1. THOU SHALT PLANT THE RIGHT TREE IN THE RIGHT PLACE
Always be careful to assess the soil/water conditions to ensure that they meet the requirements of the tree you intend to plant. Be sure that there is enough above and below ground space for the mature tree before you plant.
2. THOU SHALT NOT ALTER GRADE
Adding, removing or compacting soil in the root zone of a tree will upset the delicate balance of air and water in the soil. Soil aeration is vital to the survival of the tree roots.
3. THOU SHALT NOT REMOVE TREE ROOTS
Roots are essential to the survival and stability of trees. Their removal impacts negatively on both and allows decay organisms to progress.
4. THOU SHALT PLANT TREES IN MIXTURES
Many communities are currently facing problems resulting from single species planting. Crabapple, American Elm, Austrian Pine, Mountain Ash, Bradford Pear, and Norway Maple are just a few planted species now being removed due to species-specific problems. If a mixture of species had originally been planted, the removal of entirestreetscapes and accompanying public outcry could have been avoided.
5. THOU SHALT NOT TOP TREES
Cutting branches at some predetermined height results in internodal cuts. These wounds cannot seal, allowing decay to enter. In addition watershoots will form and be attached to the decaying base resulting in hazard tree.
6. THOU SHALT NOT FLUSH CUT
The early practice of removing branches by cutting a line paralled to the trunk created a large wound, and a cut into the trunkwood which removed the trees ability to seal wounds. Flush cutting has been scientifically shown to harm trees.
7. THOU SHALT NOT REMOVE BRANCH COLLARS
Trimming branches requires the ability to recognize branch collars and branch bark ridges. Learn how to recognize these and trim by cutting branch wood only and leaving the branch collar so that the tree can seal the wound. – Trees cannot heal wounds.
8. THOU SHALT NOT CUT, BREAK OR REMOVE BARK
Bark is essential for the survival of trees in that it protects the tree from an invasion by insects and diseases. The removal of bark kills trees.
9. THOU SHALT NOT NAIL SIGNS TO TREES
Trees are alive. Nailing signs, attaching electrical outlets, and screwing clotheslines to them will do harm by allowing decay to enter, uptake of foreign (often harmful) substances and promotion of abnormal growth. Also the materials are dangerous to workers who will eventually have to cut the tree down.
10. THOU SHALT EMBRACE EDUCATION
Each of us in society has a responsibility to leave the world in the same condition (or better) than it was during our stay. In addition to acting on these commandments we must spread the word to others, regardless of their discipline or occupation. Therefore, continue to educate yourself, educate your peers, and educate your friends and neighbours.