Tree information workshop teaches basics

Each attendee will receive supplemental materials courtesy of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and The Catbird Seat Nursery will provide native tree door prizes.

The City of Madison Beautification and Tree Board (MB&TB) sponsored a Tree Workshop, Thursday, Feb. 24 at Dublin Park.

Conducted during Madison’s Arbor Week, Feb. 19 to Feb. 26, the goal of the workshop is to give the basics of tree selection, care and repair.

“Each workshop is different with professionals in various fields to teach our homeowners, renters and businesses how to ensure their trees can survive the rough conditions of an urban environment,” said Carol Umstaedter, with the Madison Beautification and Tree Board. “As a Tree City USA, Madison needs trees to foster a welcoming environment, improve air quality, reduce energy requirements, and provide a higher quality of life for its citizens.”

Stoney Gray, certified arborist and consulting horticulturist, gave a presentation that explained how to choose a reliable, certified, bonded arborist to treat or remove a tree.

Gray said people should be careful when choosing an arborist.

He said in searching for one, the first thing people should do is go online and Google International Society of Agriculture in order to find an arborist in their area.

If that doesn’t work, he suggests taking to the Yellow Pages in the phonebook.

His last suggestion was to call the city arborist, who he said could direct residents to the right people.

“People should ask to see city license and their liability insurance,” Gray said. “If they don’t have either one of those, they should not use them.”

He said he’s heard stories about uninsured arborists dropping trees on houses and walking off without helping pay for the damage

“Most homeowner’s insurance isn’t good if you chose an arborist without insurance and a tree falls on the house,” he said. “It’s very important they make sure they have insurance.”