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By
Konnie McCollum
Staff Writer
When many people think of nature, trees
are the first thing to spring to mind. Trees
play a prominent role in the environment.
People depend on trees for a variety of
needs, including shelter, food, tools and,
of course, newspapers. So it seems only
natural to most homeowners to plant a tree
or two in their yards.
To function properly in a landscape, however,
trees do require some maintenance. Experts
in the local area can provide valuable information
to homeowners about tree care that will
extend and enhance the life of these woody
plants.
Madison, Ind., arborist Ryan Cooper, owner
of Arbor Tech, said trees normally will
need some type of extended care every three
to five years, such as dead wood pruned
out.
“An arborist can give advice on what
kind of regular care a tree needs,”
he said. “We also take care of pest
infestations, pathogens and other situations
that can harm or ruin the health of trees.”
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Metro
Services Photo
Arborists
and
local nurseries are
excellent sources
of information
for tree care.
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Forest tent caterpillars are an example
of pests that have inflicted trees in the
local area for several years now, but Cooper
hopes they are finally on the run.
Cooper also said an arborist is an excellent
resource for homeowners who are trying to
decide what type of tree will best suit
their particular situation. “We know
the architecture of trees,” he said.
“We know what trees make a nice canopy
for a wide sunny spot in a yard, or what
type of tree fits perfectly in a small,
tight space.”
He noted that while trees can be trendy,
homeowners should take into consideration
several factors when selecting trees, including
the size of a mature tree, soil conditions
and the available space.
For example, Bradford Pear trees have been
popular with homeowners recently because
of their nice crown. Unfortunately, however,
if they split out, a hole develops in the
crown. Some homeowners are moving away from
those trees because of that factor.
Cooper is excited about growing interest
in the Tupelo, or black gum, tree. “They
are the first to turn a blood red during
the fall, and they have beautiful, waxy
leaves,” he said. The Tupelo, which
reaches a height of 65 feet when mature,
has a single stem with scaffolding, symmetrical
branches.
Ken Welti, owner of Beaver Creek Nursery
in Madison, Ind., said choosing a number
of factors should be considered when choosing
a tree to plant in a yard. The particular
site, soil conditions and the height of
the tree are all important considerations.
Whether the tree is for shade or flowering,
or whether it bears fruit are also things
to consider when selecting trees.
“We try to help match the needs of
the homeowners with the needs of the trees,”
he said. “Sometimes, people want something
that won’t work in a particular place.”
For example, he said a dogwood tree won’t
do well in a wet site, and a willow tree
should never be planted next to a septic
system. His company will actually help customers
plant the trees or can give specific instructions
for do-it-yourselfers.
Welti said homeowners should mulch around
a tree, but he warned against putting the
mulch against the bark. “Putting the
mulch against the tree bark simply encourages
pest infiltrations,” he said. Instead,
mulch should be kept about an inch away
from the bark of a tree.
He also suggests homeowners prune a tree
during its dormant time to correct any abnormalities
and shape trees when they are young. He
cautioned, however, against the common practice
of “topping” a tree. “Topping
simply weakens the tree; I’d advise
against it unless the tree is damaged or
unless it is necessary,” he said.
In the event that a tree is actually dying,
arborists can diagnose the cause and provide
a solution to save the tree. “Contrary
to what some people have heard, getting
an arborist to help save a tree is no more
costly than paying someone to remove it
once it dies,” said Cooper. “Sometimes,
homeowners wait for years for a tree to
completely die; in the meantime, it can
be unsightly and unnecessary.”
In the unforeseen event a tree does need
to be cut down, companies such as Madison’s
Jackson Tree Service can safely take care
of any customer needs. Owned by Gary Jackson,
the company removes trees that have been
downed during storms or trees that have
died.
Cutting down larger trees has some risk
involved, including the danger of the tree
hitting power lines or even the neighbor’s
house. Jackson has safety equipment and
trucks capable of safely removing even the
largest of trees.
The company also thins and prunes trees,
and can cable a tree that has a double or
triple lead. Apparently, these kinds of
trees are susceptible to wind damage. “We
can also thin or prune trees, which encourages
air flow,” said Jackson. His company
can also offer advice about the condition
of trees and what type of maintenance may
be needed.
He said anyone who has a tree with a hollow
cavity in it should definitely get it inspected
because wind can bring hollow limbs or trunks
down very fast.
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