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Fluctuations may have caused some plants to become stressed. Many landscape plants have the ability to
overcome whatever Mother Nature can throw at them. However, trees and shrubs which are borderline due to
improper planting, poor cultural practices, or the wrong plant in the wrong location may show signs of decline
much later in the season. The best defense against harsh weather conditions is to be certain that our trees and
shrubs are in the best condition possible.
Some suggestions on how to have your plants in shape are:
1. Proper mulching to protect roots from weather extremes. A mulch layer of 2"-4" is best
keeping the mulch 4 inches away from the bark.
2. Plant the right plant in the right place. For example: White pines (Pinus strobus) do not like
"wet-feet" (roots in water-logged soil) so avoid planting them in areas where drainage is poor
3. Plant trees and shrubs which are native and are not outside their "range" for example:
White birch (Betula papyrifera) is subject to borers in our area. There are newer cultivars which are less prone
to borer attacks
4. Insects and diseases weaken plants, so controlling them is important as well.
overcome whatever Mother Nature can throw at them. However, trees and shrubs which are borderline due to
improper planting, poor cultural practices, or the wrong plant in the wrong location may show signs of decline
much later in the season. The best defense against harsh weather conditions is to be certain that our trees and
shrubs are in the best condition possible.
Some suggestions on how to have your plants in shape are:
1. Proper mulching to protect roots from weather extremes. A mulch layer of 2"-4" is best
keeping the mulch 4 inches away from the bark.
2. Plant the right plant in the right place. For example: White pines (Pinus strobus) do not like
"wet-feet" (roots in water-logged soil) so avoid planting them in areas where drainage is poor
3. Plant trees and shrubs which are native and are not outside their "range" for example:
White birch (Betula papyrifera) is subject to borers in our area. There are newer cultivars which are less prone
to borer attacks
4. Insects and diseases weaken plants, so controlling them is important as well.
The process of photosynthesis in the leaves and nutrient uptake from the
roots. The maintenance task, therefore, is to provide the tree with the optimum set
of conditions to promote these processes.
As an Arborist, or as a land owner, we have a few tools and procedures at
our disposal to assist the mature tree not only compete in the environment but
also thrive. Trees naturally shed parts as they grow, sloughing off portions which
no longer provide for the common good of the tree. Pruning is a useful process in
assisting the tree in removing these unwanted parts. Trees require elements and
nutrients which they obtain from the soil.
These materials are transported from the soil to the tree through the root system.
This process works well if the soil has the proper amount of elements, organic
material, air space and water. Trees naturally grow in a wooded environment
where the shed leaves and limbs are recycled for nutrients. Beneficial organisms
live in the soil and the soil is kept loose and open. Unfortunately most landscape
trees deal with compact soil which has had all the organic material removed and
replaced with turf grass which aggressively competes for the available nutrients
and water. Trees require elements and nutrients which they obtain from the soil.
These materials are transported from the soil to the tree through the root system.
This process works well if the soil has the proper amount of elements, organic
material, air space and water. Trees naturally grow in a wooded environment
where the shed leaves and limbs are recycled for nutrients. Beneficial organisms
live in the soil and the soil is kept loose and open. Unfortunately most landscape
trees deal with compact soil which has had all the organic material removed and
replaced with turf grass which aggressively competes for the available nutrients
and water.
roots. The maintenance task, therefore, is to provide the tree with the optimum set
of conditions to promote these processes.
As an Arborist, or as a land owner, we have a few tools and procedures at
our disposal to assist the mature tree not only compete in the environment but
also thrive. Trees naturally shed parts as they grow, sloughing off portions which
no longer provide for the common good of the tree. Pruning is a useful process in
assisting the tree in removing these unwanted parts. Trees require elements and
nutrients which they obtain from the soil.
These materials are transported from the soil to the tree through the root system.
This process works well if the soil has the proper amount of elements, organic
material, air space and water. Trees naturally grow in a wooded environment
where the shed leaves and limbs are recycled for nutrients. Beneficial organisms
live in the soil and the soil is kept loose and open. Unfortunately most landscape
trees deal with compact soil which has had all the organic material removed and
replaced with turf grass which aggressively competes for the available nutrients
and water. Trees require elements and nutrients which they obtain from the soil.
