LETTERS: TREAT TREES LIKE THE ASSETS THEY ARE

To the editor:

Have you noticed the trees in Jackson lately? Winter is a perfect time to appreciate their structure. You can't help noticing the graceful strength and mysterious look of thriving wood unless, of course, you are distracted by those trees with amputated limbs, mutilated tops and distorted trunks. This is the result of a practice commonly called butchering or hacking. It is not recommended by professional tree services, horticulturists, arborculturists, conservationists and gardeners. This method damages a tree, leaving it vulnerable to insect infestation and disease, not to mention perhaps a long, slow death. These trees will try to heal themselves to only grow clusters of spindly twigs where a health branch once existed. It's not a pretty sight.

Pruning, on the other hand, is an art of gently guiding a tree into its best possible shape. It includes trimming or removing branches correctly or elevating by removing bottom branches. Consider contacting a professional for advice. Make sure he or she is affiliated with a credible organization that uses up-to-date techniques. Call the Missouri Department of Conservation, or simply check out a how-to book at the library.

Unfortunately, trees are an unprotected natural resources, unlike water, soil, air and wildlife. They are not only beautiful, but provide protection from the elements, give homes to wildlife, prevent soil erosion and are quite marketable. Try pricing a 15-foot or taller tree sometime.

There is no ordinance in Jackson against butchering one's own tree. Fortunately our city takes pride in maintaining public trees. We have a nice town with beautiful parks full of gorgeous trees. Notice them sometime. I have always felt a connection with trees just as a hunter or fisherman might fee for their sport. So I now challenge residents, churches and businesspeople to stop and notice the trees and spread the word to properly care for trees.

JOYCE LOOS

Jackson