Why do good people do bad things to trees?

   This is not a story about the benefits of trees. That has already been done. I won’t even mention why trees are  important.

We all know that story.

   We all know that trees clean the air by filtering the pollution that spews out of tailpipes and factories. Rain falls from the clouds and filters down through the canopy, dripping, channelling and flowing through the roots, rocks and soils of the forest floors into streams, rivers and oceans.

Soils are held by roots that form symbiotic relationships between fungi, micro organisms and decaying products of photosynthesis.

I'm not writing this to talk about the carbon cycle.

   I think we all know that trees remove and store carbon from the atmosphere. The larger the tree the more carbon stored. Nor will I mention anything about wildlife, or environment, sense of place, property values or pretty pink flowers in the spring.

What I am talking about is people.

   People sure do funny things don't they?

Whatever is on their mind is what they see.

   For example, when my wife was pregnant we suddenly began to notice all the fancy new baby strollers on the streets.  We took a keen interest in the debate between disposable or cloth nappies. Now our kids are bigger, all that baby stuff has disappeared from my mind.

   I was speaking to a single friend the other day. All he complained about was the hordes of happy couples frolicking joyously all over the place. I hadn't noticed until he mentioned it.

   I thought back to what it was like as a teenage boy.Back then there was one thing dominating my thoughts. Pretty girls. Girls in the mall, girls at the beach, on television and movies. I got past that stage. Mostly.

    I grew up and now have daughters. I'll be keeping a close eye on the young men in their midst as they get older. I know what those minds will be seeing.

Now all I think about is trees.

   What I see most is ruined trees. Wrongfully ruined trees that have been neglected and abused.

I'm talking about trees that have been topped, lopped, hacked, whacked, torn, strangled, mangled, smothered, dissected and infected until they die.

They all die prematurely. 20% to 90% sooner than they should and provide very few of the benefits that I didn't mention above.

   Who are the good people doing these bad things?

   It can be anyone. Your neighbour, brother, mother or son, a teacher, a coach, doctor, dentist, librarian. Even the guy that carries the pizza sign down on the corner is doing it.

It frustrates me to no end.

   It actually takes less effort to not damage a tree that it does to cause damage. To not cause damage would be to do nothing. Usually doing nothing is the better option. Yet people feel compelled to get out there and hack away.

   The solution is so simple. Hire a professional. Hire an arborist.

Think of it this way.

• If your pipes are faulty you hire a plumber.
• If your wiring is screwy you hire an electrician.
• If you're sick you go to the doctor.
• If your teeth hurt you aren't going to call up your cousin who owns a pick-up truck and a tall ladder.
• You can pay someone to do just about anything these days.
• Hire a guy to walk your dog.
• Go to the mall for a manicure, get your toes done while your at it.

   Yet so many people think they are qualified to maintain their trees.

They are not. 

   Here's the thing. Trees are precious, fussy and temperamental. They don't respond well to stressful situations.

   If I can get one thing across it's this. Stop looking at stuffed animals in the department store, stop daydreaming about your relationship status, stop staring at girls.

Go outside and see how badly the trees are ruined.

   Just see how bad it is. And if you feel so inclined. Do something about it.

Disrespected, Abused and Humiliated

Unnecessary Destruction of Trees Needs to Stop

It frustrates me but I see this kind of thing all the time. It really is everywhere and I cannot understand it. 

• Why do people destroy trees?
• How could they possibly benefit from it?
• Should people be penalized for damaging the environment?
• What penalty should they receive?

Most importantly

• How do we stop it?

When a puppy pees on the carpet we smack it and rub its nose in it. Do we need to do the same with the corporate world? 

Do we need to shame them into being good neighbours?

Was the presence of these trees driving away business? 

Could the owner not come up with a more creative solution to solve the perceived problem?

It actually took planning and effort to make this happen.

Does the direction come from head office? Is it company policy to not care about the environment?

Hey A&W  You Should Fix This

Trees are more important than you seem to realize. 

They clean the air, water and the soil. They provide shelter for animals including humans. They are important for our sense of place and shape the way we feel about our community. 

Caring for trees means caring for your neighbours. 

It means caring for your customers.

We are all in this together and we all need to do our part.

 You just dropped the ball. 

Pick it up.

How to go from dragging branches...

To becoming a highly successful arborist.

1. First step is to love stuffing branches in the back of the chipper

• This is more than a lesson about moving up in the arboriculture world. This is a life lesson. Whatever stage you are at today, love it, do it as well as you can and ask lots of questions.
• Though I must admit... watching a chipper chew through a 12 inch diameter log and spit it into the back of the truck is pretty cool.
• Learn how to do it as safely as possible.
• Understand that your role on the team is just as important as everybody else.

