The Tree Community. So, let’s look around at our urban tree community The Tree Community. So, let’s look around at our urban tree community. How are your trees doing? Is there a need for a tree ordinance that will help with the planting and care of street and shade trees. Are new tree plantings needed in parks and recreational areas. Are homeowner trees receiving proper care and are hazard trees being removed?

Mature Trees. A tree program will maintain old trees while properly training younger plantings. This planting shows good tree selection as well as good spacing to allow development of younger and mature trees.

Program Goals. As we examine our tree community, several things surface which would improve our trees. Is there is a need for more tree planting of unoccupied sites? Should we make an effort to replace the trees that where removed each year? Do we have a tree inventory? Have we eliminated all hazardous trees? Do we have a need for a tree ordinance?

Saving Trees. It takes time to grow a mature tree, easily 50 to 100 years. Existing trees deserve to be saved when they are an acceptable species in an acceptable location. Save trees that are healthy and of mixed ages. Protect the trees to be saved from construction damage above ground as well as the roots below ground.

The Right Tree. New plantings require “The right tree in the right place.” To be effective for the long-term consider using only short trees under utility lines to prevent heavy utility pruning with age. Place large deciduous trees on the south and west side of homes to provide shade and cooling. Plant evergreens on the north and northwest side for necessary windbreaks.

A Tree Ordinance. Why a tree ordinance A Tree Ordinance. Why a tree ordinance? A tree ordinance can promote the planting and care of trees as well as provide protection for existing trees. The tree ordinance itself can be very general and broadly outline the protection, planting, maintenance, and removal of urban trees. The specifications are more specific and require understanding of your tree needs.

Hazard Tree. Tree removal is often necessary when we have a hazardous tree. These are trees with a defect that may cause the tree or limbs to fall on someone or something. Look for dead limbs in the top of the tree and check branches to see if they are splitting apart. Trees that are leaning need to be checked regularly. Look for decay on large branches or at the base of trunks that may weaken the tree.

Right of Way Trees. Trees planted along our streets and avenues can add to our community beauty or become hazardous. The specifications need to list the trees that are desirable for these locations. They should consider the proper spacing between trees so each has room to fully develop. Any planting under wires need to specifically list appropriate selections. The distance the tree is planted from the sidewalk and curb is important in preventing tree damage by vehicles.

Street Trees. This avenue of trees along the street provides an effective overhead canopy as well as comforting shade. The mixture of species with varying sizes and spacing provides a pleasant setting along the street.

Protecting Trees. Existing trees require protec-tion, particularly during construction. Specific items include no grading or filling within the drip line of the trees. No utility trenches within the drip line. Use protective barriers to restrict people and vehicles from entering beneath the tree canopy. This area should not be used for storage of equipment or materials, or for parking vehicles.

Parking Area. Damage to this tree was caused by the construction of a parking lot and roads directly beneath the canopy. Young twigs and branches are already browning and dying in the top of the tree. The compaction of the root zone resulted in root death and the corresponding decline of the top. The parking areas should be developed away from the trees and not underneath them.

Proper Tree Care. To achieve proper tree care means selecting a qualified tree care professional or arborist. Always remember, that trees are valuable long-term investment. The selection of an arborist will have long-term consequences depending upon the practices he uses in caring for your trees.

Arborist. The arborist should have proper knowledge of appropriate tree care. One criteria is certification which means that he has undergone extensive training on proper tree maintenance. An arborist should also be licensed and have proper liability insurance to protect you and himself from any unforeseen accidents.

Tree Topping. An arborist should not practice topping trees Tree Topping. An arborist should not practice topping trees. This is considered an assault on trees where all the major limbs are removed and most of the leaves and buds. This practice creates many large open wounds and creates an ugly, disfigured tree.

Topped Trees. This parkway planting of topped trees shows how the central leader has been cut out and all the major branches have been stubbed back. This type of treatment is always inappropriate and shortens the life of all trees.

After Topping (3 years). Trees that have been topped result in a characteristic response. Three years after topping expect a multitude of vigorous water sprouts developing from each of the large pruned branches. We have rapid growth and early infestation by insects and disease.

After Topping (6 years). Six years after topping, the tree is much taller and bushier. The branches however are weak and dangerous. With continued growth we find many broken limbs hanging in the top of the tree. We find advanced infestation by diseases and insects. The tree now has become a liability and usually must be completely removed.

Specimen Tree. Proper pruning can result in healthy trees with strong branches and excellent form. This specimen Shumard Oak shows a natural oval growth habit with strong horizontal branches and room enough beneath for pedestrian traffic.

Healthy Trees. Proper pruning can maintain healthy trees with long lives. Pruning can reduce the size of trees which would overwhelm the available space. Proper pruning can maintain the characteristic form and beauty while developing strong limbs and maintaining good tree health.

Downtown Trees. Tree plantings in downtown areas create a friendly inviting environment. Proper tree placement as well as proper pruning is required. It also means signs have to be placed where they and the trees can both be compatible.

City Trees. City trees can be very effective in enhancing the downtown environment where extra space is available or can be made. Trees can create shaded avenues for traffic and people. With proper planning, planting and care we can greatly increase their life beyond the average.

Tree Sign Conflicts. When planning and plant-ing downtown areas avoid tree and sign conflicts. Plan for the proper location of the trees; plant species which will not cover up existing or new signs; and prune trees up to allow traffic and sign visibility beneath the trees. On the right, the trees are located with variable spacing, and mixed sizes and species to allow for signs.

Shading Trees. Trees can be pruned up to provide shade for relaxing visitors and shoppers. Different tree species provide variety and interest with their canopy, density and overall form.