A survey conducted by American Forests (AF) showed. that many of the nation’s urban forests are in serious trouble. To stem the decline of shade trees, more and more communities are engaging in vigorous planting programs. The magnitude of this effort may vary from a few dozen park trees in small towns to the annual planting of thousands of trees in large cities. In all cases, the investment is significant. AF’s Gary Moll suggests that 20 percent of an urban forestry budget should be directed at planting and early care.
    It follows that the early care of new trees is one of a community’s best ways to maximize its investment in planting. Systematic pruning of trees during the first several years of growth should be an integral part of the program.
   A basic mission of the Tree City USA program is to encourage ongoing shade tree care. Early pruning is part of the care necessary for strong, healthy, beautiful trees. Of the four standards shown on the back page of this bulletin, time spent pruning young trees would contribute to Standard 3 as a portion of the comprehensive community forestry program. In every way, your community will gain from making early pruning a part of urban forestry.

   Within a tree maintenance program urban foresters and arborists have suggested that the following steps be included:
       1. Minimum pruning immediately after transplanting;              within 3 years, pruning for strength and form; and              every 3 years thereafter  pruning to "lift" the              canopy of street trees (usually to 8 feet above              sidewalks and 14 feet above residential streets).
       2. Providing initial training and annual refresher              training for crews doing the pruning. Caution:              Crews that regularly prune older trees tend to              overprune young trees.
       3. Stressing tool sharpness and, if necessary,              disinfective methods.
       4. Developing an inventory which is kept up date             with all maintenance operations including  pruning,             and future needs being noted.
       5. Monitoring on an annual basis.

   A good tree management program begins with selecting good trees. When choosing trees for city plantings along streets and in parks and other public places, you will

Bare root tree: Abundant root growth, fiberous and numerous small costs, good color; moist.
Balled & Burlapped tree: Firm soil ball with trunk securely tied. Do not accept a plant with broken “ball.” Do not accept a tree with a circling root at the base of the trunk. Always carry B&B plants by the soil ball, not by the trunk, stems or branches.
Container-grown tree: Avoid trees that are "root-bound" in the can. Roots that circle around the edge of the container may become circling roots. Because of this B&B trees are generally preferred. Always remove can, basket or pot when planting. (Cut any circling roots when planting).

   For some street planting, such as next to narrow sidewalks, it may be necessary to plant trees that immediately have high crowns. In this case, the height of the lowest limbs should be specified when ordering from the nursery. However, whether raising the crown during the years after planting, or as the trees are grown in the nursery, it is generally important to maintain a ratio of 2/3 green top to 1/3 pruned trunk.

   Tree boards should be wary buyers. Carefully write specifications and be sure an expert inspects the trees before accepting delivery on behalf of the city. After a good start with good nursery stock, remember — a program of pruning young trees is a wise, long-term investment.

want trees with substantial a fairly substantial caliper even if they are initially more expensive. Some things to look for:

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