2. Learn how to fix the chipper

• Loving your job is about living in the moment. I'm not saying you need to become a chipper mechanic. What you need to do is become an expert in the basics. Show the next newest guy what you know. Show him how to do it safely. Show him where the wrenches go. Make yourself as useful as you can be. Help the mechanic fix the machine and do maintenance. Learn how and when to grease the machine. 

3. Become one with your chainsaw

• It takes a lot of practise to become good with a saw. Be that guy.
•  You never cut dirt and you never get pinched.
•  Your chain is always adjusted to just the right tension, your teeth are sharp and you know exactly where you want your rakers.
• You are balanced and comfortable, your back is relaxed and your elbows are straight.
•  You are one with the chainsaw like Jimmy Hendrix with his guitar.

4. Love rope and learn knots

• Buy a book on knots.
• Take a piece of rope home at night and practise. Do it night after night.
• Do it because you love rope.
• You do it because you want to get off the ground and up the trees.
• Ask lots of questions.
• Remember that the climbers in the tree today did the same thing to get where they are.

5. Take your time and climb safely

• Now that you're in the trees you realize how important those guys on the ground are.
• You realize that your success as a climber depends on how easy it is for the team on the ground.
• Move with purpose.
• Keep balanced.
• Think before you cut. Think about the size, the quality, the target.
• Work with one goal in mind. Control.

6. Responsibility

• You've become a good climber. Now you are leading crews and planning jobs.
• Remember everything that got you this far.
• Your work is done to the highest standard.
• The ropes are in order.
• You are one with your chainsaw.
• Keep asking and answering questions.
• Continue to love stuffing branches in the back of the chipper.
• Teach the new guy how to keep his saw sharp.

7. The "Big Picture"

•  You've done this over and over many times. Patterns are emerging.
• Clients are asking the same questions. They see only the tree in front of them.
• You now see more than the tree, you see the urban forest as a whole.
• The forest is declining.
• You are becoming wiser.
• Your work and your influence are affecting an ever greater sphere.

8. The Next Step in Your Career

• You've risen quickly but haven't yet reached your plateau.
• What is the next step up? You need to weigh the options.
• Do you continue with the same company? Or perhaps start your own?
• Or do you look for greater stability? Maybe get a job with the City.

9. You've Reached the Crossroads

•  You have achieved what you set out to do. The problem now is that you still aren't satisfied. How do you keep the momentum that got you here so quickly? How do you take the next step? And what is the next step?

10. Repeat Steps 1 to 9 but take it up a notch

1. Love what you are doing, you are an important part of a team.
2. Be the one to help fix it when the system is broken.
3. Become a master of the tools at your disposal.
4. Learn the ropes, keep asking questions, ask for the harder roles.
5. Proceed with clarity, purpose and care. Especially for the benefit of those who are working under you.
6. Acknowledge your responsibility.
7. Always be focussed on the big picture.
8. Figure out your next move up the tree.
9. Take it with confidence.

The Customer Is Not Always Right

The Problem

Mrs. Johnstone wants it gone. She has made up her mind. That tree is just too much of a nuisance. It's causing too many problems. The idea is in her head eating away like a wood boring beetle. It must go.

So she calls the trusty local arborist to ask for a quote.

"What seems to be the problem Mrs. Johnstone? It's a nice old tree. Well structured, situated a reasonable distance from the house, no signs of decay."

She looks up at the proud veteran Beech. "Well, it's obviously got to go." And then starts to list of the problems the tree is causing.

• It's too big.
• Causing too much shade.
• The lawn is full of moss.
• Can't get tomatoes to grow.
• It's lifting the brick paved patio.
• Roots could get into the storm drain.
• They might get into the foundation.
• It's a constant mess, all year round.
• The flowers clog the gutters.
• The nuts are inedible.
• The leaves are not spectacular in autumn at all, they just go brown.

"Will you give me a quote please dear?. I need to get rid of this pain in the rear once and for all."

The Dilemma

What is a well meaning arborist to do? You've got a truck and chipper to pay for, not to mention a crew to keep busy. But you are in this for the long haul, you want a good reputation.

You know the tree doesn't need to come out. You would never recommend that it should, but this client is convinced. And she is well connected. This job could lead to more recommendations. It could be good for business.

How do you say no?. Especially when you know that if you don't do it someone else will snatch up the job.

