically.
“The hottest trend in kitchen remodeling
is open concept, where there is no wall
between the kitchen and adjacent rooms,
plus large islands and great working
space with commercial-grade appliances,”
Tews said.
Riek agreed that the open kitchen
concept is very popular, also emphasizing
that homeowners enjoy a lot of storage
and larger food preparation spaces.
When homeowners have a newly
remodeled living room or a newly
designed kitchen, they tend to spend
more time in that space. Several websites
have reported that people with new
kitchens actually tend to eat healthier

Cont. on page 12

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10 HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram

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Kitchen remodeling is widely considered a wise investment in your home 43rd Annual
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HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram 11

hotmreends

Cont. from page 10

and enjoy more family time together since
they want the pleasure of cooking, baking,
and spending time in a new kitchen.
Furthermore, preparing and eating meals at
home can reduce expenses, as people visit
restaurants and fast-food drive-thrus even
less.
Most importantly, as you consider a re-do
of your kitchen or plan your kitchen area
in a new home, be sure to evaluate the
needs of each family member, analyze your
usage flow, assess your current and future
electrical and/or gas needs, and get clear on
your budget.
“Ultimately, the most important thing when
designing your kitchen is to make it work
best with your family’s lifestyle,” Cigan said.

Rothbauer-Wanish is a freelance writer from Colfax and
owner of Feather Communications.
12 HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram

hosmaefety

Technology
driving
sechuormitye By Gabriel Lagarde

SAFEoptions
HARBOR

HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram 13

hosmaefety

If the assessments of local security experts
are any indication, more and more
Chippewa Valley residents are opting to
install home security systems.

Garrett Lewis and Hunter Braatz, co-
owners of HomeTech Innovations, estimate
that for every 10 homes they install their
products (HomeTech also offers audio
systems, home theater setups, etc.), six now
incorporate a home security package.

They said there is a significant increase
of buyers willing to cough up money for
peace of mind. And there are a number of
reasons for this bump in sales.

Matt Lokken, a security specialist purchase. Both Lokken and Lewis Not only do security systems serve
at Tru-Lock & Security, said said they believe the integration of to catch criminals in the act, they
people are less trusting than past wireless smartphone technology, also deter attempts to force entry.
decades and more are taking among other innovations in the Lewis said there are reports that
measures to safeguard their field, make home security less of a unsecured homes are three times
homes, or they may be driven by hassle and more user-friendly for more likely to fall victim to a
motivations that have little to homeowners. break-in than homes with security
do with security at all, such as According to a study conducted systems installed.
watching the activities of small in January by the Statistics Brain “What you’ll find you’ll get a string
children, the elderly or mentally Research Institute that utilized of burglaries in a single area,
disabled. data provided by security giant over a short amount of time, nine
“I think people have a vested ADT and the FBI, only around 15 times out of 10 it’s the same group
interest in seeing what’s percent of homes currently utilize of people doing it,” Lewis said.
happening at their house,” Lokken an alarm or surveillance system. “Cameras are a huge deterrent.
said. “It’s a growing industry. The same study indicated that it A lot of people are worried about
It’s no longer just a matter of takes burglars less than a minute they’re surveillance systems being
emergencies, but about all the to break into a property, a crime seen. No, you want your cameras
things we can monitor.” that occurs every 13 seconds in being seen. Let the burglars go to
Home security, much like any the U.S. Between 2011-2015, Eau the next house.”
technological field, is reaching an Claire Coounty saw an average
intersection — a sweet spot, so of 395 burglaries’ per year, a THE BASIC
to speak — where the quality of statistic that placed it among ALARM SYSTEM
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steadily decrease to the point it’s state, according to Uniform Crime An “entry-level” security package,
both practical and affordable for Reporting data compiled by the one that homeowners most
a large chunk of the population to FBI.

