Tree Care

Tree Identification

What is that tree with the beautiful white flowers? What is that tree with the wide-spreading branches? Take a stroll around your town or a drive across the state and you may ask yourself these, and other, questions about the numerous types of trees you will see.

There are hundreds of tree species in Nebraska and across the United States. The following Web sites are guides to tree identification.

 Tree Selection

When properly cared for, trees can provide benefits for generations, so deciding which tree to plant takes careful consideration. When you begin thinking about planting a tree, ask yourself the following questions:

• Why am I planting the tree(s)?
• What type of tree or shrub do I want to plant?
• What are the characteristics of the planting site?
• What is the condition of the soil in the planting site?
• How much time am I willing to spend maintaining the tree(s)?

Answering these questions will guide you as you begin your search for the right tree.

Factors such as the tree's function, form, size and location, as well as site characteristics, such as soil and environmental conditions, and pest and disease problems are all important.

Function

Will the tree be part of a windbreak or other conservation planting? Will it produce fruit, nuts or other useful products? Will it be an ornamental? Will it be planted to provide shade on sunny afternoons? Chances are, the tree will provide multiple functions.

Form & Size

Trees grow in seven basic forms: rounded, oval, pyramidal, spreading, ascending, weeping and columnar. Pay close attention to these when selecting a tree for your landscape. If a tree will be planted close to a building, a tree that grows in a columnar form will be more appropriate than a tree with a widely spreading canopy.

A tree's size is also an important consideration. Trees that grow to great heights should not be planted near the eaves of buildings or under power lines.

Location

Because trees grow both above and below ground, they will need room for both their canopies and root systems. Always consider the tree's natural width and height and give it enough space from the start. For example, planting trees too close to sidewalks or buildings may damage the tree and the building or sidewalk. As the tree grows, its powerful roots may cause the sidewalk to buckle and crack. Trees planted too close to buildings may have restricted root growth due to foundations.

Site Characteristics

There are several site characteristics to consider when you are selecting a tree:

• Soil quality has a major impact on tree health. Soil with poor drainage can submerge and suffocate roots. Dense, compacted soil will restrict root growth and limit the extent of the root system, often causing the tree to be susceptible to short droughts. Most Nebraska soils are quite fertile and do not require fertilization for trees, especially newly planted trees or those surrounded by fertilized lawn areas. If you suspect the soil in your area is of poor quality, contact your local extension forester for more information about soil testing and steps that can be taken to improve soil quality.
• Most trees require full sunlight for proper growth, but there are many species which will grow in partial, or even dense, shade. Determine how much sun your planting site receives each day before selecting a particular tree species.
• Wind can dry soil and cause erosion. High winds during storms can damage tree branches and even uproot newly planted trees. Newly planted trees should only be staked in areas where they are exposed to high winds and only until their root systems are established. Be sure to remove the staking after a year or two.
• The term " hardiness " refers to a tree's ability to survive in a certain winter climate. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has divided the United States into hardiness zones. When you select a tree, determine what hardiness zone you live in and choose a species that is adapted to that zone. Click here to determine the hardiness zone for your area.

Pest and Disease Problems

Trees are living organisms, each with particular disease or pest problems. The severity of pest and disease problems varies by species and location, so consult a certified arborist or your extension forester for information about species about tree pest and disease problems that are common in your area. You can avoid many insect or disease problems by choosing resistant varieties or cultivars.

Tree Planting

There are several steps involved with planting a tree. If followed properly, these steps greatly increase your tree's chances of thriving. Remember, before you dig call your utility locate. (click here for Digger's Hotline)

Tree Pruning

Trees may need pruning to maintain a particular shape, to remove diseased or dead branches, or to prevent them from touching power lines or rooftops. Pruning is also essential to promote fruit production and increase the value of timber. In fact, pruning is the most common tree care activity for landscape trees, but it should be done with caution. Improper pruning can result in tree damage or even death. When done properly, however, pruning can promote healthy tree growth and prevent tree hazards, such as falling branches.

Photosynthesis is the process by which trees manufacture energy for growth and maintenance. This process occurs in foliage, so pruning should be done carefully. Overpruning may inhibit a tree's ability to perform photosynthesis, thus limiting its ability to create foot and grow.

To view a presentation about pruning shrubs by Larry Sagers, Horticulture Extension Specialist at Utah State University, click here.

To view a presentation about pruning storm-damaged trees, click here. (Note: You will need Real Media player to view this video. If you do not have Real Media Player, you can download it for free at www.real.com.)

For more information on how to properly prune your trees, consult the publications below, or contact your local extension forester or arborist.

          








Tree Fertilizing

Fertile Nebraska soils will usually support healthy tree and shrub growth without the need for additional fertilization. If trees and shrubs display poor growth or reduced vigor, however, fertilization may be necessary, particularly in sandy soils or soils with a high pH.

Unnecessary or excessive fertilization can damage trees and shrubs, so be sure to have the soil tested to determine if fertilizer is needed and, if so, the necessary composition and amount of fertilizer to apply.

For more information on fertilizing your trees or shrubs, contact your local extension forester or arborist or consult the publications below.

 Tree Pests

Insects and diseases are a leading cause of damage, low vigor and death in trees. To maintain the health of your trees, it is important to know about some of the most common insect and disease pests and how to avoid and, if necessary, control them.

If you suspect you have a tree or shrub that is affected by a disease or insect, contact your local extension forester or arborist. The Web sites listed below provide general information about common insect and disease pests of trees.

 Tree Hazards

While trees beautify our landscape and provide innumerable environmental benefits, they have the potential for being hazards. Damage due to neglect, insects, disease or weather can result in weakened trunks, branches or roots. If the tree topples or tree branches fall, they could injure people or damage property.

To reduce tree hazards, inspect trees regularly. Look for dead branches, branches hanging in the tree, cracks in the trunk, cavities, rotted wood, cankers or evidence of root damage.

The following Web sites will provide general information on tree hazards. For more information on tree hazards, contact your local extension forester or a certified arborist.

Hiring an Aborist

When hiring an arborist, give careful consideration to their qualifications. A qualified arborist will properly and carefully perform basic tree care activities, while hiring an unqualified arborist may actually result in tree damage. Unqualified persons also may not have proper insurance, leaving a liability burden to the customer that could run into the thousands of dollars.

    Tree Resources