These materials are transported from the soil to the tree through the root system.
This process works well if the soil has the proper amount of elements, organic
material, air space and water. Trees naturally grow in a wooded environment
where the shed leaves and limbs are recycled for nutrients. Beneficial organisms
live in the soil and the soil is kept loose and open. Unfortunately most landscape
trees deal with compact soil which has had all the organic material removed and
replaced with turf grass which aggressively competes for the available nutrients
and water.
These adverse soil conditions are the greatest contributor to the decline of mature trees. For the manager of these trees it
is important to identify the soil conditions and prescribe remediation procedures. Among the most useful procedures are: soil
analysis, removal of turf grass around the base of the tree, soil amendments, soil aeration using an air spade and applying an
organic mulch.
Soil analysis is useful to determine the fertility of the soil and the need, if any, of applying soil amendments such as lime,
sulfur or other fertilizers. Removing turf grass from around the tree removes the competition of the aggressive grass from the
trees roots. Aeration loosens the compacted soil to provide for a better environment for root growth and for soil organisms
such as worms, beneficial fungi and bacteria and soil insects. The air spade is an instrument which uses forced air to loosen the
soil while not damaging the roots. Finally adding mulch recreates the natural environment by adding organic material which
helps to feed the soil microbes which add nutrients to the soil for the trees. In addition, mulch helps to maintain soil moisture
and reduces fluctuations in soil temperature. Mulch also assists in keeping the soil loose and free from competing plants such
as grass.
Big “O” Tree and Lawn Service provides these services as a part of a long term process to maintain mature trees. These
mature trees are a valuable asset to any property, which with proper care can perform well for many years. Mature trees
which are not properly maintained begin to decline, become an eye sore and a hazard and eventually reduce the value of your
property.
| Kappa Alpha National Headquarters- Lexington,VA. |
| Mature Tree Care Sten Cempe |
On Friday April 28, 2006 I spent a wonderful day teaching 4th grade science classes at Riverheads Elementary School. Science
teacher Mrs. Leonard had asked if I could come to RES to teach on trees; how they worked and to demonstrate to the students
the practical parts of the science they were learning.
I was very pleased with the behavior of the students. They were very attentive, answered questions and would interact in a
respectful way. I commend the administration and staff of RES for their fine work. I am especially pleased with the school
because my children have all attended and my daughter is currently in the 4th grade class.
We began our classes with an overview of how trees work beginning with Photosynthesis at the leaves and working our way
down to how roots and soil associates like earthworms and fungus all work together to make the tree grow. We discussed the
many different ways trees are important, such as animal habitat, food, shade, cleaning the air, producing oxygen, and for their
beauty.
The students learned that roots grow a long way from the tree (up to 2-5 times the canopy width from the trunk). They
learned how some fungus is helpful to trees (mycorhizae), by assisting them in absorption of water and nutrients. We also
discussed trees in the landscape and their interaction with houses, roads and electrical lines.
In the end all, including Mrs. Leonard, had learned some interesting facts about trees. In addition they were able to
review some of the things they had learned earlier in the year. Finally I learned that we have some very capable teachers and the
world's best students. These students were witty, friendly, courteous, and intelligent. They had good answers to questions and
well thought out questions about our subject. We are truly blessed in this country to have dedicated people such as Mrs.
Leonard who love their students and the work they do. My hat is off to the whole staff of RES and to Principal Bob Bateman for a
job well done. We can all look forward to a bright future when we see the caliber of students in our Elementary schools. I
challenge all of us to spend some time with these students - whether elementary, middle, or high school - and encourage them.
Let's get behind these students and their teachers and all do our part to make their education the best it can be.
To Riverheads Elementary School 4th grade science classes, I say, "Thank you" for a wonderful day. I look forward to teaching at
your school again. Finally to Mrs. Leonard, thank you for your dedication and for the opportunity to spend a day in your class.