Trees Do Not Commit Suicide - They Die Of Neglect

Trees in an urban setting depend on our help. Other than natural calamities, the most likely cause of tree damage is human negligence. Inadequate care at the proper time makes them susceptible to disease and lacking in strength to survive severe weather conditions. By giving a little care and following correct tree care practices, homeowners can make sure that their trees are protected and ready to face nature's fury.

Listen to your trees: Trees show signs of stress. Changes in the tree's appearance can tell you a lot of things. Look for change in leaf color, misshapen leaves, and thinness of the canopy and early loss of leaves.

Hire a professional: Sometimes it is difficult to take care of your trees with limited knowledge. Hire a professional arborist and beware of “fly-by-night" individuals. Ask for insurance, references, estimates and professional affiliations. Do not hesitate to get a second opinion.

Proper planting is necessary for a long life: Proper attention should be given to site selection and tree selection. Be sure to follow the proper tree planting technique. A well-planted tree can ensure years of healthy growth and benefits.

Topping and "Lion Tailing" are forbidden: Never, ever, top your tree. By doing so, you are inflicting irreparable damage to your tree. There are numerous ways by which the canopy of the tree can be thinned without topping.

Prepare your trees for the next season: It is important that you monitor the growth of your trees, so they will be prepared for the upcoming season. No one can change the course of a storm, but you can give your trees a better chance of survival by performing a health check. Seek professional advice if needed. Preventative maintenance is less expensive than trying to fix a problem, or remove a fallen tree off of your house.

Timing is very important: Trees react differently in each season, hence the timing of various tree operations is critical. Fertilization and planting and disease control are examples of time-sensitive tree care operations.

Trees offer numerous benefits: Other than providing shade and offering aesthetic qualities, healthy trees around your house can increase the value of your property. They also have proven to reduce heating and cooling bills, act as wind breaks and create a relaxing atmosphere by relieving stress.

It is a very common misconception that trees can take care of themselves. If this were true, we would never see a sick tree. It is easy to kill a tree, but it takes an effort to save one.