Tree recovery advice available

Friday, 21 December 2007
Tulsans who are considering tree removal should consult a certified arborist before making a decision, a Parks Department official recommended today.

“Currently trees are dormant, and tree removal can wait until February or even early March,” said Max Wiens, interim director of the City of Tulsa Parks Department. “Remove the ‘hangers,’ broken branches which are hanging from the tree. Limbs and trunks that are obviously cracked should also be removed.”

Arborist certification can be confirmed at the following website, which maintains accurate and current membership lists by town, state or even zip code. The site is www.isa-arbor.com.

Home-owners should also make sure that the contractor is covered by liability and worker’s compensation insurance, to protect their assets in the event of injury to the worker as the job is performed.

“Not all trees need to be completely removed,” Wiens said. “There are many things to consider, such as how much of the tree canopy is damaged, where the tree is growing, the size of the tree and the root structure.”

Additional websites recommended by Tulsa Parks arborists that address damage to trees, bushes and shrubs include:  www.tulsamastergardeners.org,  www.arborday.org, www.forestry.ok.gov, and www.treesafterthestorm.org.

Last Updated ( Friday, 21 December 2007 )