The Care and Maintenance of Trees

If you were to ask what is one of the greatest assets in a community, you would hear many different answers, but when you add up their worth, trees stand alone. They provide protection against the elements and improve the community’s aesthetic appeal, and are one of the items that no community can do without.

Trees are beautiful with their different colors, sizes, and shapes. Often, the overall view is to leave them alone, let them grow and they’ll take care of themselves. But trees need to be on a proper maintenance and care program, like many other physical components in an association.

One tree disease that can be prevented is decay. Sometimes, decay can be observed from a visual inspection of the tree. Other times, decay is inside where it cannot be detected by the untrained eye. This is one of the reasons why is it so important to have a relationship with a Consulting Arborist who has the proper training and appropriate tools to accurately determine if decay is present, the amount of decay and the correct action to take to save the tree and prevent it from causing property damage or personal injury.

Another issue that often affects trees is damage from insects and disease. Usually, this problem can be corrected through proper treatment if detected early. A Plant Health Care Program is based on each individual site and includes a preventive maintenance and appropriate corrective action program for each species of trees on a property. Different varieties of trees require different types of care and maintenance, so creating a comprehensive plan for each category is paramount to the longevity and health of your trees.

Trees are essential in communities as they are an integral part of the visual curb appeal. Also, they benefit the environment by emitting oxygen through the photosynthesis process. Along with proper maintenance and care for trees in a community, it is imperative that the design and maintenance specifications for landscaping are created correctly.

Community associations can expect a Consulting Arborist to provide the following information and reports:

Casualty Appraisals – an assessment of trees and landscape plants that are damaged or destroyed in regards to a property insurance claim.
Expert Witness – provide specific or technical information and expertise necessary in decision-making regarding damage or injury.
Tree Preservation & Retention – evaluation and determination of preserving a specific quantity of trees and/or a particular age of trees on a site.
Tree Hazard Assessment – review individual trees, assessing their hazard possibilities and suggest appropriate action.
Insect & Disease Diagnosis – identification of insects and suggestion of proper treatment.
Landscape & Tree Monitoring – routine inspections and assessments which result in a written report detailing current problems and/or recommendations.
Report Writing – document a situation and record the opinion and recommendation of an expert consultant.
Pruning Specifications – written documentation consistent with standards developed by industry leaders.
Long-Term Planning – Provide guidance in the long-term planning for placement of trees.
Plant Health Care (PHC) – A program based on individual landscapes developed from observation, preventive maintenance, and appropriate intervention.
Contract Specification Analysis – reviewing specifications in contracts as they relate to tree and landscape issues and suggest proper action.

Trees are one of the most valuable natural assets in a community. They require extensive expertise and attention to reach the maximum desired benefits.

Paula Santangelo, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®
Vice President of Operations
Mid-Atlantic Management
Plymouth Meeting, PA