TREE CARE INFORMATION!   DON’T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU!

    Trees are beautiful and form an important part of the Westchester landscape.  Trees also increase property values, are good for the environment, and reduce the cost of cooling in the summer and heating in the winter.
 

    Trees need care - - and caring for trees is more cost effective than neglecting them and dealing with the damage that can result.  Trees or tree limbs can fall and cause serious injury to people and substantial damage to property.
 

    Tree-related damage also contributes significantly to power outages during major storms.  Con Edison estimates that  more than 50 percent of the outages experienced by its customers during major storms are caused by windblown branches and broken limbs that bring down power lines.
   

    To address the problem of downed power lines, Con Edison has initiated an enhanced tree-trimming program and expects to trim approximately 85,000 trees annually in Westchester.
 

    As a homeowner, you can do your part.  Proper tree care - - such as pruning, removal, cabling, bracing, fertilization, and disease and insect control - -  can improve the health of your trees, and reduce the risk of personal injury, property damage and downed utility lines.
 

    The following resources will assist you in determining what course of action is appropriate for your trees and how to choose a tree care company.

National Arbor Day Foundation:   This not-for-profit organization provides tips on tree care and maintenance, choosing the right trees for your property and tree placement.

Better Business Bureau:  Has a brochure on how to choose a tree care company.

International Society of Arboriculture:  Offers tree care information, tips on tree buying and planting trees, advice on proper tree care techniques, and a section on frequently asked questions about trees.  It also has a search engine to find a certified arborist in your area. 

Tree Care Industry Association:  Has tree care information and a search engine to find an accredited tree care company.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation: Has tree care information and tips on selecting an arborist or tree service.
 

Pacific Northwest Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture and the Oregon Department of Forestry:   Information on how to keep your trees healthy, safe and beautiful, and prevent them from becoming hazardous.

South Carolina Forestry Commission:  Information on how to grow, care and prune trees.   

Con Edison:  Description of Con Edison’s tree-trimming program, including information about planting trees near power lines.  Also has a tree landscaping guide.
   

(www.westchestergov.com/consumer)