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 Fall Issue 2023 Vol. 10, No. 4
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Why Prune?
This issue is focused on pruning, an important part of tree care! Pruning is a horticultural practice that alters the growth and form of a plant.
- Pruning is used as a preventative measure against disease, severe insect infestation, and storm damage.
- Pruning also deals with structural issues, such as rubbing and crowded branches.
- Pruning, when done correctly, promotes growth and prevents structural problems during the formative years of a tree.
- Pruning low branches that grow over roadways and sidewalks minimizes conflicts with cars and pedestrians, making our city safer.
During the Spring and Fall, WLTree Friends, under the direction of the City, prunes young street trees to clear walkways and roadways, to improve tree structure, and to remove dead branches for better tree health.
Is your street tree ready to be pruned? Contact Bryce Patz, Community Forestry and Greenspace Planner at bpatz@westlafayette.in.gov to schedule an inspection.
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How to Prune
First, check the trees on your property for pruning needs! When you are ready to prune, ensure your tools are sharp and proper safety equipment is used, such as gloves, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and protective eyewear.
Next, inspect the tree by walking around all sides to find your targets to remove. Below is a short list of what to look for:
- Identify the branch collar (see diagram below). This is the area where you want to make your pruning cut.
- Remove any dead branches.
- Remove branches that rub against one another.
- Remove any branch stubs.
- Remove any suckers that form at the base of the trunk.
- For mature trees, hire a Certified Arborist.
To find a Certified Arborist in your area, visit www.treesaregood.org. For more detailed information visit https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/fnr-faq-19-w.pdf.
Lastly, we want to avoid these two common pruning mistakes:
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Avoid flush cuts – this happens when a cut has been made behind the branch collar, flush against the trunk. A large wound is created, making it more difficult for the tree to compartmentalize (heal), leaving the tree open to insects and diseases.
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Avoid topping – Topping trees is a big no-no! This is when the tops of the trees are cut between internodes where branches do not meet: very detrimental to tree health, creating poor and weak structures. It is a violation of City ordinance.
Diagram by Arbor Day Foundation
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When to Prune
Research on this topic gives a range of answers. Here are some basic principles to keep in mind:
- The best time to prune is in late February while the tree is dormant and right before spring growth.
- If weather damage or an accident caused a broken branch, prune the branch shortly after the damage was done.
- Avoid pruning during high heat or drought events to prevent stress on your young tree.
- For mature trees, reach out to a Certified Arborist for pruning! Visit: www.treesaregood.org
- Want to know more? Check out this publication! https://extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/fnr/fnr-506-w.pdf
Under the direction of the City, WL Tree Friends prunes young street trees in the spring and fall to avoid seasonal heat and drought events. Interested in volunteering and learning more? Join the fun! We teach you all the tips and tricks, and we have donuts too! Contact Bryce Patz at bpatz@westlafayette.in.gov or the WLTF chair at chair@wltreefriends.org to get involved!
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Fall Pruning with West Lafayette Tree Friends
Laugh, Learn, and Limb Up!
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Meet Two Devoted Donors
Dick and Betty Nelson
 Haiku is simple writing that presents a profound idea. In Whispers in the Wind Martin Buxbaum wrote, “Hear the sighing of the forest buried ‘neath the city’s street.” It is hard not to think about what was under the asphalt and the concrete when we turn into a parking lot or travel along a highway. At the beginning of the 1800s, nearly 90 percent of Indiana land was covered with forest; by 1900 only 4 percent was forest! But something in our DNA craves the shadowy canopy of trees, sharing this environment with birds and furry creatures, the spirit-calming experience of hiking a tree-lined trail. Who doesn’t have special memories from childhood related to trees? A backyard swing, a rickety treehouse, winter sounds of a pin oak.
That personal relationship with trees was so important to Dick and me that we started making a small annual contribution to WLTF when “we barely had two nickels to rub together” – so long ago that WLTF was watering saplings with the help of youngsters who “adopted” trees and carried water in milk jugs each week. The system worked.
We are proud to live in a city that has been recognized multiple times for its sustained effort to plant and manage and expand its tree community. “Blessed is he who plants trees under whose shade he will never sit.” (Indian proverb)
Betty Nelson
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Cultivate a Greener Future
Donate to West Lafayette Friends Today
Every donation, regardless of its size, makes a difference! Help create a greener, healthier, cooler, more beautiful West Lafayette.
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Donor Reception
Once again, West Lafayette Tree Friends hosted our Donor Reception on October 4, 2023, in the home of Dennis and Sharon Schlott. The West Lafayette Tree Friends were delighted to say “Thank You” to supporters who share the Tree Friends’ commitment to a growing, thriving urban forest. Join us when we celebrate next year.
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West Lafayette Tree Friends Meetings
Everyone is welcome! Second Tuesday of every month. Check out the City's public meeting calendar or Contact Bryce Patz, Community Forestry and Greenspace Planner for more information at bpatz@westlafayette.in.gov!
- Tuesday, November 14, 2023
- Tuesday, December 12, 2023
- Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Fall Pruning Schedule
- Friday, October 20, 2023
- Friday, October 27, 2023
- Friday, November 3, 2023
- Friday, November 17, 2023
For our upcoming pruning sessions, meeting locations, and more, click here for details!
West Lafayette Fall Festival
On Friday, October 27, from 5-8 pm, WL Parks and Recreation is sponsoring this free family-friendly event. Activities include a movie fire pits, crafts food trucks, and trick-or-treating. WLTree Friends will have a table – stop by for candy and information about trees! Registration can be done through CIVICREC or email to wellness@westlafayette.in.gov
Lillich Lecture
Wednesday, November 15 from 10 am - noon, WLTF is hosting the second Lillich Lecture of 2023, sponsored by Davey Resource Group. The series is named in honor of the WL Tree Friends founder, Helen Lillich. The topic for this meeting is “Maintaining the Urban Canopy.” For more information about this program and to register, click here!
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In Closing...
Enjoy the fall colors around West Lafayette!
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Finally, a favor to ask. If you like this newsletter we send you, would you forward it to a few friends who perhaps don’t know about it? They can sign up to receive it themselves
right here. Thanks.
Find previous issues of Urban Leaves here.
Show your appreciation for someone with a Tribute Tree, and make a contribution to the health and beauty of West Lafayette. For more information
West Lafayette Tree Friends
222 N Chauncey Ave
West Lafayette, IN 47906
website / email us
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