Start With Why

"Mrs Johnstone, I am going to have to refuse to take on this job. And I think you are making a big mistake if you carry through with it. Let me tell you Why.".
 
Because-Because-Because

• As an arborist I get to see things from a "big picture" perspective.
• Trees are under so much pressure to be removed due to causes like land development and sprawl.
• This is compounded by misunderstanding and mistreatment of trees that is leading to an epidemic of premature tree loss.
• Trees are so important, more important than most people realize.
• If I cut this tree it should mean I cut a hundred more like it. I need to draw the line

"I won't offer a quote to take it down but I will offer solutions to some of the issues and problems that you are dealing with."

"I can't solve every nuisance you have but I think if I can get you to understand it from a broader perspective you might realize that removal is not the best option."

 

Then Go On To How

• Lets look at improving the soil conditions in your garden.
• Getting some more shade tolerant plants to grow.
• Fix up the displaced paving stones.
• Look into getting some gutter guards.
• Installing some root barriers.
• Give the tree a good structure prune

"We can do all that I've mentioned here and the cost will be about the same, or less than the cost of removing that tree."

Easier Said Than Done

Admittedly the situation laid out above may work sometimes, but it's not easy.

The reality most often is that the customer will take their business elsewhere and have her troubles cut down in thirty noisy, but exciting minutes.

 

We Need City Hall On Our Side

Private Property tree bylaws fall under the jurisdiction of municipalities. There are an increasing number of  cities out there doing more to make private property tree protection a priority.

In providing stricter guidelines and a permit process for tree removals municipal arborists take the pressure off the independent contactor. This in turn allows the good contractors to practise good arboriculture. The bad ones cause their clients nothing but headaches and penalty fees.

Have a look at what is happening in the City of Surrey, British Columbia with regards to private property tree protection.

Find out what your local council is doing. Are they dealing with trees from a big picture perspective?

Remember-- Trees are more important than most people think.

A Three and a Six Year Old's Six Favourite Tree Stories

My two young daughters and I got together to decide which were our favourite tree stories. Here they are, please enjoy our list.

#6... Wonder Pets! Save the Tree

adapted by Kermit Frazier, based on the television series, 2009

Favourite quote: "Trees are living things, and we help all living things"

 

The Wonder Pets visit an abandoned inner city lot with only a single sad little tree. They set about providing care to it. Water, companionship and an improved environment. What tree wouldn't benefit from that?

 

 

#5... The Cat in the Hat, I Can Name 50 Trees Today

by Bonnie Worth, 2006

 

Favourite quote: "Knowing trees' names, my dear miss and dear mister, is like knowing the names of your brother or sister."

Don't be fooled friends, though this is a children's book it contains information that very few adults have stored in their brains. I challenge anyone to jot down and describe 50 different trees. This offering provides some high level information in a very friendly and memorable way using the Cat in the Hat brand.

 

#4... The Berenstain Bears, Don't Pollute (Anymore)

by Stan and Jan Berenstain, 1991

 

Favourite quote: "A good woodsbear plants a tree for every one he cuts. No ifs, no ands, no maybes, or buts!"

We love every Berenstain story we have ever come across. This one we have read countless times. It tells of the cubs learning about pollution, ecology and conservation. They then pass their knowledge on up to their parents.

 

 

#3... Koala Lou

by Mem Fox, illustrated by Pamela Lofts, 1988

 

Favourite quote: "Koala Lou, I do love you"

Lauryn, our eldest was born in Australia. Though she doesn't remember living there she does seem to connect with it. Mem Fox is a fantastic author of both childrens and adult works. This story gives a fantastic description of Australian bush with an Australian voice. The illustrations depict the gnarled elegance of the old gum trees and are worth the price of purchase on their own merit. We love this book.

 

 

#2... The Lorax

by Dr. Seuss, 1971

 

Favourite quote: "Speak for the trees for the trees have no tongues"

Better known today for the 2012 movie, many know the story. The movie is good but noticeably absent is the quote I mention above. This is the story of how pristine forest is turned into wasteland for the sake of corporate greed and short sighted profit. Here we are 42 years after initial release and the story is every bit as relevant today.

 

 

#1... The Giving Tree

by Shel Silverstein, 1964

 

Favourite quote: "And the boy loved the tree...very much... And the tree was happy"

The first time I read this to my daughter she sat there quietly thinking, then said "Read it again". This is a story of a boy in life with a tree. It is simple yet full of meaning. Any person who has not read it should. Any person who read it long ago should read it again. This was easily our number 1 choice for best tree story that we have ever read.

