Karen Reichenbach: Right Tree, Right Place

We know here in the Village of Flower Hill that Hurricane Sandy took a toll on community trees, putting our safety and property at risk.

An excellent article appeared in a recent Time Magazine online “Ideas” blog entitled “When Trees Become Lethal.” The author points out that it is important that the discussion about urban forestry not end when the storm damaged trees are cleared.

We must ask the question: “What we can do to take better care of our trees, both to minimize risk and fully enjoy their enormous benefits.” We must address healthcare for trees and planting viability.

Regular pruning and maintenance, and hiring professionals when help is needed is a good way to keep trees healthy. Hiring cheap assistance from people without the proper credentials is a mistake. To keep trees viable you must plant the right tree in the right place. Roots need the space to grow, and trees that tower over homes and utility lines put power and property at risk during disasters.

Rather than immediately remove a damaged tree, the CEO of the Arbor Day Foundation, America’s largest organization dedicated to planting and caring for trees, recommends patience.

“Trees are amazingly resilient and many recover over time with proper care," John Rosenow said. "The urge to do something immediately is strong, but people should try to be patient. As long as there isn’t an immediate physical risk from a damaged tree, many times it’s best to keep the tree for now and determine the course of action later.”

If a tree is not a hazard, take some time to make sure it gets the care it needs. It’s OK to wait a few weeks or months before a final decision is made on the fate of the tree. A good rule of thumb on whether a tree can survive is it must still have at least 50 percent of its crown (branches and leaves). A tree with less than half of its branches remaining may not be able to produce enough foliage to nourish the tree another season.

If a tree requires immediate attention, the Arbor Day Foundation recommends hiring a qualified arborist. Arborists are recommended for work off the ground, if a tree is leaning against wires, structures or other trees, if utility lines or structures are endangered or if a chainsaw is needed. The Village office has a copy of local certified arborists distributed by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County.

We need to learn how to better live with our trees and move away from our simplistic understanding of them. Yes, trees are pretty and useful but they’re also a responsibility that too often people shirk. We have to show respect to these giant, powerful beings around us.

They do so much for us. Let’s do more for them.

Reprinted from the Village of Flower Hill newsletter with permission of Trustee Karen Reichenbach.