Background, letters & thank you notes
As a service, M. D. Vaden began August, 1988, in Beaverton, Oregon, but with landscape and tree experience back to 1975. Hundreds of homeowners and not just horticulture, made business an enjoyable adventure. Mario Vaden is involved with every project whether 2 hours or 2 weeks. Most work has been near the Portland westside suburbs including Beaverton. But previous customers extend throughout Oregon, including Ashland, Medford, Klamath, Roseburg, Seaside, Brookings and Grants Pass. Other work included assisting researchers in Redwood National and State Parks regarding measuring and other needs. Mario Vaden also enjoys forest photography, and is self-described as an arborist, with tree care and pruning being the favorite aspect of the tree and landscape care profession. Below are some letters and testimonials, from 1980 to present.
~ Letter 1
Homeowner - March 6, 2009 - Medford, Oregon
Mario did a fantastic job. I had a big big problem with my Red October Glory, it split towards the top. With his eye bolts and cables he was able to bring my sagging tree back to life. I have used him the past 3 years. He does outstanding work and my neighbors have used him since I found him. He has the best rates in Jackson County and trust me, I have received estimates from others. Great arborist and very sad to see him leave our area and move back to Portland.
Mike
~ Letter 2
OREGON STATE GOVERNOR - THEODORE R. KULONGOSKI
November 30, 2005
Dear Mr. Vaden
Thank you for your six years of service to the State Landscape Contractors Board. Your talent, experience and input to the board has been very beneficial. ...I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation for your work. Thank you for your time, talent and effort in this important role, and for your willingness to be involved in public service. I commend you for your unselfish contribution to the citizens of the State of Oregon.
Sincerely,
THEODORE R. KULONGOSKI
Governor
~ Letter 3
PORTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE - September 11, 1985
To the Landscape Contractors Advisory Board, RE: Mario Vaden
...He has assisted me with two landscape jobs and I was pleased with his expertise and ability to work......I personally have found Mario to be very interested in and dedicated to the landscape industry.
Sincerely,
Mr. John Wirth, Department Chairman: Agriculture, Construction, Science
~ Letter 4
UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND - February 15, 1985 - Portland, Oregon
To whom it may concern:
...Mario Vaden has been employed in my department since June 1984......we have found Mario to be reliable, dependable and hard working ...... I think you will be satisfied if you consider hiring him.
Sincerely,
L. Cordas, Grounds Foreman
~ Letter 5
Administrator: Online Seminars for Municipal Arborists - L. Phillips - November, 2006
www.on-line-seminars.comHi Mario,
I just thought you might like to know that your article has produced more comments and is the most popular article ever featured on the Seminars. So far this month, over 50 tests have been recorded on your article. This is more than most articles get in the average two month Seminar.... ... I am even getting emails from people about your article. They are all telling me how good it is and are there any more like this coming. Do you have another topic you would like to write about?
Thanks again for thinking about the Seminars when you wanted to publish.
~ Letter 6
Homeowner - December 18, 2009 - NW Oregon
I was not even sure what a French Drain was, but knew it would provide some insurance for my house on a hill. M. D. Vaden came out, assessed the need, designed the drain, constructed the drain, and left the area looking way better than it looked when the project started. He was very easy to work with, and I'd recommend hm to anyone.
J. Merrick
www.jeffmerrick.com
~ Letter 7
ROCK CREEK COUNTRY CLUB - February 28, 1983 - Portland, Oregon
To whom it may concern,
... Even with the adverse weather conditions of the winter of 1982 - 1983, Mario maintained the golf course in equivalent, if not better, condition than during the previous winter with less manhours and less fuel consumption.
Paul Gabrilis, Owner
~ Letter 8
BROOKINGS HARBOR GARDEN CLUB - February 22, 2007 -
Brookings, OregonDear Mario Vaden,
Thank you for taking the time to come and speak at our meeting. As you could tell from the response of our members your presentation was well received. We all learned so much about pruning trees and shrubs.
