Today we’re talking about something that quietly shapes our daily lives in Fresno—our trees. From the ones lining our streets and shading our homes to the big, aging oaks that define entire neighborhoods, trees are one of the most important—and most misunderstood—parts of our city.
My guest today is Ian Ashby, a board-certified master arborist and consulting arborist based here in Fresno. Ian helps homeowners, cities, insurance companies, and even attorneys understand what’s actually happening with their trees—when they’re healthy, when they’re under stress, and when well-intentioned care can actually make things worse.
We talk about everything from hot pot restaurants and Ethiopian food to drought stress, pruning myths, urban canopy planning, soil compaction, mulching mistakes, and why Fresno’s trees so often suffer at the hands of bad trimming practices. If you’ve ever wondered why your tree looks sick, why topping is such a bad idea, or how Fresno could rethink its urban forest for a hotter future, this conversation is for you.
Today, we have another Bakersfield Connection podcast. I like doing these because I think the Valley needs to be a lot more integrated in...
Fresno’s Best host Jordan Mattox sits down with Miguel Arámbula, executive director of the San Joaquin Valley Housing Collaborative, for a wide-ranging conversation about...
Today, we have Ruth Soderlund on the show. Ruth is a Fresno artist passionate about building connections within the art community. Her new endeavor,...