Cont. on page 16

14 HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram

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HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram 15

hosmaefety

Cont. from page 14

commonly choose, is an alarm use more convenient for (the their footage has improved
system that uses a sensors to homeowner). It’s a little more exponentially. Lokken said
monitor door contact (whether labor-intensive for us, but, by today’s security cameras — IP
it’s ajar), glass frequency (the and large, if it’s a hard-wired (Internet Protocol) models that
sound pitch when a window connection your device is going to typically give a 1080p resolution
is broken) and motion (any last a long time.” and directly stream online —
movement in the rooms inside). Hard-wired packages aren’t outperform outdated analogue
A typical cost estimate, given always cost-effective. While it’s models.
by both Lokken and Lewis, is easier to run the wiring through “The technology is growing by
between $800 and $1,200 for new construction, trying to install leaps and bounds. Five years ago,
the equipment and installation. hard wires in an existing home for cameras, it was difficult to tell
Braatz said a well-secured house or “retrofit” — which requires if they walked upright,” Lokken
usually entails installing sensors tearing into drywall and the said. “Now, we’re getting crystal
for three or four entrances — building’s framework — can run clear HD cameras. We’re able to
front door, garage door, walk-in up the cost quickly. When dealing zoom in on people’s faces, 40, 50
patio and basement. with retrofits, Lewis and Lokken feet.”
Lewis said it’s difficult for said they advise homeowners to Braatz said an effective camera
installers to give an accurate go the wireless route. setup usually requires four
estimate. Each property is Lewis said warranties in the cameras to monitor a property
different and presents a unique industry are typically for one year, — a package that typically falls
challenge for installers, who although it depends on the brand. around $1,500 to purchase —
in turn have to set up the Beyond that, he said businesses although he said five cameras give
security system according to the like HomeTech Innovations offer optimal coverage.
homeowner’s specifications. a subscription ($25 to $30 per Lewis said camera models range
“The biggest thing is the size of month) for repair/maintenance from tiny “pinhole” cameras with
the house. How many sensors coverage or charge a fee for each lenses the size of pencil erasers,
do you want? That’s going to run call-in. to “bullet” and “dome” cameras
your cost up. Distance-wise, if I (which cost between $200-$400,
need to install repeaters in, if I VIDEO although higher-end models may
can’t get the wires where I need to SURVEILLANCE up as high as $5,000), to the PZT
get them and I have to do a lot of (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) camera, which
wireless sensors, that’s the most Beyond a traditional alarm runs around $1,300 to $1,500.
expensive,” Lewis said. “Cheapest system, many homeowners are Unlike the other models, the PZT
is going to be when I can wire it, choosing to include a surveillance is not a fixed camera and is able
when the walls are open and I can system as well. This is the result of to move according to the owner’s
wire everything. Then I can get nosediving prices in the last half- specifications.
everything in for about 25 percent decade, Lewis said. “If you want to reach out and
less than the usual cost.” “The prices of cameras in the touch somebody, that’s the one
Both Lokken and Lewis said last five years have plummeted,”
they lean toward hard-wired Lewis said. Where systems once Cont. on page 18
installations, compared to cost thousands of dollars to put
wireless set-ups. together, now “you can purchase
“If you have a hard-wired each camera for about $300 and
connection, you’re never going an MBR (Master Boot Record) for
to have to replace a battery, it’s about $600.”
easier to troubleshoot, and it’s Likewise, the durability of
going to be more dependable,” cameras and the quality of
Lokken said. “It makes the end

16 HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram

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HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram 17

hosmaefety

Cont. from page 16

you want. I can turn that one. I connection with their security responses — such as the ability to
can shoot it down the street. I system. automatically shut off the water
can read license plates. I can set a The first, connecting their pump once a water leak sensor
range of motion,” Lewis said. security system to a website like alarms.
Lewis and Lokken said warranties Alarm.com, he said, is based on For both options, Lewis said,
for camera surveillance systems subscription. For a monthly fee, rural homeowners may be at a
typically run for one to three the website communicates with disadvantage. Monitoring these
years, although higher-end the system and, in case there is a systems and accessing them is
manufacturers may include as breach, notifies the homeowner more difficult because internet
long as seven-year protection and inquires whether to call for connections are slower, especially
agreements with their products. dispatch. for satellite users.
“Once you get past that data cap,
KEEPING IN Lewis said the fee depends they throttle your internet speed
TOUCH on how many packages are down to a crawl,” Lewis said. “It’s
connected to the website (such barely worth using at that point.”
The most significant change to as the basic alarm system, or Lokken said a potential third
the home security industry is the including video surveillance, option is a monitoring plan from
ability to monitor and control smoke detection and water a security company like Tru-Lock,
security systems through one’s sensors, or even incorporating which keeps tabs on security
smartphone, Lokken said. Modern lights, audio, television and systems and calls homeowners
homeowners have the ability to other systems), but subscriptions if an alarm goes off. This costs
instantly set the status of their typically cost between $35 to $45 between $20 to $30 per month.
security systems, watch their per month.
camera feeds, check their sensors The second option, automation, Lagarde is a Leader-Telegram staff reporter.
and a host of other options with involves installing a controller
a tap of their finger against a that hooks up and communicates
touchscreen. These setups can with all the systems
be so comprehensive that every in the house,
electrical system (lights, audio, centralizing it
video, security, thermostat, etc.) within a hub. Lewis
can be accessed through opening said he favors this
a single app. option because it’s
Lewis said there are two options accessible, user-
homeowners have when it friendly and involves
comes to setting up the wireless a one-time purchase,
which is about $450.
It also offers instant

