Protecting landscapes
Prevent
injuries to plants by fencing off landscape plants beyond
their drip line during construction. Avoid compacting soil
near trees, and aerate soils that are, or become, surface
compacted. Make pruning cuts properly, just outside the branch
collar. Keep weed trimmers and lawn mowers away from trunks.
Choose plants that are well adapted to local environmental
conditions so that they are less likely to be injured by
sunlight, temperature, or moisture extremes. Provide proper
cultural care so plants are less likely to be injured and
better able to tolerate damage.
Damaged or unhealthy trees that may fall over or drop limbs
are hazardous. In more natural settings, dead or declining
trees provide benefits such as wildlife habitat and recycled
nutrients. In urban or recreational areas, hazardous trees
can injure people or damage property. Look for dead or dying
limbs, wounds, cankers, and mushrooms or other decay fruiting
bodies around the tree base or on bark. Some hazards are
difficult to detect, such as internal decay or unhealthy
roots. Correct any hazardous conditions; replace the plant
where necessary. |
A hazardous tree |
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