July 2024 CT

Three Approaches for Stewardship of TREES By Michael Falciola, Bartlett Tree Experts

B enjamin Franklin wisely once stated, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” No one likes failure and nearly everyone wants to be part of something successful. As a decision maker in your community, you know that planning is one of the key ingredients to success. Unfortunately, many communities are unaware how to properly plan to steward the green assets under their care. Many communities take a reactive approach to tree and shrub care, addressing issues only as they arise. Some examples of this would include only calling out a tree care provider when branches fall, trees die, or limbs start to rub on siding and gutters. How can you break this cycle? This article will provide three options for stewarding your tree and shrub assets. Each of these options should be carried out by a qualified practitioner, namely a Certified Arborist. First off, what is a Certified Arborist? A Certified Arborist is a tree care practitioner who obtained credentialing

through training and knowledge in all aspects of arboricul ture. These individuals understand tree biology, tree iden tification, soil management, pruning techniques, diagnosis and treatment, tree risk and several other related catego ries. By enlisting the help of Certified Arborist, you gain a far greater level of confidence that your trees and shrubs will be stewarded at a higher level. Simple approach: Annual inspections Take action: Set up annual walk-through inspections of your community. Doing these at least once a year is a good start. Performing these in dormancy is great because often an arborist can devote more time to assess and develop a program of care. A superior approach is to do a mid-sum mer walk through as well to identify any needs that may have arisen over the course of the growing season. To maximize the effectiveness of the walk through, have a list of areas or items of concern. Additionally, have a line item in your budget devoted to tree and shrub care steward CONTINUES ON PAGE 26

appleuzr/Digital Vision Vectors/Getty Images Plus

24

JULY 2024