FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
About Urban Forestry
What is the urban forest?
The urban forest is made up of all of the trees in and around the places we live: cities, suburbs and rural communities. It includes individual trees, such as those in street medians, and groups of trees like those in commercial, public and residential landscapes, and parks. In addition, the trees in the urban forest can be remnants of the natural forest the city retained as it grew as well as newly planted trees.
What is urban forestry?
Urban forestry is the management of the planted and naturally occurring trees in urban areas, particularly on public lands. The urban forest is managed for safety, sustainability, social and economic functions and benefits over time.
What is an urban forester?
The urban forester manages the trees in a community, particularly on public lands for the above-mentioned objectives. Responsibilities of the Urban Forester include management, planning, planting, protection, removal, replacement and maintenance of all shade and ornamental trees in public ways and public areas; hazard and diseased tree risk assessment and remediation for any tree or shrub on public property that constitutes a public nuisance or endangers the life, health, safety or welfare of persons or property; assistance to residents in handling diseases and insect infestations, and tree selection for private property. The Urban Forester can provide guidelines on tree selection and pruning tips for streets or on private property. See the tab “Planting Trees”.
What are the responsibilities of the Urban Forestry division?
The Urban Forestry division is responsible for the management, planting, replacement and maintenance of all shade and ornamental trees growing in public parks, open spaces and medians.
What can an urban forestry program do for Plano?
- Spend tax dollars wisely on trees of good quality suited for the site where they are planted.
- Promote tree-awareness and public education about trees.
- Provide valuable, localized information about tree care, reputable tree care companies and how to comply with tree ordinances.
- Represent the best interests of trees and aesthetics at planning and zoning meetings.
- Train and supervise city crews in proper tree care.
- Promote tree planting and preservation of existing trees.
- Prevent accidents and expensive lawsuits by regularly inspecting trees on public property and rights-of-way for potential hazards.
How do I contact Plano’s urban forester?
Michael Sultan
Urban Forester
City of Plano
Parks and Recreation Department, Park Planning
PO Box 860358
Plano, TX 75086-0358
Tel: 972/941-5419
Fax: 972/941-7118
Email: michaelsu@plano.gov
About trees
How do I choose the type of tree to plant?
See our suggestions for recommended species to plant in our area under the heading “Planting Trees”
Can you suggest any local tree growers or tree care professionals?
The City cannot endorse or suggest any specific business due to legal ramifications. However these companies are frequently grouped under "tree" in business directories.
Your Texas Cooperative Extension can suggest ways of selecting reputable dealers with locally grown stock with the best chances of succeeding in our area.
For tree care professionals it is recommended to use a company that is bonded and insured, and that your tree care be provided by a Certified Arborist. To find a Certified Arborist by zip code, go the International Society of Arboriculture web site at http://www.isa-arbor.com/findArborist/findarborist.aspx .
Do all trees have taproots?
No. Most trees do not have taproots, especially in our region of North Central Texas where the soil is thick, dense clay and relatively shallow. Also, taproots generally do not form on trees planted in our urban landscapes.
Should wound paint be used on all pruning cuts?
The use of pruning paint is highly recommended on all oaks to prevent the transmission of Oak Wilt. However, on all other trees, wound paint is primarily used for aesthetic reasons to mask the light color of the freshly cut wood and is not a necessity.
Is topping a tree necessary?
No. A topped tree is an ugly stub and a remnant of a once lovely tree. Topping leads to a number of problems. See the section on topping for more information.
Should a pruning cut be made flush with the trunk?
No. Never make a pruning cut flush with the trunk. A pruning cut must leave the branch collar, the swollen area between the branch and the trunk of tree, in tact. See the section on pruning for more information.
Should mulch be piled up like a haystack around the tree?
No. Mulch should never be piled up against the trunk of a tree. At most the mulch layer should be 3” deep, in a wide circle over the tree’s root system or planting area and not touch the trunk of the tree.
Does fertilizer feed trees?
No. Fertilizer is not a food. Fertilizer adds elements to the soils such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Trees utilize elements such as these for growth. However, trees make their own food in their leaves through a process called photosynthesis.
Do trees break sewer lines?
No. Tree roots grow in response to favorable conditions. Tree roots are not capable of targeting underground sewer lines. If a pipe breaks or a joint leaks, nutrients and water ooze out creating favorable conditions into which tree roots will thrive and grow rapidly. Only then can roots enter into a defective pipe and eventually block flow.
Where can I go online to learn more about trees?
Local level
- Benny Simpson’s Native Texas Trees:
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/natives/tamuhort.html
State level
National level
http://www.asca-consultants.org/
International level
About Oak Wilt
What is Oak Wilt and is my tree susceptible?
Oak Wilt is one of the most destructive tree diseases in the United States. The disease has killed more than 1 million trees in Central Texas. Oak Wilt is caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum. The spores of the fungus invade and clog the tree’s water conducting system, called xylem.
All Oaks are susceptible to Oak Wilt. White oaks are the least susceptible. Very few have been identified with Oak Wilt in Texas. They generally survive for a number of years with the disease. Common White Oaks are Post, Bur, Chinkapin, and Monterrey. Red oaks are the most susceptible. They typically die within 2-4 weeks of symptom appearance. Common red oaks are Spanish, Texas, Shumard, Pin, and Blackjack. Live oaks die in the greatest numbers, most often in expanding areas called Oak Wilt Centers.
To prevent the spread of Oak Wilt
- Sterilize/Sanitize all pruning equipment between trees.
- Avoid wounding/pruning of oaks between the period of Feb. 1 - June 1.
- Immediately paint all wounds on oaks to prevent contact with contaminated beetles.
- Do not transport or buy unseasoned firewood.
- Promptly remove and either burn or bury all red oaks that are dying or have been recently killed by Oak Wilt.
For more information go to http://www.texasoakwilt.org/
About City services
Do I need a permit to remove a dead (or diseased) tree from my residential property or abutting parkway (area between sidewalk and curb)?
No, you do not need a permit for this.
My neighbor’s tree limbs are growing over my property line. Can I prune these limbs?
This is a sensitive issue. Prior to any action occurring, neighbors are encouraged to interact and discuss their concerns with each other. Legally, this is a civil matter between the property owners. Typically a landowner may remove vegetation that crosses their property line (or the air space directly above it). We encourage establishing a plan that has been approved by all parties. We also encourage using proper pruning techniques.
Does the City prune tree limbs that are threatening power lines?
No. Contractors who work for the utility company owning the lines perform this type of work, which requires specific certifications. Contact your local power company.
Will the city pick up my tree and yard clippings?
Yes. Yard waste pick up is done at the same time as your regular trash pickup weekly. Yard clippings are to be bagged in compostable paper bags. Tree branches are to be stacked beside trash bins for pick up. The City of Plano highly recommends leaving grass clippings on the lawn in its “Don’t Bag It” program. For more information visit the City’s Environmental Waste Services Division web site at http://www.planoenvironmentalwaste.com