Seasonal
Tree Trimming
OR
when to trim your
trees so that the birds are not harmed
|
 |
| photo
of Sycamore in Bommer Canyon by RL Kenyon |
| |
Wait
before you trim that tree!
Is it the correct season?
|
|
. |
| Did
you know tree trimming in spring and early summer is irresponsible
and possibly illegal? This can damage trees and devastate
nesting birds. |
| Keep
trees healthy! |
| Cutting,
trimming and pruning during spring and early summer can lead
to diseased trees and intrusion of pests that harm trees.
Fall is the best time to trim branches when trees are dormant! |
| Keep
nesting birds safe! |
| Hawk
nests are large and visible, but the majority of songbird
nests are small and camouflaged. Tree trimmers may not
see nests until too late. Also, loud activity of tree
trimming can disturb birds in surrounding trees. |
| What
does the law say? |
| Birds
and active nests are protected from harm or harassment by
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. California Department of Fish
& Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will issue
citations and levy fines to individuals and companies that
blatantly disregard the regulations. |
| Actions
to help trees & birds: |
| •
Trim and prune during the fall
and winter when trees are dormant. |
| •
Hire
arborists, landscapers and tree trimmers who are concerned
with the health of your trees and the birds that nest in them. |
| •
Avoid
contracting services that only trim trees (they have to work
year-around). |
| •
If
you see tree trimmers disturbing an active nest, TAKE A PICTURE
of the nest, the destruction, and the company's name.
Report violations to the Law Enforcement Office of U.S. Fish
& Wildlife Service at (310) 328-1516 (Office of
Investigations and Compliance Inspection). |
|
You
can help protect Orange County's
Trees
& Nesting Birds!
|
| The International
Society of Arboriculture is a non-profit organization supporting
tree care research around the world and dedicated to the care
and preservation of shade and ornamental trees. |
| Information
on the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), click
here. |
| This
ISA website covers the following areas:
|
• |
Tree
buying and planting |
• |
What
your tree needs and why |
• |
Proper
tree care techniques |
• |
Pruning
your trees |
• |
Tree
hazards and treatments |
|
Find
an ISA Certified Arborist near you:
http://www.isa-arbor.com/findArborist/findarborist.aspx
Type in your zip code or city to obtain a list of certified
arborists in your area. |
| |
| The
urban environment we enjoy is unique and very important to
our feathered friends. Birds nest in the bushes and
trees in our yards between early February and August. |
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