It’s easy this time of year to be awed by the beauty of West Chester’s trees. Early spring’s green buds give way to a leafy canopy and showers of blossoms fall like pale pink snowstorms. Photographers – amateur and professional alike – capture the moment in digital odes.
But behind the scenes, the West Chester Tree Commission is working to improve this stunning landscape and ensure that it’s around for generations to enjoy. Their goal is to increase the borough’s canopy, which they estimate at about half of what it should be.
That’s a big challenge because most of the city’s trees Tree Service West Chester PA are in right-of-ways or on private property. And that means the Tree Commission has a hard time enforcing maintenance standards. Jeff believes the solution is more resident education. “If residents understood how important the trees are and the benefits they bring to the neighborhood, they would take more care of them,” he says.
A study conducted by the USDA found that a mature tree can provide more oxygen than an entire football field. In addition to sequestering carbon dioxide and filtering air pollutants, trees also add to the property value of homes in the surrounding area. In fact, the Arbor Day Foundation says that having a large tree on your property can boost its value by 3 to 15 percent.
Maintaining the health of trees requires regular pruning and fertilization. A qualified arborist will know the right fertilizers to use for each type of soil and tree, and they’ll also have an understanding of the insects and diseases that affect local species. They’ll be able to address these problems before they can cause serious damage or even death.
Other important maintenance items include mulching and watering. Mulching helps with moisture retention, and watering keeps the roots healthy. Using the right tools for each job is also critical. It’s essential to avoid disturbing the root zone too much – any changes could “shock” a tree.
It’s also important to keep trees away from power lines. A power line can be deadly if a tree falls on it, so regular inspections should be made for any potential hazards. Especially for trees close to houses, it’s best to have them inspected by an arborist before doing any work near them.
If a tree does fall on your house, homeowner’s insurance usually covers the cost of removal. However, if a fallen tree hits an apartment building or other structure that you’re renting, you may be responsible. That’s why it’s so important to read your lease contract carefully and understand your responsibilities. If you’re unsure of what your responsibilities are, talk to your landlord or the property manager about it before a problem arises. They should be able to explain the law in a way you can understand. They should also be able to offer suggestions on how to prevent a future problem.