Winds of hurricane velocity accompanied by heavy rain occurred throughout much of New England, New York, and Pennsylvania during the Thanksgiving weekend. Extensive damage occurred to shade and ornamental trees.
In addition to breaking branches and trunks, many trees were uprooted, and others tipped at severe angles.
Some of the trees were so severely damaged that they would have to be removed, but many can be repaired, and some can be straightened up and guyed. However, these trees will regain their vigor and beauty only if they receive expert care and attention.
Shade and ornamental trees in villages and cities, on estates, and along the roadside frequently grow under adverse conditions, and many are not in the best of health.
Wind damage may result in these trees’ rapid deterioration unless they receive exceptional care.
Unusual Problems With Wind-Damaged Trees
Wind-damaged trees present unusual problems. These include:
- Wounds need to be shaped
- Jagged silvery wood ought to be smoothed
- Branch stubs must be removed
- Weakened and split crotches should be strengthened
- Cables may need to be installed
- Twisted branches require particular attention
- Proper amounts of suitable fertilizers may be needed
This only works for an untrained, inexperienced laborer, gardener, or another employee.
It requires the services of a thoroughly experienced, competent arborist who possesses the proper equipment for such specialized work.
Trees Are Living Tilings
Like any other living organism, trees are subject to acute and chronic diseases and accidental injuries. Although they do not react to injuries as quickly as animals, they are affected just as definitely and seriously.
The basic life processes of plants and animals are very similar, and injured individuals of either kind respond equally to expert treatment.
For instance, the veterinarian may prescribe an iron compound as a medication for a sick dog; it is equally possible that the informed arborist will prescribe an iron medication for an ill pin oak!
The veterinarian can set a broken leg of an animal; a skilled arborist can repair and cable an injured branch if its removal would mar the beauty of a valuable tree.
Suppose it is essential to employ the services of a specialist (a veterinarian) for a sick animal pet. In that case, it is equally important to use a specialist (the arborist or tree expert) to care for a favorite shade tree in poor health.
Whereas veterinarians are licensed to practice only after they take special scientific training and meet specific other requirements, few states, cities, or communities require tree experts to be approved or demonstrate any scientific knowledge of trees.
Consequently, many uninformed individuals set themselves up as “tree experts.” Thus, it behooves a homeowner who needs the services of a tree expert to investigate the professional claims of any arborist who is a stranger in the community and who has not previously built up a reputation for excellent work.
Records Of Tree Experts
Better Business Bureaus frequently have records of tree experts working in their vicinity. In addition, arborists who carry current membership cards in the National Shade Tree Conference have been carefully investigated before they are allowed membership in that national organization.
Standard prices for tree care may seem high. However, a good arborist has a high investment in equipment that depreciates rapidly,
He must carry very costly insurance for his employees and to protect his clients’ property; his labor costs are high; his work is more or less seasonal, and he must make a profit to remain in business.
Local arborists’ service and consulting charges are as reasonable as possible because their future business depends upon satisfactory service for a justified cost. Low-cost service by itinerant workers is almost always expensive.
Good shade and well-placed ornamental trees are valuable assets to any property. Keeping such trees in good health and repairing them when damaged is a good investment. Every good investment justifies expert opinion and service.
For exceptional care of valuable trees, employ an arborist or tree expert who has the community a reputation for excellent work.
44659 by Ray R. Hirt