Dead Trees/ Snags

I'm often asked when do dead trees need to be removed, and do they always need to come out. The answer typically involves the location of the dead tree(s) and the potential targets should the tree experience a failure level event. Dead trees located near walkways, parking lots, busy streets or anywhere that could cause damage to people or property should be removed. If the likelihood of injury or damage to property resulting from a dead tree's disintegration is minimal the tree can/should be preserved as a snag/home for wildlife. Generally, these trees will be in isolated locations, such as natural areas or heavily wooded areas of parks. Snags provide shelter and cover for multiple species and are an important part of the natural environment. To learn more about tree snags please visit the below websites:

Photographs used courtesy of Donna Bollenbach FNPS and Savaatree.com


https://www.nwf.org/Garden-for-Wildlife/Cover/Trees-and-Snags
http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/snags/
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw175
http://fnpsblog.blogspot.com/2016/12/dont-cut-down-that-snag.html

The Liberty Tree

I came across a very interesting article concerning American history as it relates to one tree in particular. The Liberty tree is mentioned quite often in American history (subject of a poem "Liberty Tree" by Thomas Paine) and was a site of many very important protests including the Stamp Act. One of the most telling quotes originated with Thomas Jefferson who stated "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure". The Liberty elm tree was originally located in Boston Massachusetts on the Boston common and was felled in 1775 by British troops. Plans are underway to renovate Liberty Tree Plaza including installation of a new elm tree. To learn more about the history of the Liberty Tree please visit the below web links:

Images used courtesy of Wordpress and Smithsonian.com

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/story-behind-forgotten-symbol-american-revolution-liberty-tree-180959162/

http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/educational-resources/article-liberty-tree.shtml

Tree Pruning Safety/ ISA Certified Arborists

 Anytime you are considering having your trees pruned remember to hire an ISA Certified Arborist with proper training and liability insurance. These are individuals/companies with the expertise and knowledge to best manage your tree canopy needs. Tree pruning is second only to electric utility work as one of the most hazardous occupations and should only be performed by those with the knowledge/experience to do it properly. However, should you choose to prune trees by yourself some common sense advice includes staying away from any tree within 15-30 feet of overhead utility lines, using proper protective equipment (hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, chaps etc.), using sharp and proper tools (don't use a machete to prune small tree branches, use hand pruners/lopper instead) and consult with an ISA Certified Arborist and or County Extension personnel with knowledge of proper tree pruning methods/techniques. Typically less is more when it comes to tree pruning and often times the only work needed is to remove deadwood/defects or to achieve clearance. When shortcuts are taken or you utilize an unlicensed/untrained individual or company bad things can happen. Please visit the links below to learn more about the consequences.

Images courtesy of Homestead Tree Service and Marin Independent Journal

http://fox8.com/2017/11/14/one-worker-killed-one-injured-while-trimming-tree-in-akron/

http://wbtw.com/2017/11/16/man-dies-after-falling-from-tree-in-socastee/

https://www.tcia.org/TCIA/Blog_Items/2016/An_Analysis_of_Civilian_Tree_Care_Accidents_in_2015.aspx

Veteran's Day and Tying a Yellow Ribbon Around An Oak Tree

In honor of our Veteran military heroes I thought I'd delve into history and write a bit about where the tie a yellow ribbon around a tree tradition came from. It has its most recent roots in a song from 1973 and how it related to the Iranian Hostage Crisis in 1979. The song was entitled "Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak tree" by Dawn. Since that time tying a yellow ribbon around an oak tree has become synonymous with supporting the military especially for troops stationed overseas. To learn more about the tradition and to support our troops I have included a link to the Yellow Ribbon Foundation and an article on the origins below.

http://www.yellowribbonfund.org/
https://wp.yellowribbonamerica.org/history-of-the-yellow-ribbon/

Halloween Lore as It Relates to Trees and Plants

As Halloween is right around the corner I thought it would be fun to bring some of it's tree/plant related history to the front. Many of us have Halloween traditions which have included trick or treating, pumpkin carving and putting up decorations in our trees and yards. But were you aware that most of these traditions are based in history dating back to the Romans and Celtics and the festivals of Samhain and Pamona which celebrated the harvest and Summer's end. Enjoy the below article which delves into much greater detail on the history of Halloween and the influence of trees.

http://www.learn2grow.com/gardeningguides/seasonalgardening/holiday/HalloweenPlantsLore.aspx

Another Example of Taking Extreme Measures to Preserve A Tree

Preservation of mature tree canopy is of utmost importance when developing a property site, as the elder statesmen add character and provide extensive environmental benefits. However, in some instances it is not feasible to preserve existing large canopy trees and tree relocation is an excellent alternative. Relocations of large "Specimen" type trees have always fascinated me. The most important factor is preserving as much of the root zone area as possible which can lead to a very heavy tree and complications with relocation logistics. In the below story a 200 year old green buttonwood tree weighing in excess of 48,000 lbs. is being relocated from private property to a City Park. This involves use of a heavy duty crane, significant root pruning and transportation by barge. A web link to the original article is included below:

Photograph Used Courtesy of Andres Leiva/Daily News

http://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/news/local/mighty-crane-needed-move-giant-tree-bradley-park-palm-beach/UcGoMJNV1cw68haQ75g4UP/

Can Trees Actually Protect Your Home from Hurricanes?

Trees have many benefits including providing oxygen, habitat for wildlife, shade, cooler temperatures etc.. But did you know that trees also can protect you and your property from storms and hurricanes? Groups of trees properly planted together can provide a wind break, and buffer each other from the effects of high winds. During a hurricane this can mean the difference from an intact home to one that loses its roof and sustains significant wind related damage. Trees can also prevent soil erosion from sudden rain events and floods, as their root systems help stabilize the soil profile. While we continue to recover from the effects of this year's hurricane events, keep in mind all the benefits trees provide. I have included some additional links with further details on how trees can provide protection from storm events below.

http://www.bigblogofgardening.com/how-trees-protect-your-home-by-slowing-wind-speed-soil-erosion-and-water-runoff/
https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1240

Stormwise South Florida Landscapes

http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/planting/planting-and-establishing-trees.html