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18 HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram

hotbebych

tPhicisture

What Bill Eklund’s father must have recognized his son’s
camera artistic tendencies early.
is right At the age of 13, Eklund was given his first camera – an
for you? Exakta manufactured in Dresden, Germany.
“In its day it was a really great camera, but it’s very ar-
By Alyssa Van Duyse chaic now,” Eklund said. “That led to having more gear
and lenses and cameras and all the doodads that go
with shooting high-speed and sports photography.”
That gift from his father spurred a career that has
spanned several decades. For nearly 40 years Eklund
and his staff have created pieces that hang on the
walls of Chippewa Valley homes and beyond.

Cont. on page 20

HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram 19

hotbebych BTCAUIPMYSIENRGA

Cont. from page 19 • When taking pictures of the family, keep them
in full sunlight or full shade.
As owner of Sharp Photo and Portrait in Eau Claire,
Eklund is not only a savvy businessman, but also has a • The debate is alive and well: Which is best –
vast education in camera equipment. Canon or Nikon? Bill Eklund, owner of Sharp
Friends call Eklund to pick his brain about which cam- Photo and Portrait uses Canon. Terry Bowe,
eras to buy, what the market looks like for retail cam- owner of T-BO Studios, uses Nikon.
eras and tips on shooting in a multitude of situations.
Because the industry has gone through a complete • For parents who want to take pictures of their
overhaul throughout his years in business, Eklund’s kids with something better than a cell phone,
response on equipment is informative and thoughtful. local professionals suggest an entry-level DSLR
“I wouldn’t warn anyone off of a high-level camera. with a good lens. In Canon, that could be the
You can buy a $6,000 Canon camera and you can set EOS Rebel T3 or T5i. Nikon offers its D3000 and
it on program and shoot great pictures, but you’re D5000 series. These cameras are not considered
not utilizing the equipment and its abilities,” he said. professional level, but offer good quality
“Why buy a $6,000 camera when, for what you’re do- photos.
ing, an $800 DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera
will do the same thing. • For enthusiasts who want to take their art to
“You might be overbuying, but these cameras are so the next level, the professionals suggest a full-
simple to use (on auto), and you can grow into it.” frame mid- to high-level DSLR with a couple
Terry Bowe, owner of T-BO Enterprises known as high-quality lenses.
T-BO Studio, agrees.
Like Eklund, Bowe has been honing his photography • Take the time to learn about all aspects of
skills for more than four decades. Although he is photography if you choose to purchase a high-
based in Chippewa Falls with a studio on the north end camera, the professionals said. Keeping
side of town, he has been hired to photograph events, the camera on auto mode will give consumers
people and nature throughout the world. a decent photo, but knowing the ins and outs
His expertise in camera gear stems from his education of the camera and how light works will help
at UW-Stout and the day-to-day shooting he has done produce great photos.
to grow his business.
Bowe said a soccer mom could buy a camera for Sources: Bill Eklund, Sharp Photo and Portrait;
$6,000, but it’s not necessary for most candids to get and Terry Bowe, T-BO Studios
photos that look better than a cell phone snapshot.
“They can still get into a category of good quality with
a zoom lens with stabilization for $1,000,” he said.