The Brookings - Harbor Garden Club,
by John Sullivan, Corresponding Secretary
~ Letter 9
Redwood Motel - June, 8, 2011 - Grants Pass , Oregon
Dear Mario,
I'd like to thank you for selecting the Redwood Motel for your stay in Grants Pass. To say the least it was fortuitous and mutually beneficial. .... We were especially honored when you returned to stay a second night with your associates with whom you were preparing to venture out into the local forests to scout out the world's tallest fir trees.
After learning of your interest in the tallest trees in the world and your background in horticulture and landscaping, I imposed on you for a critique of the motel grounds. Together with our landscape contractor we walked the grounds as you pointed out numerous areas where you noticed opportunities for improvement. It was an intensive couple of hours that was the equivalent of a crash course in landscaping with a focus on proper pruning, planting, feeding and irrigation. We appreciated water saving ideas and especially your suggestions for repairing damaged and distressed trees. We were amazed by the things that you found that were in need of attention that had gone unnoticed by our landscaping crew. Thanks to you we now know the height of our tallest trees. Our tallest Giant Sequoia at 112 feet, our tallest Costal Redwood at 116 feet ... You identified the enormous old Oak tree that creates a backdrop on our southern exposure as being only 82 feet tall, but looms even larger because of its mass. On your recommendation we will purchase a Blue Giant Sequoia "Glaucum" to round out the variety of trees that adorn our property.
We are expanding the motel with an additional two story family suite structure that will be perched on the highest elevation of our property. It seemed fitting to name the building in honor of the tallest known Coastal Redwood tree, the "Hyperion." We are looking forward to collaborating with you and your associates that discovered the Hyperion tree as we develop the "Hyperion" theme ... We will also be contacting you for pictures of the Hyperion tree and other trees that you have photographed to display in our guest rooms. We appreciate your interest in tallest trees in the world and appreciate your discovery of the Redwood Motel.
Sincerely,
Frank von Coelln
Owner
~ Letter 10
Homeowner - October 16, 2009 - West Linn, Oregon
Hi Mario! Hoping this note finds you well and happy! ...... OK - here's the scoop: since Justin, Scotty and Brad had to hear so much today about how thrilled we are even still with the work you did here on these trees, it seems only fair I tell you how blown away I am with them too!
They were beyond awesome ...... I just can't stop smiling at what y'all (together) have worked here in this yard. ...... making me even happier about getting to move here! ...... thank you again, for everything!
All best wishes - more later - and be calling you again in a few months! Most sincerely,
J. Pritchard
~ Letter 11
Homeowner - April 2007 - Central Point, Oregon
Thank You ! Did a great job !! We'll call you again - Regards,
D. & M. Tomlinson
~ Letter 12
SUMMERFIELD GOLF COURSE - R. Sullivan, Superintendent - Tigard, Oregon January 10, 1985
... Mario did a fine job for me and his enthusiasm especially in the tree maintenance department was quite commendable ...
~ Letter 13
Homeowner - June, 2011 - Wilsonville, Oregon
Mario is great to work with and he really knows soil!
Our backyard was a swampy mess most of the year. After digging a few small holes, Mario showed me the soil's structure at different depths. He explained how each depth had probably gotten that way.
About a foot down was a region so dense that water could barely get through it, hence the soupy yard.
The solution was to drill a set of evenly spaced holes deep enough to get beyond the packed zone to the good looking soil beneath. Filling the holes with coarse sand gave the water a channel and yet let the grass grow back over.
It has been a particularly damp spring and the holes have done the trick. No more swamp. The yard is usable almost all yearlong.
B. Shaw
~ Letter 14
Homeowner - D. McCutcheon - November 7, 1989 - Beaverton, Oregon
Just a brief note to thank you again for the very professional job you did in pruning the hedges. We did not believe you would have so much material to remove but the "finished product" is excellent...and the subject of several very, very favorable comments around the neighborhood ...
D. McCutcheon
~ Letter 15
INTERNATIONAL DUNES COMPANY - September 13, 1985 - Portland, Oregon
... Mr. Vaden is a competent and knowledgeable landscaper and we will consult with him about any further problems we might have with the grounds ...
L. Lusk
~ Letter 16
Homeowner - P. Doherty - Wilsonville, Oregon
February, 2004
Dear Mario,After your phone call I braced myself to see the shrubs. Jim and I both love them! And the cherry tree looks so much better. My neighbor, Mrs. Sher..., gave her approval too! Thank you.
