Ralph Waldo Emerson said “If a tree dies, plant another in its place.” This is great advice, especially in this day and age when our trees are so threatened by an onslaught of pests and diseases that not even university scientists and tree health experts can keep up with. Trees in our region are dying in the thousands. Invading pests, like shot hole borers and psyllids are infecting trees with deadly bacterial diseases. Root rot and fungal diseases have taken their toll on several species of trees, both native and non-native. While arborists are trying their best to save infected trees, some of the diseases are sadly not curable, causing many beloved and stately trees to be lost. Besides pest and disease issues, many of the established trees in our Long Beach neighborhoods are declining from old age. Improper pruning practices also contribute to decay, as large open wounds from stub cutting, (also known as topping) allow for bacteria to enter those wounds and decay to set in. Severe pruning and removal of more than 25% of a tree’s live crown can contribute to a tree’s early demise, especially if done repeatedly, year after year.
While it is devastating to lose a tree, replanting is vital to our community and environment. Trees provide so many benefits to us. They produce oxygen and reduce smog by catching pollutants in their leaves, along with sequestering carbon from our atmosphere. They provide social benefits to a neighborhood by providing beauty, a calmer and less stressful environment, shorter recovery from illness and surgery, healthier children and lower crime rates. Economic benefits are enjoyed through their shade producing energy savings and higher property values. Yes, a mature tree can add 5-20 percent to the value of your home!
Winter is a great time to plant a tree in our climate. Since most evergreen and deciduous tree will be in their dormant stage, all that energy normally spent on shoot growth will be put into root growth. A healthy root system will help anchor the tree properly and act as a storage system for all the nutrients it needs throughout the growing season. Plus cooler weather and (hopefully!) rainfall will also benefit newly planted trees. Since there are many options for trees, expert advice from a nursery or an arborist can help with planting the right tree in the right place.
Mary Kingman is an ISA Certified Arborist and Horticulturist who lives in Long Beach and works as an Estimator and Consulting Arborist for Economy Tree Care. She can be reached at (562) 988-3065
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