• Determine if the arborist is a member of  a professional organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), or the Tree Care Industry Association, (TCIA).  Remember membership does not guarantee quality . 
• When possible hire an ISA Certified Arborist. ISA Certified arborists have passed an extensive examination and are required to maintain hours of continuing education. 
• Ask for local references and don’t be afraid to check on those references. 
• Get multiple arborist to inspect your trees and get written bids specifying the work to be done.
• Proof of insurance should always be carried by a reputable arborist. Personal and property liability insurance, as well as workers compensation insurance should all be evident. Proof of Insurance is important because if an arborist is uninsured, you the homeowners could be held liable for damages or injuries that occur as a result of the tree work.
• Request to view the certificates
• Call the insurance company to verify 
• Make sure the work being done will only be performed by employees of the tree care company
• Remember you get what you pay for!  Often better arborist can cost more because of specialized equipment, professional trained employees, and insurance.
• Beware of arborist the advertise topping or removal of live trees.  There are cases in which live trees need to be removed but only as a last resort.

These comfortable jersey gloves are very comfortable and will make it easier for our great volunteers to plant, prune, and play in the dirt. Thanks so much Magid!

It’s no surprise that with this record breaking drought there are going to be some dead trees. The real surprise may be in how many trees we actually lose in the end.  The kicker is we won’t know for sure until spring when many trees that went dormant this past fall don’t come back or only partially re-leaf stressed and weakened leaving them more susceptible to secondary attacks from insects and pathogens.

But, there is hope! Just because your tree doesn’t have any leaves, doesn’t mean it’s not working.  Trees are using this time to grow new roots and prepare for spring.  If you have an evergreen tree, or semi-evergreen, there is still some growth taking place at reduced rate.  This winter has brought periods of dry weather adding further stress to those trees that may have already been affected by this past summer’s extreme heat.

When it comes to watering during the winter months people tend to make one of two mistakes – some continue to water at the same rates as in the summer, which leads to a waste of water and can lead to root rot and other issues. Others stop watering all together, which leads to root die back and other drought related problems.

If next summer is anything like last year, we need to make sure that we provide our trees every possible chance, while also ensuring proper start for the next generation of trees planted.  So plant a tree today and follow these simple guidelines for deciding how often and how much to water during the winter months.

-          Winter Moisture: Substantial rain or snow improves soil moisture levels and supplemental watering can be stopped temporarily until irrigation is needed again.

-          Soil Type: Sandy soils dry out quicker than heavier soils because they cannot hold as much water. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often but with less water than a heavier soil. Making this adjustment will result in less water waste.

-          Mulch: Water evaporates from bare ground much faster than mulched soil. Use a 4-inch layer of mulch to conserve soil moisture by slowing evaporation.

-          New vs. Established Plants: Newly planted plants need frequent watering to survive until they develop a more extensive root system to support them. Established plants may only need an occasional irrigation to meet their water needs.

Though your tree may look like it’s not doing anything right now, it’s growing new roots.   Maintaining adequate soil moisture to a depth of 12-15” is key.

The abnormally high temperatures, lack of normal precipitation and windy conditions have been stressful for our trees this season.  Especially trees in urban heat islands, along medians, and in areas where there is a wind tunnel effect.

Deep watering helps our trees.  To best water your tree this winter, use a soaker hose at the dripline of the tree and let the water slowly trickle in an area.  The amount of water needed, and the timing between watering is dependent upon the amount of water in the soil and the amount of rain we’ve gotten.  As a rule of thumb your tree needs an inch of water covering the space beneath the canopy of the tree a week, or roughly 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter.

Visible signs of drought stress can be hard to tell this time of year.  Some trees in your yard may look dead, but tree experts say don’t cut them down yet.  Continue to water your tree through the winter between periods of rain and take a wait and see approach and wait for spring.  If you suspect your tree is stressed or dead contact a certified arborist to take a look.

“A lot of trees are dormant right now and some went dormant early because of the drought as a defense mechanism,” said Matt Grubisich, Urban Forester for Texas Trees Foundation. “Even with water restrictions, most municipalities will let you use a soaker hose, which is a great way to be able to water your trees.”

We will continue to see stressed trees throughout the Metroplex  into Spring.  We can hope for normal to cooler temperatures and more rain.  And, we should continue to water our trees this summer if the rains stop . For additional information about tree care and watering visit www.texastreesfoundation.org.

Environmental Expert Suggests Sustainable Ways to Give Thanks

With Thanksgiving and winter celebrations upon us, employees can help their workplaces save energy and enjoy an Earth-friendly holiday season, says UT Dallas Sustainability Manager Thea Junt.

While computers, copiers, microwaves and coffee makers may not be powered on or in use, they still use energy.

“Before you leave work for Thanksgiving, or any holiday break, remember: Turn off before you take off,” Junt says. “Turn off all lights, unplug electronics and appliances, and roll back the thermostats.”

For a greener Thanksgiving at home, Junt offers the following tips:

• Go local. Buy fresh foods from your area. You not only get in-season fruits and vegetables, but you also are supporting your local economy.
• Recycle grease. Never pour turkey grease down the kitchen drain or neighborhood storm drains. Neither drainage system is equipped to dispose of this waste, and improper disposal often results in back-ups and holiday headaches. Instead, look for post-holiday recycling events in your community and recycle your grease.
• Use real dishware, flatware and glassware. Disposable items can harm the environment.
• Select the right-sized bird for your holiday crowd and remember that turkey leftovers are good for only three days.
• Buy reusable containers and send leftovers home with guests to reduce food waste.

Use these simple tips to stay warm during the winter without spending a ton on your energy bill. For more green winter tips, check out the Environmental Protection Agency.

To make Halloween simpler and more environmentally friendly, make the costumes yourself or swap old costumes with friends and neighbors.

Making sure that you have clean oil and tires that are inflated properly can increase your gas mileage up to 15%. Driving slower is also an easy way to save gas. Every mile over the speed limit you drive decreases your fuel economy. Most cars get the best gas mileage driving at 55-60 mph.

Also consider taking public transportation or biking to work a couple days a week. This is better for the environment, the economy and your wallet!

One idea is saving all of the empty cartridges in a box and getting them refilled once a month. This way your company is saving money and stopping plastic items from ending up in the bottom of a landfill.