Trees in urban areas are susceptible to stresses such as air pollution, lack of water due to pavement and asphalt, and poor soils, which lack the replenishing nutrients from the fallen leaves and trees of the forest floor. Compacted clay soils prevent roots from growing deep in the ground, and soils compacted by human activity can suffocate the roots of trees. Environmental stresses, just like with us humans, make trees more susceptible to disease and injury.

The best way to protect trees in your care is regular maintenance, especially mulching. During times of drought, young trees may need additional watering. Tree roots need non-compacted soils and room to spread, and certain types of ground cover are preferable underneath trees.

For advice on the proper care of your trees contact your county extension agent, a certified arborist, or Trees Atlanta. A helpful list of references and phone numbers including your county extension agent and local arborists is located on the last pages of this booklet. Here are a few tips to keep your trees healthy:

1. Most important for tree health is mulching. Add 3-4 inches of hardwood mulch under the entire canopy of a tree (if possible), especially in areas where people frequently walk or park.
2. Prune trees appropriately. Properly pruned trees are less likely to suffer problems during storms. Large limbs should always be pruned by a licensed and insured arborist.
3. Make plans to protect tree and their roots, including the entire area under the dripline, (also known as critical root zone) if you plan to do major landscaping or build additions on your property. You may wish to consult an arborist for help with this type of planning. "Tunneling" and "boring" are alternatives to destructive trenching when installing utilities.
4. Always try to avoid covering over tree roots with asphalt or concrete within the critical root zone.
5. Don't panic about having trees around your house after a hurricane or freak ice storm. The trees left standing, if they are not severely damaged, are the sturdy, healthy survivors. It is best to keep trees trimmed appropriately so they will be less susceptible to storm damage. If you do have trees or tree limbs that must be removed due to storm damage, choose your tree service carefully. Some uninsured and unscrupulous tree removers and loggers circulate neighborhoods looking to capitalize on post-storm fears, and sometimes use the confusion to clear-cut and harvest healthy trees.
6. When planting new trees make sure there is plenty of room for them to achieve their mature size. A good rule of thumb is at least eight feet from streets or sidewalks and not directly under power lines for large overstory species.

When in doubt about questions of tree care or health, contact a certified arborist or your county Extension Agent or Trees Atlanta. To find an arborist go on-line go http://www.natlarb.com/locate.htm for companies that are members of National Arborist Association (located by zip code). For individual arborist go to www2.champaign.isa-arbor.com/arborists/arbsearch.html or call 1-800-733-2622.

Remember preventative maintenance is the best way to ensure the health and longevity of your beautiful trees.