Cont. on page 22

City of Eau Claire Housing Division Type of Work: • Heating system replacement
Housing Rehabilitation Program • Roof and window replacement • Energy saving repairs
• Plumbing repairs or upgrading • Siding repairs or replacement
The City of Eau Claire Housing Division is taking applications for the • Electrical repairs or upgrading
Housing Rehabilitation Program. The Rehabilitation Program is federally • Carpentry repairs
funded and offers loans up to $20,000. This program is for homes in need
of repair, not for extensions or cosmetic renovations. Eligibility Requirements: HUD Income Guidelines:
FAMILY SIZE MAX. INCOME
For eligibility information and application • City of Eau Claire resident
call (715) 839-8294. • Assessed value not to exceed $146,500 1 $38,550
• Property a minimum of 25 years old 2 $44,050
The hearing impaired may contact this office by TDD at (715) 839-4943. • Owner Occupied (at least 1 year) 3 $49,550
If there are other specialized needs due to handicap, i.e. sign language 4 $55,050
interpreter, wheelchair accessibility, reader, please contact this office. 5 $59,500
• Good Credit History 6 $63,900
• HUD income guidelines apply 7 $68,300

8 $72,700
827859_4-8-17

20 HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram

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HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram 21

hotbebych

Cont. from page 20

But the real question is how consumers will use their “The pros are very challenged by all of these Week-
newly purchased equipment, the pros said. end Warriors or Digital Debbies. In many cases they
The answer opens Pandora’s Box for professional are very good and very artistic, but after doing that
photographers who struggle to make a business out for three or four years most of them get burned out,”
of creating artistic images. Eklund said. “Weddings are easy gigs, but it shoots
The soccer mom is one thing, Bowe said. But a per- your weekends and if you do that for 20 weeks out of
son who thinks they are going to buy an expensive the year you end up working your butt off.
camera and make a business out of it should think “It’s not just the four to six hours you’re shooting at
twice, he said. the wedding. It’s the eight to 10 hours editing after-
“A basic location set-up for a professional is $20,000 wards.”
to $30,000,” he said. “You have to understand the Bowe and Eklund have lived through the leap from
physics, the details … everything we do is predicated film to digital platform. Eklund remembers when a
on light. It’s a lot to learn. friend and professional photographer shot a wedding
“To become a professional, you have to strive to be in St. Paul, Minn., at the cathedral using film. After
an artist. You have to charge for what you do. If you the wedding he learned his new flash unit didn’t sync
give it away, it lessens the work.” with the camera. He paid to have the wedding party
Eklund said labs are disappearing, as are very skilled come back, rent tuxes again and take group photos.
photographers who have the classic education, be- “Today that wouldn’t even be a thought,” Eklund said
cause people pick up a digital camera and try to sell of the specific issue. Digital cameras give photogra-
themselves as professionals. phers an instant image to critique.
Digital technology has revolutionized the industry,
he said. With film, photographers could push the ISO
to 1600 and overdevelop, but that left the photo with
heavy grain. Today a professional camera can shoot
25,000 ISO.
“The ability of these sensors to capture low light has
evolved,” he said. “That’s huge. The other big thing
that came along with digital is Photoshop.”
Bowe remembers the digital takeover well.
“We saw numbers in the portrait business change,”
he said. “The country was at war. People were ner-
vous with health care and energy costing more. Then
the great recession of 2008 hit.”
Most families use discretionary income for family
portraits. People have less discretionary income,
which hit the portrait business. Couple that with
self-taught photographers using digital cameras to
make money on the side, and it hurt many studios in
the area, Bowe said.
“There’s nothing wrong with someone enjoying the
profession, but it does take time. Equipment is only
part of the equation,” Bowe said. “The ‘pro-sumer’
does compete with what we’re doing.
“We just have to be better at what we do than the
next person.”

Van Duyse is a freelance reporter from Lake Hallie.

828406 4-8-17

22 HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram

sponsored content oustdpoaorces

A tree of
knowledge

By Ann Wessel

Tips for planting
trees, shrugs this

Spring

HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram 23

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24 HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram

oustdpoaorces

The tree or shrub most likely to flourish in your yard is probably already
thriving somewhere nearby, so take a spin around town. See what casts
shade, provides privacy, blooms profusely, amps up fall color, enlivens a
winter landscape.
But do not — horticulturalists and foresters implore — plant what your
neighbor’s got.
Especially if it’s a yard full of maples.

