|
|
Caring for your Trees
Plant a tree and nature will take care of the rest, right? Not necessarily. The trees
in our yards, neighborhoods, and along our streets are a valuable asset, and require
our help to keep them healthy. Proper tree care is based on science and research,
not wives tales and myths. There is a “right way” and a “wrong way” to care for
trees. Here are some tips you need to know to keep your trees healthy and working
for you.
- Keeping Your Trees Healthy
- Think Before You Top Your Tree
- Safety First
- Trees and Utilities: Can they share the same space?
- Fruit Tree Pruning
- Mulch - Too Much Can Harm Your Tree
- Dealing with Drought - Keeping Trees Healthy
- When Does a Tree Become a Risk?
- Frequently
Asked Questions about Tree Care from the Tree Care Industry Association
Pruning your tree is a double-edged sword. If done properly it can improve a tree’s
health, form, structure and safety.
But if it is done improperly (without an understanding of tree biology) it can be
the worst thing you can do for your tree, causing stress, declining health, internal
decay, un-safe conditions, and sometimes tree death. It all depends on how much
you prune, and the types of cuts you make, or the professional you hire.
There are some excellent publications and resources that will help you learn:
-
how to make proper pruning cuts
-
the reasons to prune
-
what season is best for pruning and when shouldn’t we prune trees
-
how to prevent internal decay
-
how to improve a tree’s form and structure
-
how much can be pruned without harming the tree
-
when should I find a professional to prune my trees
- how to find a professional - ISA Certified Arborist
For a copy of a Penn State University publication titled “Pruning Landscape Trees”
http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/FreePubs/pdfs/uh099.pdf
Click on the images for a larger picture.
For a free copy of Penn State University’s “Pruning Ornamentals” - (the printed
version of this 24 page book costs $4.00)
http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/FreePubs/pdfs/AGRS95.pdf
For a copy of the USDA Forest Service “How to Prune Trees” publication
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/howtos/ht_prune/prun001.htm
Click on the image for a larger picture
To view an excellent Tree Pruning website developed by Dr. Ed Gilman, author of
“An Illustrated Guide to Pruning” and Horticopia Expert Notes - Illustrated Pruning
and Planting
http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/pruning/index.htm
The National Arbor Day Foundation has recently produced an interactive website that
allows you to test your tree pruning skills and knowledge. Give it a try!
http://www.arborday.org/trees/pruning/
Don't Top Trees - Urban Tree Foundation Tree Topping Website
http://urbantree.org/topping.asp
Information from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) on Tree Pruning:
Pruning Young Trees
http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/pruning_young.aspx
Pruning Mature Trees
http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/pruning_mature.aspx
Top
|