 Lincoln is recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation as
a "Tree City," a community that encourages tree growth and
maintenance.The city is responsible for many of the trees along
city streets and even some in lawns. Jackson said the rule of thumb
is: If the tree is between the water meter in the lawn and the
street, the tree probably belongs to the city.
This can be an advantage to the homeowner, because if you see a
problem with a tree, you can call on the city to evaluate the tree,
and if need be, take it down.
Mathon said they will first go see if the tree is the city's
responsibility. If it's "too close to call," the city will go ahead
and take responsibility because it is a liability issue if they
don't.
However, if the tree is clearly on the homeowner's property, that
doesn't mean Jackson won't take a look and offer an opinion. He said
he's happy to talk to homeowners about their trees anytime they have
a concern.
Jackson also explained the process if they do have to remove a
tree. First, the tree is cut and debris removed. He prefers to give
the stump some time, generally four to six months, to die out and
soften before removing it. Once that is done, the city will bring in
a new planting.
When trying to decide whether a tree is beyond the stage of
saving, Jackson uses the "four D's": "dead, dying, diseased or
dangerous." If the tree fits into one of these criteria, then it may
be time to take the tree down and start with a new planting.
Sometimes all the tree really needs is a little pruning. Jackson
said he hates to see anyone "top" a tree. A sheared-off tree looks
unnatural. He said if a tree needs to be cut back, the city will
have it done in a manner that maintains the natural shape of the
tree.
For homeowners, Jackson said pruning can be as simple as taking
out the dead areas with a pruning saw. Also, remove any small limbs
that are growing downward.
One thing Jackson would like to see is for homeowners to plant
more shade trees. Smaller decorative and exotic trees are very
attractive, but they don't often get large enough to have any
shading benefit.
A tree that is large enough to provide shade can cool a home and
ultimately lower air-conditioning costs on hot summer days.
On the other hand, a common mistake made when planting a tree
that will continue to grow for years is to not realize how large
that tree may be at maturity. Jackson said he often sees trees that
have been planted too close to fences or even homes. As they grow to
maturity, the trees will cause numerous issues for the homeowner.
The city of Lincoln typically plants trees in the spring.
However, this is done knowing the city is going to make a solid
commitment to watering daily.
[to top of second column] |
For homeowners who work full-time jobs and maintain hectic
schedules, this may be a difficult task. In those cases, the best
time of the year to plant could be in the fall.
Jackson said trees planted in the fall should still be given
abundant water, but daily watering can be skipped or cut back to
three to four times a week. Mathon said to expect to water until the
time when temperatures reach freezing.
Once a tree is in the ground, with a watering routine
established, the next step to a healthy tree is to make sure it is
well fed.
Jackson said a mistake often made by homeowners is the placement
of tree fertilizer stakes. Before you pound that fertilizer stake
down into the ground, look up and observe the canopy of the tree.
The root system is going to be spread out in a very similar fashion
to the canopy. The nutrients need to be placed in the vicinity of
root growth. Walk away from the trunk until you reach the limb span
edge, and then drive your spikes. This rule is true for young and
mature trees. Spikes should be placed farther from the trunk each
time the tree is fertilized.
Keeping your trees beautiful and healthy adds to the value of
your home. Realtors often note "tree-shaded lot" or "abundant trees"
in their listings. Jackson said a good rule of thumb is that each
shade tree on your lot will increase the value of your property by
$1,500.
Note: Jackson said homeowners can plant any species of tree
they wish on their own property. There is, however, a list of
approved trees that will be planted on city property. To view the
list of trees the city plants, visit this link:
http://www.sterlingcodifiers.com/codebook/
index.php?book_id=408&Itemid=81
(Title 8 - Public Ways and Property > Chapter 8: Trees)
[By NILA SMITH]
Visit the
2012 Spring Home & Garden Magazine for these great articles:
-
A fresh coat of paint
-
Marrying technology
and decorating
-
Lighting your
interior
-
Creating a cool
breeze
-
Weekend warrior takes
on the bath
-
Manicuring the lawn
-
Happy trees
-
New outdoor blooms
and foliage
-
Attracting
butterflies to your yard
|
