What Grows Up – Must Come Down

by Rick · October 3, 2017

Trenching is harmful since most tree roots are in the top 12 – 18 inches of soil

In The Garden – By Stephen and Kristin Pategas

In your lifetime, numerous trees that you become attached to will reach the end of their life span. In fact, if a tree reaches its lofty height and spread it is likely that it is already reaching maturity. This is followed by the onset of either a natural slow decline or, if it is compromised, by a rapid or even instant death. This is especially true for trees in more urbanized settings where their growing conditions are not ideal and at times horrendous. Natural hazards include lightning, which has the power to instantly kill a tree; hurricanes, which can topple or weaken a tree; or diseases, often carried by insects.

Situations to avoid – many are created by construction work or improper care:

Soil compaction
Root damage
Chemicals dumped on the ground
Alteration of the soil pH (concrete products are alkaline and increase the pH)
Damage to the trunk
Improper pruning
Removal of large limbs which are unlikely to seal over and provide entry points for pathogens
Use of sealers on wounds or cuts or filling cavities with foam

Cutting major roots can destabilize a tree and cause it to topple

What to look for:

Loss of foliage
Thinning of the canopy with dieback on the ends of the branches as the tree marshals its reserves to protect its main trunk
Discoloration on the bark coming from areas where trunks or large branches are joined
Shedding of limbs as the tree’s health declines
Shedding of bark

What to do:

Find out the optimal pH for the tree you have or want to plant and have the soil tested through the Orange County Extension Service. Sometimes amendments can be added to adjust the pH.
During construction, protect trees with barriers that keep vehicles, workers, debris, and chemicals well away from the trunks. Damaging the tree roots can destabilize the tree and cause them to topple.
Schedule regular inspections by a certified arborist and have branches removed before they drop.
At some point, removal of the whole tree becomes the best course of action.
Contact your municipality to obtain a tree removal permit. The permit process should include instructions on what type of replacement is required. In some cases when it is not possible to plant another tree on the property, a payment into a “tree fund” can be made.

In decline in 2014, this tree is now hazardous three years later

What to do if it is on adjacent property:

Have a conversation with the property owner.
Typically, homeowners’ property insurance policies will not cover damage to the property if it is not a structure.
If there is damage to an insured structure you will be responsible for the damage and your deductible unless prior to any damage occurring you send a certified letter noting your concerns to the neighboring property owner along with a copy to your own insurance company.
If there is damage to your property, insist that your insurance company seek compensation from the neighboring property owner’s insurance company.

Some trees are the largest and oldest living objects on the planet. With proper selection, planting, pruning, and care even urban trees can live long lives. To provide environmental, aesthetic, and financial benefits – plant trees now to plan for future loss.

Hortus Oasis (FL26000315) in Winter Park is a boutique garden design company specializing in residential, commercial and specialty gardens. Stephen is a registered landscape architect and Kristin is a certified landscape designer. Contact them at Hortus Oasis (FL26000315) in Winter Park is a boutique garden design company specializing in residential, commercial, and specialty gardens. Stephen is a registered landscape architect and Kristin is a certified landscape designer. Contact them at 407-622-4886/ [email protected].

*All photography by Stephen G. Pategas/Hortus Oasis