Insects and microorganisms are not the real cause or starting point of many tree problems. These organisms are often secondary agents that attack weakened, wounded, improperly treated, neglected and generally unhealthy trees.

Poor tree health is a major worldwide problem. Fighting the secondary agents that are often very obvious, or the symptoms of poor health, will not solve the basic problem. We must start now to attack the real causes: the starting points of poor health. The major organisms responsible are PEOPLE! Once we recognize that we are often the problem, we can do much to solve it. Here are some brief guidelines for you, the homeowner, that will help you keep your trees beautiful, safe and healthy.

GIVE TREES A GOOD START:
Plant the right tree in the right place. Do not plant...

• Pin oaks in alkaline soils
• Trees in old alkaline building rubble
• Willows in dry soils, pines in wet soils
• Birches in shade, dogwoods in unprotected open sites
• Learn the biological requirements of your trees. Do not plant unless you plan to maintain.

PLANT PROPERLY:
Do not...

• Crowd trees in small holes with compacted soil.
• Over-amend the soil with humus.
• Fertilize at planting time.
• Do prune dead and dying branches and roots.

KEEP GRASS AWAY:
Do not...

• Water grass heavily near trees that normally grow on dry sites.
• Line grass heavily near trees that grow best in acid soils.
• Wound trees with lawnmowers and other machines.
• Heavy use of herbicides may harm trees.

BRACE, BUT NOT TOO TIGHTLY:
Do not...

• Tie young trees so tightly that they do not move.
• Leave braces on after tree is established.
• Kill bark with cords, wires, bands, etc.

PREVENT WOUNDS:
Do not...

• Allow anyone to climb your tree with spikes.
• Allow heavy construction machines near your tree.
• Park cars near trees.

Help Trees Stay Healthy!

Before you fertilize or consider treatments for microelement problems, have a soil test done. Your trees may require soil acidification before fertilization, or treatment for microelement problems. Fertilizers add elements essential for healthy growth. Fertilizers are not tree food!

Trees get their energy from the sun. Leaves and needles trap energy in a molecule of sugar. Sugar is tree food. Keep leaves and needles healthy by timely treatments so trees can get their food. Keep soils free of compaction so roots can get water and essential elements. Do not over fertilize.

Some insects and microorganisms DO start tree problems. When in doubt about what to do, contact the extension agents from your county, state or university, or ask the United State Forest Service or professional arborists.