I have posted about horti-torture before, but today I want to post about tree horti-torture.

Arborists have been stressing plant the right tree in the right spot for years. Few people seem to take the recommendation seriously. Even today I see inappropriate trees being planted under wires. There is some excuse for old plantings. Because of some of the problems utilities have had with trees damaging power and telephone lines there have been some changes in pruning techniques around wires. This involves leaving more space between branches and the wires.

Recently there was a letter to the editor to the Modesto Bee talking about the tree-monster that prunes trees for the MID. Obviously, there are two sides to the issue. The MID is required to keep power lines safe in a storm but much of the pruning you see is Horit-torture. Choosing the correct sized tree is critical to stopping this abuse.

This Horti-torture has caused some grotesque trees on Modesto streets. As I drive around I see more coming.There are lots of trees being planted where they don't belong because of their size..

Because trees are so much more conspicuous and because it takes so many years to replace a tree it is especially important to choose the right tree. In most cases we recommend small to medium sized trees for todays typical small yards. Crape Myrtle, Japanese Maple (especially Seiryu a heat resistant variety), Chinese Fringe Tree, and Purple Pony Dwarf Purple leaf plum are just some of the trees I tend to use.
In any case be sure to check to see if the size tree you are thinking about is appropriate. Remember in 20 years, which is not a terribly long time in the life of a tree, that twig may grow into a 50 ft monster.

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