Q: What can I do to keep my trees healthy?
A: : First, start with an annual tree inspection.  This will help identify any problems before they become to severe to correct and lead to the removal of the tree.  Next you want to make sure that the area around the tree is mulched correctly and properly fertilized.  Finally, proper pruning will allow you trees to generate new growth without damaging or hurting the tree.  For some more general advice on caring for you trees, visit the Foliage article in Total Landscape Care.

Q: do you need to prune a tree?
A: There are many reasons to prune a tree.  Cosmetic, growth, proper structure – these are all reasons to prune.  The important thing to remember is that there is a difference between pruning young and mature trees.  In short, you prune a young tree to develop a solid structure from which it can grow and you prune a mature tree for corrective reasons.  A professional arborist will be able to identify dead or dying, diseased, rubbing, over weighted or damaged branches.  They can also consult on what to prune if limbs are interfering with wires, structures, site clearance, thinning and proper limb spacing.

Q: Can I prune a tree myself?
A: Pruning a tree should not be taken lightly.  This is a major decision that will impact the value of your home or business, impact your trees for a long time, remove possible dangers of property damage and change the look and feel of everything around you.  You can always try pruning a tree yourself, just like you could try to stitching a cut yourself.  To do it properly, you will need specialized equipment, knowledge, experience and possibly place yourself in danger.  This is why most people call a certified arborist.

Q: How do you properly much a tree? Can I use any type of mulch or do I need something specific?
A: In general, you want an even layer about 2”-4” deep, spread wide around the tree.  You do not want to pile the mulch up like a volcano as this can lead to stem and root damage, invite pests and rodents, create foul odors and prevent nutrients from getting to the roots.  The best mulches are organic without grass clippings that will protect your tree from excessive heat and cold while allowing water and nutrients to reach the roots.  For more advice on how to properly mulch your trees visit see the article Follow Up Care For Newly Planted Trees in the Total Landscape 11/09 edition.

Q: What is topping and should I have my trees topped?
A: In short, topping is the trimming back of all the major limbs in the crown of the tree to stubs and knowledgeable professionals consider it the most harmful practice known.  People have this done because they feel the tree is a danger to a building, too tall, or generally too large for their property.  All this really does is create an ugly sight that will eventually become a bigger hazard than the tree originally was because topping invites decay and any shoots that form will be easier to break because they are only anchored in the outer most layer of tissue.  Besides the fast growing sucker sprouts, topping causes over crowded, crossed and dead limbs, and more leaves to rake.  All of this will lead to the death of the tree in a couple of years which will then have to be removed. This is a very common problem in this area because it has been done for many years in the past before research proved it causes many health related problems to the tree.

Q: A lot of this seems like something I can do. Why do I need an arborist?
A: Just like a doctor or mechanic has specialized knowledge and skills, a certified arborist is practiced in the area of caring for your trees.  Hiring an arborist will benefit when pruning, removing, inspecting and planting and will lead to healthy trees that will enhance your property value, provide beauty and create a better overall environment for all of your landscaping and plants.  For more detailed information, we recommend you visit the International Society of Arborist at www.treesaregood.org.

Q: Why should I hire a certified arborist?
A: A certified arborist is someone who has at least three years of experience, has passed a written exam and continues with their education.  The certification is issued by an organization such as International Society of Arborists.  While many people are confused by the difference between an arborist and a certified arborist, the important thing is that you will receive lasting results and a healthy long-term approach from a certified arborist.

Q: What is the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)?
A: The ISA is a non profit worldwide organization.  It’s scientific and educational knowledge is an advanced approach to tree care.  Through research and many years of professional experience, the organization is educating other professionals in the tree care industry.  The ISA provides two websites that supply helpful information to the public. These websites are www.isa-arbor.com and www.treesaregood.org.

Q: What kind of tree is best for my yard?
A: A lot of things go into considering what type of tree someone such purchase.  What is the purpose of the tree? How tall do you want it to grow? Is there anything impeding the growth of the tree such as power or cable lines? What type of soil and environment will it grow in?  There are lots of websites that can give you information, but our best advice is to visit a garden center or ask your arborists when they are out maintaining your trees.