Green Horizons

Thousands of trees are damaged in Missouri every year by topping - the drastic cutting back of large tree limbs. Tree topping is expensive and mutilating. But, most importantly, it ultimately results in early failure or death of trees that are often considered prized assets by the very homeowners who have them topped. How does this happen?

Myth and lack of public understanding are two major reasons. To combat these problems, the Missouri Community Forestry Council and Forest ReLeaf of Missouri have created a public service campaign, “Experts Agree: Don’t Top Your Tree.” This campaign, which is entering its sixth year of action, is funded in part through grants from the USDA Forest Service and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). Campaign efforts have been designed to inform the public about the hazards of tree topping and to provide wiser alternatives.

Existing materials like the media kit and the tri-fold brochure will soon be accompanied by a nine-minute DVD on the topic created by MDC. This DVD is intended to educate homeowners on the problems associated with tree topping and offers better alternatives. Distribution is expected early in 2006, with copies being sent directly to all Missouri libraries for lending and to many local access cable stations in the state.

In addition the Steering Committee has been hard at work to emphasize the "right species" in the "Right Tree, Right Place" concept by refining and making broadly available regional tree lists. The value of utilizing native species has been emphasized by coordinating efforts with Grow Native!, a joint program of MDC and the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Efforts to educate utility companies not certified by The National Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree Line USA have been stepped up. Finally, the committee has begun development of materials to reach 4th - 6th grade students with the message that trees are good and trees need care.

As materials become available, we hope individuals will share the information to promote greater care and understanding of our trees and forests. Most importantly, we hope people will thoughtfully consider the best manner in which to care for the trees under their ownership.

For more information, visit the Missouri Community Forestry Council’s web site at www.mocommunitytrees.com.