Pruning
Click to view tree pruning animation.

Fertilizing
When considering fertilizer, it is important to know which nutrients are lacking in the soil and how and when it should be applied. Soil conditions, especially pH and organic matter content, vary greatly, making the proper selection and use of fertilizer a somewhat complex process. A Certified Arborist should be consulted in order to evaluate the tree and site before any fertilization takes place. If the situation warrants, the arborist may arrange to have your soil tested at a soil testing laboratory which will help determine application rates, timing, and the best blend of fertilizer to use for your trees and other landscape plants.

Watering
Watering New Trees - For the first several months after planting, most of a tree's roots are still within the original root ball, with some roots beginning to grow beyond this area. The root ball and the surrounding soil should be kept evenly moist to encourage healthy root growth. After a few months, expand the watering zone to cover the entire area under the canopy. It can take two or more growing seasons for a tree to become established — for roots to venture into the soil well beyond the planting hole. It's vital to provide supplemental moisture in those early years. During hot, dry weather, new trees may require water as often as three times per week to ensure that the root ball doesn't dry out

Watering Established Trees - When watering established trees, provide a deep, soaking irrigation to the entire area beneath the tree canopy and extending several feet beyond the drip line. Ideally, you should moisten the soil to a depth of 10" each time you water. To prevent rot, don't apply water to the area directly around the trunk.

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According to Chapter 4 of the Unified Development Code (UDC), a goal of the City is to encourage proper site planning in order to further the preservation of trees and natural areas through the following methods:

• The protection of trees during construction
• The facilitation of site design and construction which contributes to the long term viability of existing trees
• The control of unnecessary removal of trees
• Requiring on-site replacement of trees that must be removed and require off-site replacement of trees that cannot be replaced on-site, either by direct planting or through a "Tree Trust."

The City’s commitment to these policies will help result in the protection of healthy trees, the preservation of the natural, ecological, environmental, and aesthetic qualities of the City, an increase of the value of residential and commercial properties within the City, and help maintain and enhance a positive image for the attraction of new business enterprises to the City.