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2012 HOME & GARDEN MAGAZINE. LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.com May 25, 2012
17
HAPPY TREES:
This summer, have it made in
the shade with healthy trees
Nila Smith gets together with Tracy
Jackson and Mark Mathon
Tracy Jackson andMarkMathon spend a lot
of time looking at, thinking about and talking
about trees. As street superintendent for the
city of Lincoln, Jackson heads the forestry
department. Mathon, the city engineer, also
has a keen interest in the subject and attends
meetings and trainings with Jackson. The two
have acquired a great deal of knowledge on
the subject and use it to keep the trees in the
city healthy and beautiful.
Lincoln is recognized
by the National Arbor Day
Foundation as a “Tree
City,” a community that
encourages tree growth
and maintenance.
The city is responsible
for many of the trees along
city streets and even some
in lawns. Jackson said the
rule of thumb is: If the tree
is between the water meter
in the lawn and the street, the tree probably
belongs to the city.
This can be an advantage to the homeowner,
because if you see a problem with a tree, you
can call on the city to evaluate the tree, and if
need be, take it down.
Mathon said they will first go see if the
tree is the city’s responsibility. If it’s “too
close to call,” the city will go ahead and take
responsibility because it is a liability issue if
they don’t.
However, if the tree is clearly on the
homeowner’s property, that doesn’t mean
Jackson won’t take a look and offer an opinion.
He said he’s happy to talk to homeowners
about their trees anytime they have a concern.
Jackson also explained the process if they do
have to remove a tree. First, the tree is cut and
debris removed. He prefers to give the stump
some time, generally four to six months, to die
out and soften before removing it. Once that is
done, the city will bring in a new planting.
When trying to decide
whether a tree is beyond the
stage of saving, Jackson uses
the “four D’s”: “dead, dying,
diseased or dangerous.” If
the tree fits into one of these
criteria, then it may be time
to take the tree down and
start with a new planting.
Sometimes all the tree
really needs is a little
pruning. Jackson said he
hates to see anyone “top” a tree. A sheared-off
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