“Plant something different. If your neighbor has it, Eau Claire was heavy with maples long before EAB.
don’t plant it,” said Laura Jull, UW-Madison associate “Diversity, diversity, diversity,” Jull said. “We’ve got to
professor and Extension specialist for woody stop planting so damn many maples. We didn’t learn
ornamental horticulture. our lesson with elms, we didn’t learn our lesson with
Variety bears both aesthetic and ecological rewards. ash.”
So consider a hackberry for shade. A ginkgo for Spring is the perfect time to consider alternatives —
its fan-shaped leaves and golden fall foliage. A and to brush up on proper care and feeding.
serviceberry for its edible fruit. The best examples lie not in field trials but in
Doing so infuses the landscape with new shapes, established plantings close to home.
colors and textures while avoiding a monoculture “I say the best plants are ones that you have trialed
easily destroyed by a single disease or invader. yourself,” Jull said.
The current threat, emerald ash borer, has killed
hundreds of millions of ash trees in the U.S. Eau Cont. on page 26
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HomeFront Spring 2017 827808 4-8-17 25

Leader- Telegram

oustdpoaorces

Cont. from page 25 Juniper

The starting point

Stick to species in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone  #3 White oaks — for sandy soils, swamp white oaks
or 4, advises Erin LaFaive, horticulture educator in particular — remain an option despite concerns
for UW-Extension in Eau Claire County. While you about oak wilt, which is hardest on red oaks. “I
may cheat the zone for a while, unless you’re in a would not stop growing oak,” Jull said. “(White oaks)
microclimate it’s as important as soil type, light and still can get oak wilt, but if it’s caught early they can
space requirements. be treated and they can survive.”
Underestimating how tall and wide a tree or shrub
will grow is among the most common mistakes. Elms are back. The accolade, a disease-resistant,
Brett Popp, co-owner of The Potting Shed Garden fast-growing elm developed from a hybrid, grows up
& Gift in Altoona, uses a tape measure, figuring to 60 feet tall. It looks a bit rugged at first; Chwala
in extra space to allow room between fully grown said the classic vase shape develops as the tree
plants. matures.
Given a choice of buying bare-root vs. container
specimens, Jull chooses bare-root. Honey locust, a fast grower that can reach 60 feet
(They’re handled while dormant, until about mid- tall, may bring lace curtains to mind when its
May, according to the Wisconsin Department of many leaflets flutter in the breeze. Some cultivars
Natural Resources and UW-Extension. Some oaks eliminated the thorns. “It’ll provide shade, but not
and most conifers are available only in containers.) dense shade if you want to have a good grass crop,”
“I would avoid at all costs containerized trees,” Jull Chwala said.
said. “They (can) have circling roots, roots that are
kinked.” FOR SCREENING: For year-round green plus privacy
that can mute traffic, it’s hard to beat the conifers.
Species selection White cedar and arborvitae tempt deer; avoid them
unless your aim is feeding wildlife.
FOR SHADE: Common hackberry trees provide a
rounded, spreading, shade-producing alternative to Prickly and columnar, junipers deter deer while
maples. providing a tall, dense screen. Jull likes star power
“It’s one to consider because our soils around here juniper, which grows up to 17 feet and resists winter-
are typically sandy, and it does well in that kind burn; and Mountbatten juniper, which grows up
of soil,” LaFaive said. Once established, they’re to 12 feet tall. Avoid cedar apple rust by choosing
drought-tolerant. Potential drawbacks: The trees Chinese junipers.
produce lots of tiny fruits; older trees may develop Cont. on page 28
structural issues.

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HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram 27

