The arrival of the New Year brings many challenges that range from world issues to private family matters. Buried somewhere in the list are a few challenges we face in our landscapes.
To highlight some of these, the following Top 10 list has been developed from issues commonly encountered by arborists.
But first, a few words about the impact of the recent prolonged cold temperatures on our landscape trees and shrubs are appropriate.
Recent Cold Weather Damage
Most of our native trees and shrubs can withstand freezing conditions. However, the more exotic plants, such those with palm-like leaves, will either be damaged or killed by extended cold temperatures.
Other plants or small trees that are planted in pots or containers may have been damaged or killed. While they might normally withstand such conditions, they lacked the insulating soil that normally protects the roots when planted in the ground.
As spring approaches, the damaged tissue will begin to darken and shrivel up. New growth will not emerge as usual. Then decisions must be made to either remove a plant or attempt to salvage a portion of it.
If new growth begins to develop below the damaged portion of a plant, the dead part can be removed. Eventually, the tree or shrub may recover its former shape.
One tip is to make a cut above a bud or emerging growth that is pointed in the direction you wish the new top growth to develop. Eventually additional trimming may be required of new sprouts that have been stimulated as the plant attempts to recover from the damage.
Now it is time for that list. Many of the items have been addressed in previous columns. So here goes.
Top 10 list
• 10: Beware of the lawn service employee that threatens your small trees and shrubs with hedge trimmers. They may be appropriate if a “sculpted” appearance is desirable. But certain shrubs as rhododendrons, azaleas and small trees such as Japanese maples should be hand pruned to maintain a more natural shape.
• 9: If trees have fallen during a severe storm, determine whether a root rot was involved. If so, nearby trees may also be infected and should be checked by a qualified, experienced professional.
• 8: Be respectful of neighbors who wish to preserve their trees.
• 7: When considering using pesticides, have a problem properly identified, select a legal and effective treatment and apply it at the right time. Overuse can lead to polluting the local environment. Follow the labeled instructions.
• 6: If a doorbell “arborist” encourages tree removals or windsailing a tree, consider a second opinion from a certified professional. Do not be afraid to question credentials and whether a commission is to be paid on the amount quoted for the job. If so, does the doorbell ringer truly have your best interests at heart?
• 5: If tree problems arise with a neighbor, try for a peaceful settlement without involving attorneys and lawsuits. Cool heads can lead to win-win solutions.
• 4: If worried about your own or a neighbor’s trees, have a hazard evaluation done by a professional. If a dangerous situation is discovered, the investment will have been worthwhile to remove the risk and contribute to everyone’s peace of mind.
• 3: Do not top trees. Aggressive trimming is ugly, creates maintenance nightmares and can shorten a tree’s life. Overpruning usually stimulates sprouting as deciduous trees attempt to replace the leaves that acted as the food manufacturing plant.
• 2: The best tree pruning jobs are those that appear as if very little has been done. Butcher jobs are all too obvious – especially when the tortured skeletons of trees are revealed during the fall and winter.
• 1: A big thank you to the readers that hopefully have learned a bit from the columns. I look forward to another year of informing you about tree issues. Feel free to continue to contact me with your questions.
Dennis Tompkins is a certified arborist, certified hazard tree assessor and Master Gardener from the Bonney Lake-Sumner area. He provides small tree pruning, pest diagnosis, hazard tree evaluations, tree appraisals and other services for homeowners and businesses. More information is available at
