When you plant a tree in your yard, think about all of the ways it will affect your neighbors. Will it shade their garden? Will it push on fences? Will it shade their solar collectors? Of course to assess this, …
What is the minimum number of trees needed in my landscape to provide energy conservation benefits?
Each yard is unique in its orientation to the summer sun, winter winds and spaces available for planting trees. In some situations, your neighbor’s trees may be providing your property with shade, cooling effects or blocking cold winds. In this …
Should I fertilize my trees?
Fertilization can often benefit trees, but not always. Fertilizers should only be applied following a soil test to determine which, if any, nutrients are lacking. The soil test, along with ANSI A300 (Part 2), will provide you with the …
When I plant my new tree, do I need to stake it?
When properly planted, high-quality nursery trees should not require staking, unless severe site conditions make them vulnerable to uprooting or injury. Trees transplanted to steep slopes or windy sites may require staking to keep them from uprooting. Trees in high-use …
How does reducing stormwater runoff save energy?
Stormwater runoff is a significantly growing source of pollution to our streams and rivers and is a large contributor to local flooding events. In urban areas, energy is required to purify drinking water, maintain or update infrastructure used to control …
What can I do in my community to promote energy conservation with trees?
There are many ways you can help promote energy conservation with trees in your own community. A great place to start is with your own neighborhood or homeowners association, if you have one. Seek out experts who can provide your …
How does urban forestry relate to carbon sequestration?
The urban forestry profession is the care and maintenance of trees within our communities.
By maintaining trees, we help to extend their lifespans. During a tree’s life, it continually takes in carbon in the form of carbon dioxide. With water …
Who do I call to get permission to plant a street tree in front of my house?
Jurisdiction and authority over streetside planting spaces vary across the United States. In some localities, the city retains complete control over street tree planting. In other localities, the adjacent private property owner is responsible for the space and is encouraged …
Are some trees better for energy conservation than others?
It depends on which part of the country you live in.
In northern latitudes with cold winters, dense evergreens planted to block chilling winds are important for conserving heat energy. Likewise, deciduous shade trees with a sparse branching habit are …
What should I do after a storm has damaged my tree(s)?
Storm-damaged trees should be evaluated by a professional arborist. A Certified or Consulting Arborist may recommend removal or various improvement measures such as pruning, cabling, lightning protection, root invigoration, fertilization, etc.
The Arbor Day Foundation has a nice page …