oustdpoaorces Tips &
Techniques
Cont. from page 26
WISCONSIN DNR & UW-EXTENSION
Black Hills spruce is one Chwala has seen do well here. PUBLICATIONS:
It looks a lot like the Colorado blue spruce, but it’s less - Creating a Forest:
susceptible to disease.
dnr.wi.gov/topic/forestmanagement/
For summer screening, one of the lindens can documents/pub/fr-426.pdf
produce a dense, triangular canopy. Lindens appear
on Eau Claire’s ash tree alternatives list. Another - “Care & Handling of Bare Root
benefit: Their sweet-smelling flowers attract Seedlings”: dnr.wi.gov/topic/
pollinators.
forestmanagement/documents/pub/
Linden For more formal privacy hedges that tolerate shearing, FR-279.pdf
consider boxwoods (the most sculpted of hedges), yews and
Eastern hemlocks. For a more informal option (and no shearing) - New Tree Planting:
consider dogwoods or lilacs.
dnr.wi.gov/files/pdf/pubs/fr/FR0261.pdf
FOR FLOWERS: Lilacs offer a profusion of shapes, colors and
scents from which to choose. In her yard, Jull tends two types - Proper Tree Pruning:
of Korean lilacs. The Palibin resembles a small tree; she
keeps hers 4 to 5 feet tall. Flowering about a dnr.wi.gov/files/pdf/pubs/fr/FR0256.pdf
week later, the bushier Miss Kim produces
flowers more spicy than sweet. It’s slow Planting variety
growing, reaching about 7 feet tall. Both - “Alternatives to Ash,” by Laura Jull:
resist powdery mildew, borers and hort.uwex.edu/articles/ash-alternatives-
bacteria.
for-homeowners-and-professionals/
Mock orange might Lilac
fall into the old- - Eau Claire Parks & Forestry Street
fashioned category Tree List: ci.eau-claire.wi.us/home/
of flowering shrubs,
too. It produces a showdocument?id=9228
profusion of white
blooms. LaFaive likes Tracking Emerald Ash Borer
it because it’s easy to
prune. The three counties on Eau Claire
County’s southern border are
FOR FOOD: Serviceberries grow among fruit trees and berries quarantined; EAB has been confirmed
planted in a lot across from Eau Claire’s Phoenix Park. “There in areas of Trempealeau and Buffalo
is no such thing as a perfect plant, but if you want something counties, according to Wisconsin’s
different, I suggest serviceberries. They’re berries. They produce Emerald Ash Borer Information Source.
awesome fruit that is delicious in June,” Jull said.
- Emerald Ash Borer Information
One consideration: Serviceberries don’t tolerate clay or Network: emeraldashborer.info/
compacted soils. LaFaive said residents also might consider
blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, black elderberries and - Wisconsin’s Emerald Ash Borer
roses (which produce rose hips). Information Source: datcpservices.

FOR COLOR: The gingko turns a deep, striking gold. It’s a wisconsin.gov/eab/
prehistoric tree, requires little pruning and doesn’t have pest
problems. Because they’ve become so popular, finding one in
stock might be difficult.

Cont. on page 30
28 HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram

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HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram 29

oustdpoaorces

Cont. from page 28

Gingko FOR WINTER: The squiggly shape of corkscrew “A tree planted too deep, even a couple inches too
willow, the yellow flowers of American witch-hazel deep, the root system will not develop in a way
and the bright white bark of birch are among that is consistent with the tree’s needs,” Chwala
LaFaive’s picks for adding interest to a winter yard. said. So when the leaf canopy develops, roots
The birch will do better if they’re planted on the can’t keep up, and the tips start to die back.
coolest side of the house and watered well. A bit of transplant shock is natural.
IF YOU MUST PLANT A MAPLE: Try a Tatarian maple, Healthy trees take a couple of years to develop
a powerline-friendly species that falls somewhere their root systems. Fertilizer might seem like
between tall shrub and short tree, reaching up to 25 a good way to accelerate canopy growth, but
feet tall. It does well in dry conditions. Leaves turn Chwala said that will only stress the tree. The
yellow to red in the fall; the samaras are a showy red. micronutrients it needs are available in the soil.
Avoid sugar maples, which dominate the Eau Claire Watering, on the other hand, is something that
landscape. should start immediately and continue for the first
three years while root systems are being established.
Planting and care Jull said newly planted trees might require watering
every other day.
“When you plant a tree, you get one shot and you “Usually we say everything needs a good inch of
want to get it right because you can’t give that tree a water a week,” LaFaive said. (The easiest way to
second chance,” Chwala said. measure precipitation or sprinklers’ output: Set out a
One key recommendation has changed since he tuna can.) She recommends using a trickle hose. To
became a forester 28 years ago. Trees are now ensure the tree is getting enough water on all sides,
planted so the flare at the base of the trunk is visible. simply dig down a few inches.
Plant a tree too deep and it looks like a telephone When it’s time to prune, LaFaive said developing
pole. a strong central leader stem is key. Removing
competing leaders, which might form a “Y” near the
treetop, prevents weakening.
Structural pruning within the first decade extends
the tree’s life expectancy. Plus, Chwala said, it allows
the tree to develop into a specimen of its genus.

Wessel is a freelance writer from St. Cloud, Minn.

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HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram 31

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