This Arbor Day, a tree preservation project was undertaken in front of the Town Hall. The next time you drive through town, notice the two primary trees, a pin oak and a sugar maple. Both trees underwent a revitalization courtesy of Bartlett Tree Experts. Bartlett arborist Tyler Mynard stated, “The process begins with soil analytics and follows with our patented Root Invigoration program. We’ll also continue to monitor the trees over time.”
The tree work proceeded over a two-day period and included demonstrations and an educational component for tree and landscape professionals, as well as the public. Town Hall employee Jill Schectman who attended during her lunch hour said, “I thoroughly enjoyed the program. It was fascinating to watch, and I picked up a lot of good information.”
As feature trees in a prominent location, these trees were good candidates for Root Invigoration. Both also suffered from a common and preventable ailment, volcano mulching. Mulch can benefit trees significantly. When applied correctly, mulch helps to simulate the trees’ preferred environment, the forest floor. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, protects trees from weed wackers, and keeps lawn mower traffic from compacting the surrounding soil. With volcano mulching, mulch is mistakenly piled at the trunk of the tree actually causing the tree’s health to decline.
These trees are breathing easier, and you can too. Have a seat on the bench and enjoy the new parklike setting.
This season, as you consider mulching, think of donuts not volcanoes, and use Town Hall as your reference. Start your own do it yourself Tree Preservation Project by removing any mulch or soil that has built up against the trunk of your trees and use it instead to create a wider, shallower mulch ring. Your trees will thank you.
For questions or information on how to collect your own soil samples contact treewarden@suffieldct.gov.