From insects and disease to droughts and high winds, there are myriad reasons why a tree might need to be taken down.
Once the tree is down, it can come to an ignominious end. A wood chipper may be brought in to dispose of the debris, turning it into little more than mulch for the garden bed.
However, some believe that the felling of a tree is not the end but a new beginning. Enter Isaac Boyes and Sean Rush, who merge their lifelong curiosity about the life cycle and complexity of Muskoka’s forests with a passion for artistry and craftsmanship.
“I’ve loved trees since I was a kid,” says Isaac. “Climbing them in my backyard was my escape, a peaceful sanctuary in their branches where I could sit and think. As I grew older, I pursued a career dedicated to the care and preservation of trees. The more I learned, the deeper my appreciation grew for these magnificent organisms.”
“For us, it’s more than just a business. It’s about embracing new challenges that push our creativity and skills to new heights. Our journey from arboriculture to artistry showcases the endless possibilities that emerge when creativity and passion intersect with the freedom to build and grow.”
Creative By Nature specializes in custom woodworking, transforming ideas into reality. “It all starts with an idea,” says Sean. “Whether it’s seating all your family at one table, adding a statement piece to your home or cottage, or bringing a crazy idea to life.”
Both Isaac and Sean have a lifelong passion for creating. For Isaac it’s generational, coming from a family of Muskoka loggers and sawmillers. “The Boyes family ran a sawmill in Vankoughnet for generations and practiced selective logging with horses before it became outdated,” he says.
Sean fondly recalls working alongside his father and grandpa as a boy, learning the art of woodworking in their cozy, sawdust-filled workshop. “Those early days in the shop with my dad and grandpa taught me not just the skills, but the love and respect for the craft,” says Sean.
Creative By Nature also offers specialized sawmilling services designed to meet the diverse needs of wood enthusiasts, builders and hobbyists alike. The team uses state-of-the-art sawmilling equipment, which allows for precise and efficient milling of logs into high-quality lumber. Custom cuts for special projects, live edge slabs for unique furniture pieces, and dimensional lumber for construction can all be accommodated with their sawmilling services.
After milling, they kiln dry the lumber, seasoning it under controlled conditions to minimize warping and cracking. “Kiln drying makes the wood stable and ready for any application, from fine woodworking to structural use,” says Isaac.
Looking back on his early days roaming the forests around Wilson’s Falls in Bracebridge, Isaac says this combination of artistry and ecology is the culmination of a lifelong dream and years of experience. Creative By Nature is more than a business; it’s a tribute to friendship, passion, and the enduring beauty of nature.
