It's That Time for Winter Care of Our Trees

This is a tree situated near my unit. Looks typical. Can you spot a problem with this tree? (Hint: click on the photo to enlarge).

The problem is what arborists call "Water Sprouts". This tree has many of them. A "water sprout" is a vertical growing shoot, which steals energy from the tree. Trees should be trimmed so their energy is directed to growing a canopy. This tree appears to have been neglected and has many water sprouts. I know, I have been watching it. Some of the sprouts are now 5 feet in length and over one inch in diameter at their base. In the following photos, there are yellow arrowheads to point to some of the water sprouts.

If we want these assets to thrive and live a full life, they must be properly cared for. Otherwise, they will be stressed, will become diseased and will die. We then get to spend our fees on replacing them. So, how do you want your fees spent, and how do you feel about our trees? Let the board and our managers know.

Before I get some negative comments, let me also say that I brought my concerns to the board during "homeowner" sessions of the association meetings. I asked general questions about caring for our trees and doing things to extend their lives, and I expressed my concerns. This year, I suggested that the board consider spraying fruit bearing trees to diminish their fruit, in lieu of chopping them down, as some unit owners have requested. I also pointed out the "water sprout" problem. These sprouts should be trimmed each year, as part of the winter care of our trees. However, that is not occurring regularly. I have suggested to the board that they consider hiring an independent arborist to inspect our trees and give an opinion. We are a very short distance from the Morton Arboretum. It should be relatively easy and simple to do this.

I suggest that, after reviewing these photos, that you take a few minutes when walking our grounds and look for water sprouts.

It's all a choice. We have trees, over 800 of them and the shade and wildlife they bring. So shouldn't we care for them?

Here are a few photos of several trees, with the water sprouts flagged. Some of the sprouts are are new growth, from 2009. Others are obviously several years old.

Here's another view

Even more water sprouts!

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