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