Be A Tree-Tective
How to Spot Common Tree Troubles and How to Help!
Check off the tree troubles you find on your adopted tree. Think of how you can help and check off the actions you plan to take. (Ask an adult to help you with your tree caring actions.)
| Check For... |
How to Help... |
| Damaged trunk. Many trees are hit by cars, scraped by bikes, or banged by lawn mowers. |
Add mulch--such as wood chips or compost--to the ground at the base of the tree to provide a protective covering for its roots and keep the tree healthy. Wrap the trunks of street trees in burlap to protect them from being damaged by bicycle chains.
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| Broken branches. Some trees have broken branches which are either still hanging or on the ground. |
Prune broken branches and branch stubs so the tree can heal and keep out disease.
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| Tree Abuse. People sometimes carve into a tree's bark or cause other damage such as breaking healthy branches. |
Tell others that carving into trees or breaking branches affects the health of trees.
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| Leaf problems. Unhealthy trees may have leaves that change color or fall off too early. |
Make sure trees are properly watered and keep harmful chemicals such as motor oil or paint thinner away from tree roots. Lack of water is one of the biggest threats to young trees.
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| Insect attack. Many insects naturally eat tree leaves, but if too many leaves are destroyed the tree can be harmed. |
Talk to a tree specialist in your community about how to combat your tree's insect problems.
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Be A Neighborhood Tree-Tective!
Investigate the health of other trees in your yard, on your street, or in a nearby park. Draw a map of the trees that need care and the places where new trees can be planted. Write your neighborhood tree care ideas below. Give your map and ideas to a community tree specialist and offer to help put your plan into action.
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Source: Team Up for the Trees,
an Earth Force Publication
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