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How should I
prune my trees?
Using proper pruning techniques is extremely important to the
long-term health and viability of trees. Proper pruning methods to
encourage a good shape and strong structure in young trees or
removing dead wood or limbs from a mature tree both follow basic
rules that respect the biological make-up of trees and their
ability to seal wounds and continue to thrive. Always use clean,
sharp tools when making cuts. Pruning is best accomplished during
the tree's dormant season before new growth begins. Pruning of
young trees should be aimed at establishing a healthy growth
pattern for the new tree. Pruning of mature trees is best limited
to removal of dead or hazardous limbs. Topping a tree is NOT proper
pruning, and is not conducive to the long term health of the tree.
See below for information on why topping is bad for a tree. For
more information on how to properly prune a tree, you may also
visit the
Virginia Department of Forestry,
USDA Forest Service or contact the Fairfax County Urban Forest
Management Division at 703-324-1770, TTY 711, or by
e-mail.
Why does the pruning practice known
as topping hurt trees?
"Topping" of trees is perhaps the most harmful tree
pruning practice known. By removing a large portion of the tree's
upper leaves, new problems can be created. Topped trees are more
likely to suffer from stress and become vulnerable to sun damage,
insects, disease and storms. If you have a tree that has grown too
large, there are ways to correctly prune to reduce the tree crown
without damaging the health of the tree. The rapid re-growth of
shoots on a topped tree is an indication of stress and a weakened
state of health. For appropriate methods to reduce the height or
spread of a tree, an arborist can determine the best approach to
pruning to preserve the tree's natural beauty, health and safety
for the surrounding environment. For more information, contact
the Fairfax County Urban Forest Management Division at
703-324-1770, TTY 711, or by
e-mail.
How can I manage
trees and turf and promote the continued health of both?
Trees and grass are healthier when they are not forced to compete
with each other. Both provide benefits to the environment, but when
placed next to each other can result in problems to both species.
Grass at the base of a tree is often weak and thin. The shade
provided by the tree is not suitable for many types of grasses. In
addition, the roots of the tree, which are closer to the surface,
can disrupt the growth pattern of grasses. In return, grasses take
away many nutrients and much need moisture causing trees to weaken
and produce poor growth. Trees may also be damaged by lawn
equipment, causing wounds that allow disease and insects a point of
entry. The best approach is generally to allow a mulched area
around the perimeter of the drip line of the tree. This keeps grass
from competing with the tree for vital nutrients and moisture and
reduces likelihood of damage to both species. For more information,
contact the Fairfax County Urban Forest Management Division at
703-324-1770, TTY 711, or by
e-mail.
Why is proper mulching of
trees important and what are the proper techniques?
Proper mulching is extremely beneficial to the health and proper
growth of a tree. It helps to maintain moisture in dry summer
months, reduces weeds that draw away necessary nutrients, acts as
an insulation against extreme heat and cold, and provides an
aesthetically pleasing base for landscaping. Improper mulching,
however, can be the cause of stress and decline in a tree. For
instance, mulch that is too deep and piled high against the truck
of a tree may actually prevent the tree from receiving adequate
amounts of oxygen and water, cause excessive moisture to be
retained causing roots to rot, and may harbor insects and other
pests. Mulch should generally be applied in a 2"-4" layer
around the base of the tree, extending outward towards the
dripline. Avoid mulching directly against the base of the tree;
allow several inches between the base of the tree and the
surrounding mulch. Whenever possible, opt for organic mulches to
provide beneficial nutrients. For more information, contact the
Fairfax County Urban Forest Management Division at 703-324-1770,
TTY 711, or by
e-mail.
When buying new trees,
how can I be assured I'm buying high quality, healthy, young
trees?
When you buy a high-quality tree, plant it correctly and care for
it properly, you and the tree benefit for many years. Look for
sturdy trees with strong branches, uniform shape and a root ball
without torn roots. Avoid trees with obvious wounds and that have
been improperly pruned. Branches should be evenly spaced and be
solidly attached to the trunk. For best results, choose a nursery
with a solid reputation and one which offers a guarantee of the
tree after planting. For more information, contact the Fairfax
County Urban Forest Management Division at 703-324-1770, TTY
711, or by
e-mail.
What is
the proper way to plant a tree?
The most common mistake made by non-professionals when planting a
tree is planting the root ball too low. This can cause long-term
developmental problems and stress to the growing tree, and can
eventually lead to the demise of the tree. The root collar (where
the lower trunk branches into roots) should never be planted below
the surrounding elevation of the soil. Another common mistake is
planting a tree in a hole too small for the roots to spread and
establish themselves. A good rule of thumb is to dig a hole two to
three times as wide as the root ball. Make sure the surrounding
soil is adequately loosened to allow roots to establish. Place the
tree in the prepared hole and ensure the tree is straight from all
sides. Gently backfill the hole while keeping the tree level. Pack
soil firmly to eliminate air pockets which can dry out roots. If
the tree is in an area where wind is a concern, staking may be
necessary. Provide a 2"-4" layer of mulch around the base
of the tree, taking care to avoid packing mulch against the trunk.
Water the tree at least weekly - more frequently in extremely hot
temperatures. Watch the tree for signs of distress; if the tree
exhibits signs of distress, contact your retailer or a certified
arborist. Remember to remove all burlap, twine and the wire basket
(if present) from the tree before planting. For additional
information on proper tree planting techniques, visit the
Virginia Department of Forestry Web site or call the Fairfax
County Urban Forest Management Division at 703-324-1770,
TTY 711, or by
e-mail.
How do I choose the
right tree species for the right location?