 

 

We would be very happy to learn of other books to add to our list. Please drop us a comment if you have more to share.

 



Dealing with Topped Trees

This Western Red Cedar had been deemed a 'Heritage Tree'. It was located on the grounds of a 110 year old church. The tree had to be removed due to historic topping and subsequent failure of a leader and severe internal decay.

The Reality of dealing with topped trees

If you read my last post you'd know that I think topping is bad. I hope you agree with me though I realize that not everyone does. The practise is still pretty common. The reality is that if tree topping were to stop tomorrow once and for all, we would still be dealing with the aftermath for many years into the future.

Here's the common scenario:
Tree gets topped--Multiple new tops grow--Tree decays--Tops fail--Premature end of tree

Dealing with a topped tree is like having a blown engine in a car.

It's never going to be as good as it was.

Caused by Ignorance
You blew engine because you forgot to check the oil. The oil ran dry and the engine runs way too hot. The engine is toast.

You have two choices:

1. Replace the engine (though you just know it will never be the same) .......... or
2. Get rid of it

Caused by Ignorance
The tree was topped because the topper didn't know the proper way to do the job.

The topped tree is similar in that it is never going to be quite as good as it used to be. You can try to fix it but you just know that from now on you will have nothing but problems. It's going to need a lot more maintenance; from expensive mechanics.. or should I say tree professionals.

Again two choices with the tree:

1. Top it again..... and again..... and again........  or
2. Get rid of it.

And so the story goes with topped tree after topped tree. So many issues and problems stem from this  scenario. How do we get away from this situation?

This is a problem worth thinking about.

For now lets just stop the topping.

TheTop 5 Reasons Why Urban Trees Get Chopped Down

The biggest problem faced by trees in the urban forest is the dreaded creature known as the human being.

Mind you, without the human being there would be no urban forest anyway, just forest.

The lives of urban trees are dramatically shorter than those of their natural forest grown cousins. Have you ever wondered why?

In addressing this issue I have come up with a list of 5 reasons why people remove urban trees. Breaking it down like this lets us see that there is a lot we can do to make it better.

Reason #1  Nuisance

• The nuisance category is probably the one that has the most creative "Reasons For Removal". Included here are:
•  Leaves that make the trampoline too slippery
• Complaints about debris and roots in the lawn
• Feral peacocks (yes, you read that right)
• Birds shitting on the car
• Also included in the nuisance category are some legitimate issues that are more challenging. Thing such as:
• Allergies
• Perceived pests such as wasps
• Views
• Neighbour to neighbour disputes

Reason #2  Fear

• All trees are hazardous. To some degree. The job here is to decide how hazardous is it. Just how hazardous is acceptable? (I wrote a post on Living in Fear of Trees)
• The challenge is to maintain fairness in making these decisions.
• Pressure for tree removals mounts as storm seasons approach.
• A television news story that shows a tree fallen on a house sparks panic.
• Sensitivities rise when children or elderly are involved. As if the people aged 19 to 72 are somehow less important.

Reason #3  Damage

• Trees get blamed for wrecking things.
• Clogging drains
• Flooding basements
• Cracking driveways
• Knocking down fences
• Destroying roofs
• Rarely do folks point to poor design or shoddy workmanship.

 

Reason #4  Construction

• This is perhaps the most tree aggressive category of all. Progress, in terms of development, means clearing forests in favour of new buildings, roads and facilities.

Reason #5  Decline 

• Of course trees live and they die. The problem is the rate at which this occurs in the urban setting. Imagine if it were people dying by the time they became young adults.
• Decline is natural, but usually the decline is human caused.
• Topping (Check my post on Tree Topping Brutality)
• Pest infestation due to environmental imbalances
• Bad pruning
• Root excavations
• Compaction
• Hydrology
• Neglect
• Vandalism
• Planting location
• Nursery grown root problems
• Soil grade alterations
• Competition
• Environmental poisons
• Mechanical damages

There are Solutions To These Problems

When we look at each area it becomes clear.

We can make a very big difference. We can save a lot of trees.

But someone has to draw the line.

Someone has to say

1. This nuisance is valid. That nuisance is not
2. Here is how hazardous a tree must be before it gets removed.
3. Damage is cause for removal only when there is no reasonable alternative.
4. New buildings can be modified, trees must be protected, solutions need to be found.
5. People must be prevented from causing unnecessary damage to trees.

You need to be aware that your City Hall has the power to do all of this. In fact it is happening in some places. Is your City doing what needs to be done?

We all need to work to make protection of urban forests a reality. It is too important to ignore.