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Media Tips and Case Studies
Tree Care
 See
related article on the risk associated with Tree Topping
It's springtime – the Earth awakens, buds swell, bulbs burst and birdsong fills
the air. The annual, much anticipated seasonal rebirth of all things green
renews our appreciation of one of nature's most beneficial gifts: the tree.
ANSI standards promote healthy trees
Trees help fight global warming by absorbing carbon dioxide and keeping our air
oxygenated. Trees decorate our thoroughfares and provide cool shade in the dog
days of summer. Keeping these benevolent beings healthy is the main concern of
the Tree Care Industry Association
(TCIA), an ANSI member and ANSI-accredited standards developer. TCIA is an
industry trade association whose members are comprised of tree care companies.
TCIA also serves as the secretariat for the ANSI A300 series of Standards for
Tree Care Maintenance Operations (ANSI A300 Parts 1 through 7).
A300 documents provide definitions and tree care maintenance standards for all
aspects of tree health management, including proper pruning, fertilization and
preservation of trees. Homeowners should ask their tree care company to follow
ANSI A300 standards to help keep their trees healthy, safe and free of pests
and diseases. A300 standards also provide a guide for writing tree-maintenance
specifications so that homeowners and governmental agencies alike will know
exactly what work is to be performed on their trees before they contract with a
company.
Getting Professional Help
In addition to their intrinsic benefits, trees are an investment. Well-cared
for trees can increase property value, while poorly maintained trees could
become unsightly and unsafe, creating a significant liability. In some cases,
homeowners may need to call upon professional assistance in the care of their
trees.
Tree care companies seek accreditation to enhance consumer confidence and
demonstrate their adherence to industry standards for quality and dedication to
ethics and quality in business practices. Tree care companies who are
accredited by TCIA, for example, must agree to perform all work to ANSI A300
standards and to provide clients with specifications written according to A300
standards. TCIA-accredited companies also maintain proper liability insurances
and have other consumer protections in place for provision of top-quality
service.
This season, when you get into the swing of spring, remember to provide your
trees with proper care and maintenance. They will reward your efforts with
longevity and beauty.
For additional information or to find a tree care company in your area, contact:
Tree Care Industry Association
www.tcia.org
800.733.2622
603.314.5380
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