Certain tree species are more tolerant and adaptable than others,
but planting a tree in a location that is in close harmony with its
naturally evolved tolerances helps to promote tree health and
longevity. The planting locations should have characteristics and
conditions similar to those where the proposed tree species has
evolved genetic adaptations for those specific conditions. Some of
these natural adaptations would be for certain soil
characteristics, wet or dry conditions or for shade or sun
conditions. The urban forest environment often presents conditions
not found in nature, such as reflected heat, road salts introduced
into the root zones and roots restricted by asphalt or other
constructed barriers. Certain trees have been found to be more
tolerant of the urban environment than others. For an extensive
list of common native and ornamental trees and their specific
environmental requirements and tolerances, see the Public
Facilities Manual Table 12.7. You may also wish to visit the
Virginia Department of Forestry for additional tips and
information or contact the Fairfax County Urban Forest Management
Division at 703-324-1770, TTY 711, or by
e-mail.
My tree looks stressed
and strange; what's wrong with it?
A healthy tree has many built-in methods of resisting normal
insect and disease invasions. A tree may become stressed from
physical changes in the root zone or from other environmental
factors that affect the basic requirements of the tree including
light, oxygen to the roots, water and the balance of essential
nutrients. A stressed tree then becomes more vulnerable and unable
to sustain the needed resistance to insect and disease invasion.
Identifying causes of tree stress and mitigating them early can
help a tree to resist or fight harmful agents. A certified tree
professional can identify causes of stress and make recommendations
to mitigate the stressful situation, and detail treatments for any
pests and disease present on the tree. For more information on
identifying common insect and disease symptoms in trees visit the
Virginia Department of Forestry or contact the Fairfax
County Urban Forest Management Division at 703-324-1770, TTY
711, or by
e-mail.
Can I remove trees on my
property?
There are no laws or regulations in Virginia that prohibit you
from removing individual trees on your own property.
Harvesting of timber on your property, however, is regulated
by the Virginia
Department of Forestry and any land disturbing activity
(removing trees and stumps) on more than 2500 square feet of your
property requires a permit from Fairfax County. In
Fairfax County, some areas on private property are designated as
Resource Protection Areas, Conservation Easements or Environmental
Quality Corridors. Resource Protection Areas and
Environmental Quality Corridors are generally areas surrounding
streams. In general, you are permitted to remove trees
that are dead, dying or diseased in these areas, provided you
remove them by hand and replace them with similar vegetation.
In these situations, an Urban Forest Management Division
representative will evaluate the tree(s) and determine whether it
meets the criteria for removal, and then provide recommendations
for replacement. If you want to remove a healthy tree(s) from
these areas, you would need to be sure of the restrictions specific
to your conservation easement or Environmental Quality Corridor.
This information should be available in your property
records. In the case of a Resource Protection Area, the
Chesapeake
Bay Preservation Ordinance provides information about tree
removal restrictions in these areas. To find out if you have a
conservation easement, Resource Protection Area or Environmental
Quality Corridor on your property, use the Fairfax
County Digital Map Viewer. If you are concerned
about a tree(s) on your property and think that there may be a
conservation easement, Resource Protection Area or Environmental
Quality Corridor on the property, please contact the Fairfax
County Urban Forest Management Division at 703-324-1770, TTY
711, or by
e-mail.
Who do I contact if my
neighbor is illegally cutting down trees?
The paragraph above provides information about tree removal on
private property in Fairfax County. If you believe that
your neighbor is removing trees or disturbing land illegally, visit
the
Reporting Land Development Concerns page for information on how
to report such activities.
I am concerned about a
dangerous tree on or near my property; what should I do?
Please visit our hazardous tree
information page.
Who should I hire to take care of
or remove trees on my property?
There are many tree removal contractors and arborists
working in our area. An arborist is a specialist in
the care of trees. A certified arborist is an experienced
professional who has passed an extensive
industry-approved examination covering all aspects of tree
care. Certified arborists must continue their education to
maintain their certification, so they are more likely to be up to
date on the latest arboricultural standards and techniques.
Keep in mind that good arborists will only perform accepted
arboricultural practices. For instance, topping trees is not
an industry accepted practice and you should be wary of any
arborist who advertises such services.
The condition of your trees can have a significant affect on
the value and safety of your property. Therefore, it is in
your best interest to be an informed consumer when seeking the
services of an arborist. For more information about tree care
and how to find a certified arborist in your area, visit the
Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture
(MAC-ISA) at www.goodtreecare.com. For more information, contact
the Fairfax County Urban Forest Management Division at
703-324-1770, TTY 711, or by
e-mail.
How do trees benefit
us, our property, our community and our environment?
Benefits from trees are realized on many different levels and
perspectives. Most urban trees are planted to make the constructed
landscape appear softer, shadier and more attractive. At the same
time, trees can provide energy savings, help to improve air and
water quality, moderate temperature and provide many other valuable
contributions to the quality of our lives. They can also contribute
to property values. For more information, contact the Fairfax
County Urban Forest Management Division at 703-324-1770, TTY
711, or by
e-mail.
What Department
of Public Works and Environmental Services division is responsible
for the management of trees in Fairfax County?
The Urban Forest Management Division provides assistance to
citizens and companies doing business in Fairfax County. Its
primary function is to enforce regulations regarding preservation
and planting of trees along with parking lot landscaping, screening
and tree cover. The Forest Pest Branch of the Urban Forest
Management Division administers programs that monitor and
manage forest insect pest infestation within the county. The Urban
Forest Management Division is located on the 5th floor of the
Herrity Building, 12055 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax.
For more information, call 703-324-1770, TTY 711 or
e-mail.
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