Make sure your old trees are still safe

The City of McCook took a lot of criticism for what seemed like overly aggressive action in Norris Park, sawing down more old trees than some observers thought necessary.

One look around at trees that have fallen in recent storms however, proves the basic wisdom of the city's action. One large tree, across the street from the Gazette, fell on a parked pickup truck overnight. Across the street from that tree, several parking spaces are blocked off in fear that another branch will fall.

McCook and other towns in the region are at the age where many of the trees, planted when the settlements were young, are reaching the end of their lives.

Unlike the trees in Norris Park, however, many of the trees, like the two mentioned above, are on private property and are the responsibility of the owners of that property. And, in this case, the trees are only a block south of Central Elementary, sidewalks heavy with foot traffic on school days.

There are a few steps we should take to make sure our trees are safe.

For one, don't top trees. McCook city ordinances actually prohibit topping trees on public property. While it makes trees look vigorous for a while, it actually makes them vulnerable to disease and an early demise.

Take a minute to check out your trees. Are there any large dead branches, detached branches or large cavities and rotten wood? Any mushrooms growing at the base of the tree, cracks or splits at the base of branches or is the tree leaning?

Have the roots been broken off or damaged by erosion or construction? Have the leaves developed an unsual color or size?

If so, your tree may need attention. Contact a reputable nursery or tree service for advice.