Trees are magnificent things. Besides the extraordinary beauty they provide, they also serve us by providing oxygen, removing pollution from our air, cooling our cities and controlling storm runoff. Our cities need trees. Trees raise our property values, screen out unsightly views, filter noise, and are psychologically calming. Trees provide benefits that make our cities both functional and livable.

Trees can also be an expensive liability when growing in the wrong spot or the wrong species growing in the right spot. The trees that grow in and around our cities make up our Urban Forest. The best tool to manage our urban forest is to make sure we have the right tree in the right place.

Helpful Hints:

• NEVER TOP TREES. Instead use the crown reduction technique. Topping usually leads to profuse suckering at the cut and is most often detrimental to the health of the tree. Trees can be reduced in height and width through proper pruning.
• Topping takes away the dignity of trees.
• Trees grow better when planted with other trees instead of in turf or lawn areas. The water
  needs are more compatible.
• Once conifer limbs are removed, they will not grow back in that spot.
• Young trees should not be pruned until one year after planting.
• Prune shade trees early in spring before bud break.
• Never remove more than 1/4 of a tree when pruning.
• It is better to leave a tree alone than to top or improperly prune it.
• Flowering trees should be pruned after they are done flowering.
• Fruit trees should be pruned after the leaves fall off in winter.

Courtesy of:
SANDY PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
440 EAST 8680 SOUTH - SANDY, UTAH 84070
P: 801.568.2900 - F: 801.561.6733
WWW.SANDY.UTAH.GOV