Lightning is one of nature’s most powerful forces and is the 2nd leading cause of weather-related deaths. Since trees are often the tallest objects in the landscape, they are vulnerable to being struck by lightning. Only about one-third of the …
Should I put anything on the tree after I cut a branch off?
In most cases, pruning sealants provide no benefit to tree health and may even incite stem decay or inhibit wound closure.
When pruning cuts are properly made, they seal quickly with minimal effects on tree health. The tree will surround …
Will my electric or gas utility company provide me with trees for my property?
Your local gas or electric company may provide you with trees you can plant on your property. This is done to encourage the right kind of trees being planted in the right kinds of places, to reduce peak energy demand, …
Are there subsidies or other programs that can be used to plant trees for energy conservation?
Some communities, businesses or state agencies may offer subsidies for tree planting in specific situations. Contact your local office of the State Forestry Commission to see if programs like this exist in your area. You can also check with the …
Why should I not cut down trees near my home to remove the risk of damage?
Perhaps you should… or perhaps not. Not only do healthy and structurally sound trees near your home provide you with energy conservation benefits, there are also documented cases where trees actually protect homes from severe weather damage. It is a …
What is the fastest-growing tree I can plant to shade my house?
Tree growth is inherent to the specific tree species. Tree growth is typically defined by the nursery trade as slow (3-6 inches per year), moderate (5-8 inches per year), or fast (10+ inches per year). However, many factors can contribute …
How does urban forestry relate to energy conservation?
When strategically placed, trees can conserve energy by reducing energy demands. Trees are great evapotranspiration “engines,” literally cooling the air around them by absorbing energy as the water in leaves is converted from liquid to gas.
Trees cast shade on …
Do trees and other vegetation help reduce urban-water runoff?
Trees and other vegetation in urban areas considerably reduce urban-water runoff. As rain falls upon vegetation, it clings to the rough surfaces of leaves, branches, and trunks. This is called interception. Some of the water evaporates back to the atmosphere. …
Is soil erosion a serious problem in urban areas?
Plants such as trees and grasses help hold the soil in place. Soil erosion is a serious problem in urban areas due to the loss of vegetation from construction, neglect, and/or overuse of surfaces in public recreation and gathering places. …
Who is responsible for taking care of the tree in front of my house?
Rights and responsibilities for trees in front of houses vary across states and municipalities. Residential yards abutting public roadways are often overlain by a right-of-way adjacent to the pavement that permits the municipality or state to maintain the road and …