| Think back to the days of your childhood and you will | | | | work requires climbing, the use of a chainsaw or |
| probably remember a mighty oak that challenged you | | | | handsaw, or the removal of large limbs, the use of |
| to climb to the very top. As you made your way | | | | personal safety equipment, such as protective |
| higher and higher you felt there was nothing you | | | | eyewear and hearing protection, is a must. Arborists |
| couldn't do. Maybe there was a tire swing that hung | | | | can provide a variety of services to assist in |
| from the limbs of a maple tree. Seeing that tree | | | | performing the job safely and reducing the risk of |
| brings back memories of the wind in your face as | | | | personal injury and damage to your property." |
| you soared through the air. Or perhaps there was (or | | | | There is a proper way and an improper way to |
| still is) a shade tree that was the perfect spot for | | | | prune trees. It is vital that American National |
| home plate, a place to build your lemonade stand, or | | | | Standards Institute (ANSI) standards be followed to |
| a tranquil site to read your favorite book. And, don't | | | | ensure proper growth. If the person hired to prune |
| forget raking up mountains of fall leaves that you | | | | your trees isn't adhering to ANSI standards, they |
| proceeded to jump into. You can preserve these | | | | could easily inflict damage. |
| memories by preserving the trees that helped make | | | | Help for Diseased and Injured Trees |
| them. | | | | Trees may also need treatment for insects and/or |
| Trees grow just like families do. If properly | | | | disease. Oak borers threaten oak trees, pine trees |
| maintained, trees can add value and beauty to your | | | | face southern pine beetles, and crepe myrtles need |
| home, and also reduce heating and cooling expenses. | | | | protection from Japanese beetles. Perhaps you live in |
| A little attention goes a long way, and a good place | | | | an area where your trees are exposed to heavy |
| to start is with mulching. | | | | winds from hurricanes or other storms. In any of |
| Mulching - An Inexpensive and Effective Tool | | | | these cases, a certified arborist can give you the |
| Mulch comes in many different types and can be | | | | best advice on how to treat, or better yet, prevent |
| purchased at a variety of home improvement or | | | | problems your trees might face from their |
| hardware stores. According to Clemson Extension's | | | | environment. |
| Home and Garden Information Center, mulch | | | | Proper Thinning of Trees |
| prevents water loss, reduces the growth of weeds, | | | | Oftentimes there is a need to thin out some less |
| and blocks damage to trees and shrubs from lawn | | | | desirable trees so that other trees can grow |
| mowers and trimmers. If the mulch has a fine | | | | properly. Some of the large majestic oaks you see |
| texture you will want to spread it two to three | | | | have reached their stature because they have been |
| inches deep. Any deeper and you can cause damage | | | | given room to grow. When trees grow in a |
| due to lack of airflow. Coarser mulches can be laid up | | | | forest-type back yard, they generally grow tall and |
| to four inches deep because air is able to move | | | | skinny. This is because they are racing for the light. It |
| through them more freely, but be careful not to | | | | is almost a story of survival of the fittest. Sunlight |
| exceed the root flare. This curved part of the tree | | | | and the photosynthesis process are just as important |
| where the stalk flares out to the roots should still | | | | for trees as the need for water and nutrients in the |
| been seen. Any higher and you'll risk choking the tree. | | | | soil. A certified arborist can help you identify the |
| Pruning Ensures Growth and Health | | | | types of trees in your yard and recommend which to |
| Pruning is another good way to preserve trees. | | | | thin out so that generations to come can enjoy giant |
| Sometimes pruning is necessary to remove damaged | | | | oaks, maples and other stately trees. |
| limbs or disease so that it doesn't spread. Your trees | | | | Trees add so much to your home. From seedlings to |
| may also need pruning to maintain their shape or size. | | | | maturity they will continue to give beauty, energy |
| The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) | | | | savings, and pleasure if they are properly preserved. |
| advises, "Pruning mature trees may require special | | | | Take a walk around your yard today to see if your |
| equipment, training, and experience. If the pruning | | | | trees are in need of a little TLC. |