Trees in urban areas are susceptible to stresses such as air pollution, lack of water due to pavement and asphalt, and poor soils which lack the replenishing nutrients from the fallen leaves and trees of the forest floor. Compacted clay soils prevent roots from receiving water, and soils compacted by human activity can suffocate the roots of trees. Environmental stresses, just like with us humans, make trees more susceptible to disease and injury.

The best way to protect trees in your care is regular maintenance, especially mulching. During times of drought, young trees may need additional watering. Tree roots need non-compacted soils and room to spread, and certain types of ground cover are preferable underneath trees.

For advice on the proper care of your trees contact your county extension agent, a certified arborist, or Trees Atlanta.

1. Most important for tree health is mulching. Add 3-4 inches of organic mulch under the entire canopy of a tree (if possible), especially in areas where people frequently walk or park.

2. Prune trees appropriately. Properly pruned trees are less likely to suffer problems during storms. Large limbs should always be pruned by a licensed and insured arborist.

3. If you plan to do major landscaping or build additions on your property, make plans to protect trees and their roots, including the entire area under the dripline (also known as critical root zone). You may wish to consult an arborist for help with this type of planning. "Tunneling" and "boring" are alternatives to destructive trenching when installing utilities.

4. Always try to avoid covering tree roots with asphalt or concrete within the critical root zone.

5. Don't panic about having trees around your house after a hurricane or freak ice storm. The trees left standing, if they are not severely damaged, are the sturdy, healthy survivors. It is best to keep trees pruned appropriately so they will be less susceptible to storm damage. If you have trees or tree limbs that must be removed due to storm damage, choose your tree service carefully. Uninsured (and often unscrupulous) tree removal companies circulate neighborhoods looking to capitalize on your fear, and sometimes use the confusion to clear-cut and harvest healthy trees for their own gain.

6. When planting new trees make sure there is plenty of room for them to achieve their mature size. A good rule of thumb is at least eight feet from streets or sidewalks and not directly under power lines for large overstory species.

When in doubt about questions of tree care or health, contact a certified arborist or your county extension agent or Trees Atlanta.

To find an arborist, go online to http://www.treecareindustry.org/Public/accreditation_map.htm for companies that are members of National Arborist Association.

For an individual arborist, go to http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/hire_arborist.aspx.

Remember, preventative maintenance is the best way to ensure the health and longevity of your beautiful trees.