Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, March 10, 1995 TAG: 9503140005
SECTION: LAWN & GARDEN PAGE: L&G-9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BETSY BIESENBACH STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Trees convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and they provide a place for the squirrels and birds to live. Cats like to run up them when they're being chased by dogs and children love to climb them.
Studies show that just looking at a picture of a tree can raise a person's spirits, said Roanoke County Forester Bob Boeren. "Aesthetically, they're very pleasing."
Many homeowners take their trees for granted, not realizing that - like the lawn, the shrubs and the garden - trees need attention, too.
Ignoring trees can be a big mistake, he said, because in addition to everything else they do, trees add value to property. A wooded lot is often worth more than a bare one, he said, because most people prefer to have trees around.
The most important aspect of tree care is proper pruning, Boeren said, and this is a job that is best done by a professional arborist. Although most tree services will do pruning, only a handful of operators in this area are certified arborists, and Boeren keeps a list of them at his office at the Department of Forestry.
Boeren is a certified arborist. Although he won't prune a tree for a homeowner, those determined to do the job themselves can make an appointment to have him come over and tell them what needs to be done. This service is free of charge, and he usually can schedule an appointment within a week or two.
Anyone not professionally trained "will harm your tree," he said.
Trees near power lines should never be topped or "hatracked" he said. It is best not to plant near power lines at all, or to plant small species near them.
Homeowners also should be careful not to damage a tree's roots while mowing or working in the yard. Covering the roots with concrete or a shed may suffocate the tree, he said.
It's a good idea to mulch around trees, too, Boeren said. This cuts down on competition among trees, grass and weeds, and also keeps the lawn mower and the string trimmer at a safe distance. Once a tree's bark is damaged around its circumference, or girdled, "the tree is gone," he said.
Keeping grass away from the tree also is good for fertilizing, he said. If the fertilizer is spread over grass, the grass will get it first and it may never reach the tree. Some tree fertilizers can harm the grass as well, he said.
A good nitrogen fertilizer is all a tree needs, he said, and the Extension Service has information on types and amounts to use.
When watering a tree, it is important to water it deeply and infrequently, rather than a little bit at a time each day. Deep watering encourages deep root growth, he said. Watering too often can cause the roots to begin to rot.
The best times for planting and fertilizing trees in this part of the country are in the spring and fall, he said. Planting at other times places too much stress on a tree.
Before planting a tree, Boeren said, it's important to research the species carefully. The biggest mistake some homeowners make is to plant the wrong species for the soil and weather conditions.
by CNB