GARDEN COLUMN FOR SALISBURY POST

Darrell Blackwelder

November 20, 2003

    The winter ice storm last year has many concerned about protecting their homes and property by pruning trees. The most prevalent question is when is the best time to top trees. Paranoid tree owners want to eliminate danger of falling trees or limbs by severely topping or "dehorning" large shade trees. Topping shade trees is NOT a recommended practice. Severely pruned trees often go into shock and are slow to recover. Some trees will never recover. Topping disfigures the natural appearance of shade trees, producing rapid growth and weak water sprouts. Insect and disease have an open season on severely pruned trees. Weakened shade trees attract secondary insects that feed on declining trees. Trees in state of decline NEVER recover.

    However, judicious pruning of damaged or weak tree limbs or pruning to shape a tree is instrumental in promoting healthy shade tree growth and proper development. Damaged limbs and branches must be removed to prevent further injury to the tree or to surrounding property. Some larger trees have damage lingering from last year that need attention. Large shade trees can be judiciously pruned almost any time during the dormant season. A qualified arborist, or in many instances, a landscape maintenance professional, may assist the homeowner in assessing damage and removal of damaged branches or limbs. Listed below are nine steps in selecting a qualified arborist.

    1. Check the telephone directory listings under tree, tree service or tree care. Established arborists or tree maintenance companies will be listed in the advertisement section.

    2. Beware of "door knockers". Often, unscrupulous tree care people frighten homeowners into unnecessary pruning. The elderly are first to fall prey to these people. Doorknockers usually arrive after a severe storm, seeking a chance to earn quick money. Reputable businesses have all the business they can handle without going door to door.    

3. Never be rushed into making a quick decision by a bargain. It takes many years to grow a tree. Take your time when deciding about trimming or removal. Also, never pay for tree work in advance.

4. Ask the tree service for proof of insurance. Make sure that there is proof for liability for personal and property damage.

5. References from friends and neighbors are the best method of assessing an arborist's work. Take time to examine their work. Experience and reputation are positive signs of a qualified person.

6. Have more than one arborist or landscape professional assess the job and give an estimate. Don't expect them to match other bids. Two or more opinions will be worth the extra effort.

7. A knowledgeable arborist rarely recommends topping shade trees. Shade trees are topped only when the crown is seriously injured from an ice storm or wind, threatening life, property or the tree itself.

8. Beware of arborists' eager to remove a live tree. In most instances, removal of a live tree should be the last resort.

9. Qualified arborists offer a full range of services. Pruning, fertilization, insect and disease control and lightning protection are some of the services. Arborists should have a certified public pesticide operator license, licensed by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, if pesticides are to be used.