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THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION
NOVEMBER 2013
An affordable alternative for Judaism in Somerset County
We are a warm and welcoming center
providing multi-generational learning
celebration & worship
Join us at one of our monthly informal pot-luck style Shabbats
and share the warmth of a welcoming Jewish Community
December 20, 2013 • January 17, 2014 • February 21, 2014
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Modern, Egalitarian and Multi-Generational
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Sunday Morning Religious School K - High School
•
Shabbat, Holiday and Festival Observances
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Social Action Projects
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Cultural Events and Trips
Chai Center
for Jewish Life
Please visit
www.chaicenternj.org
or call
us at 908-864-7788 for more information
Sharon Friedman
Executive Director
Wendy Merkin Piller
President
Michael Haskell
Plant Solutions
Over the past few years we have
had more and more severe weather in
fall and winter. We have seen many
damaged trees go unattended. It is
more important than ever to properly
care for your trees. A well maintained
tree will keep your family and proper-
ty safer and cost you less money and
be less inconvenience over the years.
Tip #1 Water Your Tree
If a homeowner’s tree is showing
brown or any signs of drought, give
the tree a drink of water. Most trees
have a deep enough root system that
they don’t require watering. However,
many patio trees or trees suitable for
planting in your yard because they
grow small root balls may require
water. If signs of drought have been a
continuing problem, you might want
to add mulch at the base of the tree to
help retain water in the soil. Don’t dig
around the roots of a tree because you
may destroy them. Without adequate
root growth or planted in a place
where the roots can’t extend deep
enough, homeowners might find their
tree blown over in the first wind.
Tip #2 Plant Only
Winter Hardy Trees
If homeowners have a tree that is
planted in a place likely to cause trou-
ble, fall is a good time to dig them up
and move them, assuming they are
small enough. Troublesome locations
include: next to foundations or paths,
next to fences, or in a place where it
will topple onto your roof. If a home-
owner plants a new tree, they should
ensure that the soil and height
requirements for the tree are met by
the selected location, stake it well
using expandable tapes. Unless the
tree planted is capable of withstand-
ing freezes, homeowners might want
to wait until spring to plant it.
Tip # 3 Remove Trees Planted
in Troublesome Locations
If a tree is planted next to a home’s
foundation, grows too tall or too big
of a root ball, homeowners should
seriously consider removing the tree.
Cut it down with a chain saw, piece
by piece if small enough, or hire it
down if it is a large tree. Then remove
the root by hiring someone or chop-
ping it out.
Tip # 4 Prune Trees for
Safety and Accessibility
If a homeowner’s tree is several
years old, you may limb up the tree to
make it easier to walk past it on a
sidewalk or path. Arborvitae can be
sheared to fit your space require-
ments, but be sure to leave green
growth. If a homeowner’s evergreen
trees generate a second trunk,
remove the newest otherwise most
don’t need pruning. If a homeowner’s
tree is small enough that you can han-
dle it safely without help, prune to
open up the crown, remove the upper
limb of a too narrow crotch, remove
or tie up the limb that is too wide.
Also remove any dead or weak wood.
Tip # 5 Hire an Arborist
to Prune Large Trees
If a homeowner’s large trees have
any of the following danger signs: too
dense of a crown, too narrow of a
crotch between limbs, too wide a
crotch, dead or weakened wood, or a
cavity in the trunk, consult an expert
arborist to aid them in pruning it. In
addition, if a homeowner’s tree is
located on a scenic view, an arborist
can help them prune the tree to per-
mit the scenery to shine through.
Don’t top trees. Don’t remove trees
on a hillside; they are probably a
major source of erosion control.
Tip # 6 Clean Up Leaf Detritus
Remove leaves after they fall in
autumn to ensure any plants below
the tree get adequate water and light.
Removing leaves also removes the
environment that many insects that
can damage your tree live in.
Tip # 7 Chop Up Fallen Branches
and Chip
Removing fallen branches pre-
vents falls and twisted ankles, allows
easy passage, and prevents further
damage to plants underneath.
Tip # 8 Fertilize
Because trees continue to take up
water and nutrients, late fall or early
spring is a good time to fertilize a tree
because winter rains will prevent
chemical burn. Homeowners should
make sure that they fertilize after first
frost to prevent new tender growth
from damage. Most trees don’t
require fertilizer although fruiting and
flowering trees may need it.
Tip # 9 Spray for Bugs
Depending on the insect that is
attacking a homeowner’s tree, differ-
ent bug sprays may be needed. Fall is
the best time to apply dormant spray
on fruiting trees.
Tip # 10 Stake Trees and
Protect Against Pests
Young trees planted where wind
may damage them should be staked
until their root ball has grown big
enough to support them. Protect
against deer and other animal pests by
placing a small fence around the base
to keep young growth from being nib-
bled off and thus killing the tree.
10
THINGS YOU MUST DO TO YOUR TREES THIS FALL
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