Sincerely,
P. Doherty
~ Letter 17
Homeowner - February, 1998 - Tigard, Oregon
... Mario has always been prompt, diligent and very dependable. We have always been happy with his work especially his creativity in the application of his skills. He is a very professional and skilled arborist...
We would not hesitate to recommend Mario for any pursuit ...
J. Chandler
~ Letter 18
Homeowner - July, 2003 - Oregon
Thank you so very much. It looks wonderful, you really did and excellent job. We will keep you in mind, when our next outdoor project comes up...
C. & S. Marshall
~ Letter 19
Homeowner - L. Mullen - October 12, 2003 - NW Oregon
Great job of opening up Mom's back and side yard. What a difference......The gal that lives in the house was shocked - she had no idea the yard was so big.
L. Mullen
~ Letter 20
OREGON HEALTH SCIENCES UNIVERSITY - September, 1984 - Portland, Oregon
Mario Vaden...is working as Grounds Keeper I. He has maintained our south campus area in excellent condition and has made many improvements in this area....He also has been involved with special projects. He completes assignments with minimum amount of supervision. Mario has maintained good working relations with other employees and with Physical Plant employees working in his area....Mario maintains a commercial pesticide applicators license....I would recommend Mario for any position in grounds maintenance
N. Ray, Superintendent of Grounds.
~ Letter 21
Homeowner - March 15, 2004 - NW Oregon
Thank you again for the beautiful work! We've mentioned you to all of our friends, and encouraged them to tell their friends.
Warmest Regards,
S. Burch
~ Letter 22
Homeowner - E. Jackson - October, 2003 - Tigard, Oregon
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
~ Letter 23
Homeowner - September, 1985 - Gaston, Oregon
To whom in may concern:... I was very impressed with Mr. Vaden's work, which was performed quickly and efficiently in a very professional manner.
Sincerely,
C. Hendrickson
~ Letter 24
Homeowner - June, 2001 - Beaverton, Oregon
...What a lovely surprise to find when I returned from Vermont. -- how very kind and thoughtful of you...
G. Herztein
~ Letter 25
Homeowner - April, 2010 - Beaverton, Oregon / Work site SW 61st Portland, Oregon
It looks fantastic (and Charlotte likes it as well). Looks like a new house. Thanks for taking the photos - it is good to have the before and after for reference.
S. Farley
[Note pertains to pruning work: opening up front view of Portland house. Preparation for selling property]
~ Letter 26
Homeowner - April, 1998 - Charbonneau, Oregon
Thank you so much for getting in touch with us regarding pruning...We are in Maui right now, however, you can do the pruning any time....After the wonderful job you did with all our pine trees and everything else, I was so dissappointed when you told us you were leaving, and I just kept procrastinating on calling someone else to to it. Now, I'm glad I didn't do it.
Sincerely yours,
L. Marsden
~ Letter 27
Homeowner - February 1998 - Beaverton, Oregon
To whom it may concern,Mario Vaden has done pruning for us...as well as at a rental home that I manage...1990 through 1997. His work is in the superior range. He is honest, fair and trustworthy and takes great pride in doing good work for you....Since his move...I have no idea who I might emloy of his caliber & work ethic. Thank you.
A. Martin
~ Letter 28
Homeowner - July, 2004 - Tigard, Oregon
Thanks. Trees look great and the monkey puzzle makes us both sleep easier...
Mr. "D"
~ Letter 29
Homeowner - February, 1998 - Tigard, Oregon
To the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board...Mario Vaden...His work was excellent. He kept us informed of the progress as he worked. He explained what he was doing and why. And he fulfilled the work on time and on budget. In addition, he took the time to walk the property with us, to identify each tree by type and characteristics, and recommended landscaping concepts, some of which we adoped in later work on the property. I consider him to be a fine professional, and a pleasure to deal with, and would recommend him to any employer
D. Kidd
~ Letter 30
Homeowner - October, 2004 - Beaverton, Oregon
Thanks - the job was done very nicely -
D. & D. Kennish
~ Letter 31
Homeowner - September, 2005 - Jacksonville, Oregon
Thanks so much for such an excellent job done -
C. Borntraeger
~ Letter 32
Home & business owner - August 27, 2008 - Hillsboro, Oregon
I recommend Mario Vaden highly. He is a talented individual who enjoys what he does and it shows in his work. He took some very poorly maintained trees and bushes at our house and improved the look of them 100%. He is on my list of very skilled and knowledgeable people.
