Urban trees are vital to the quality of our lives!  They shade our streets, enhance the appearance and value of our homes, and improve the environment -- just a few examples of the many significant benefits of urban trees.

Having trees in our landscapes is not as simple as planting and watching them grow.  Urban trees require plenty of consideration and care for good health and safety. Read on for in-depth information on key topics in urban tree care and to find answers to frequently asked questions

 

Key Topics in Urban Forestry and Arboriculture

Careers in Arboriculture  Many opportunities are waiting for you in the tree care industry.  Learn about the profession and how to prepare for a career in arboriculture.

Newly Planted Trees--Strategies for Survival  What are the proper techniques for planting a tree? What follow-up care is needed to see a tree through the establishment period?

Tree Health Care--Managing Natural Changes  Understand the relationship between tree age and tolerance to environmental and man-caused stress.  Learn why and how trees eventually die.

Maintaining Tree/Turfgrass Associations  The common association of trees and turf in landscapes is plagued by competition for scarce water, nutrient, and sunlight resources. In this article you will find an explanation of the problems that arise from this incompatibility and how to overcome them to achieve healthy, attractive trees and turfgrass.

Construction Damage Assessment--Trees and Sites  Trees often incur damages during construction or other site-altering operations which cause decline 1 to 2 years later.  In this publication from the University of Georgia, learn how to predict and deal with tree response to site changes.

Big Trees of South Carolina  A searchable registry of nearly 200 state record trees.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find an arborist with the proper qualifications to evaluate and treat my trees?

Arboriculture is a very involved profession which requires education and years of practice to master.  Hiring someone with a pickup truck and chainsaw may be sufficient for simple tree removals, but beware of the advice and service of such a person for trees you care about!  In all cases, be sure the person you hire has liability insurance.  The two of you should settle on a written contract describing the service to be done and the price agreed upon. Your best assurance of getting quality tree care is to use an ISA Certified Arborist.  These arborists have passed a comprehensive written exam, have at least 2 years of experience, and regularly update their knowledge base through attendance of workshops and seminars.  You can learn more about the International Society of Arboriculture's arborist certification program and locate a certified arborist in your area through the ISA web site. Some states conduct their own arborist certification programs.  The State of South Carolina has no such program however, so beware of an individual who claims to be "state" or "board" certified.

The two terms, arboriculture and urban forestry, seem to be used interchangeably.  Is there a difference?

Arboriculture and urban forestry are two terms commonly associated with the care of urban trees.  While the two fields have much overlap, as a general rule arborists are professionals who evaluate and treat trees on an individual basis, while urban foresters deal more often with larger-scale urban ecosystem management issues.