C. Milne, Computer Craft Designs of Oregon
~ Letter 33
Homeowner - December, 2007 - Medford, Oregon
We appreciate all your wonderful ideas as well as all your hard work and dependability.
D. & N. Scafani
~ Letter 34
Homeowner - September 27, 2007 - Central Point, Oregon
Hi Mario,
Thank you so very much. You did a "Great" job. It all looks so good ! I so appreciate what you did.
God Bless,
K. Burrill
~ Letter 35
Homeowner - January 26, 1998 - Washington County, Oregon
(To) Oregon State Contractors Board: To whom it may concern,
Mario is very knowledgeable in his field, and willing to share this with those for whom he works. We have always found his work well done, and the clean up extra careful. He is an excellent workman who takes pride in his craft. We became good friends over the years.
Sincerely,
Mr. Donald Nichols
~ Letter 36
Veterinarian - August 15, 2010 - Hawaii
I was just reading the line on your webpage on safe and toxic woods for birds about how it is one of your most visited pages.
As a veterinarian who has links to that page for my clients ..., I probably contribute to that traffic.
Thank you for providing the information that helps humans keep their birds safer.
Aloha
S. F. Nakaya, DVM
~ Letter 37
Homeowner - February 21, 2000 - Beaverton, Oregon
Hi Mario,
Thanks very much for the fine job you did. I appreciate it.
Regards,
Mr. M. Rogers
~ Letter 38
Homeowner - August, 2004 - Aloha, Oregon
Thank you for the quick work! The yard looks much better. I will not hesitate to recommend your service to others.
B. Collins
Written by Mario D. Vaden
My father is from the Greek island of Zakynthos, and my mother from Ontario, Canada. I was born in Vancouver B.C., Canada in 1959, and our family moved to the United States in 1960. By 1963, we were in Oregon, where I attended school in Beaverton. I resided in Beaverton most years from 1963 to the present. I have a brother Michael and sister Melina, from my father's second marriage.
1980 was the beginning of my work with horticulture, which eventually included landscaper, arborist, greenskeeper, horticulturist, golf course superintendent and business owner. The early work years involved 6 golf courses, 2 university campuses and landscape companies, followed by countless projects in business. Add one summer job at age 16 for my father's friend's golf course in Pendleton.
Before 1980, my experience included construction, parent's restaurants, and other.
Hobbies or activities enjoyed include making hiking sticks, photography, camping and hiking.
Enrollment at Portland Community College began 1983, leading to certification as a Landscape Technician. My college started more as a matter of workplace competition, but immediately became enjoyment for the educational aspect of tree care and landscape design. College is what anchored my interest.
Business started in 1988, specializing in pruning. In time, landscape design was added. Most projects have been in Oregon towns, with 8 months in Savannah, Georgia. And from 1999 to 2005, I was appointed by Governor Kitzhaber and Governor Kulongoski, to serve 2 terms as a member of the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board.
My wife Jan, and I, met in Beaverton, and were married 1991. Jan was born in Klamath Falls, and grew up in Medford. Before we met, she was a medical assistant. We have 2 boys and 2 girls; an 18 year spread from youngest to oldest: Michael, Sarah, Greg and Tricia. We lived in Beaverton most years, with an 8 month experiment in Savannah. Georgia. We also moved to Jacksonville, Oregon, from 2005 to 2008.
Images: our children were involved with business over the years: moving soil, website development, computer maintenance, advertising, data entry. 2006 Tricia our oldest daughter hiking at Red Buttes Wilderness. 2007 Greg our oldest son on Neakahnie Mountain. 2004 Sarah our youngest daughter in Beaverton. 2009 Michael at Redwood National Park.
