10 MASS. EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 397 



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Harmful Practices. Willful maltreatment, panacea claims, and tree magic 

 are for the most part of historical interest only in connection with modern tree 

 care. An informed public, the sincere efforts of the members of the arboricultural 

 profession, and in some states the licensing of tree workers, have done much to 

 establish the scientific treatment of tree troubles. Damage sometimes results 

 from carelessness, inadequate diagnosis of tree defects, or the employment of 

 inexperienced operators, and every effort should be made to shun these pitfalls. 



PRECAUTIONS 



Essential Considerations. Many of the operations essential to the satisfactory 

 maintenance of shade trees can be completed by persons without specialized 

 training. Nevertheless, certain important considerations concerning trees and 

 apparatus and materials employed should always be borne in mind. 



A person contemplating tree work would do well to inform himself concerning 

 the nature of the tree, details of the operat'ons involved in his. plans, and the 

 equipment and materials necessary for the work. By so doing he will more full}' 

 appreciate the significance of the completed job whether he does the work him- 

 self or employs others to do It. An excellent procedure before beginning actual 

 operations on a tree is to make a diagram to scale showing the operations con- 

 templated. In this way an individual will give himself the opportunity of ex- 

 periencing practical problems involved and develop an intelligent plan of action. 

 Whenever possible, attention should be directed toward corrective treatment of 

 minor defects and the prevention of major injuries by early treatment. 



Poisonous Materials. Many of the materials uced for the protection of tree 

 wounds and as sprays on foliage are poisonous, inflammable, or caustic. Utmost 

 care in handling all materials should be exercised constantly, therefore, and all 

 materials should be used only in accordance with direct'ons furn'shed by the 

 manufacturer. One should always be mindful of protecting other persons, 

 animals, and property from damage resulting from operations or the use of mate- 

 rials. Unused materials likewise require attention and should not be stored in 

 places, or under conditions, in which they are or may become hazardous. 



Poisonous Plants. Two important woody plants associated with injury to 

 humans are poison ivy (Rhus toxicodendron L.) and poison sumac {Rhus vernix L) 

 (Fig. 11), and all persons working with trees would do well to be able to recognize 

 both of these plants in the field. Detailed descriptions and discussions of poison- 

 ous properties are available elsewhere for those interested; attention here is 

 directed to the need for avoiding direct contact with roots, stems, leaves, flowers, 

 or fruits — as well as the smoke arising from the burning of any of these plant 

 parts. Injury to humans is an irritating dermatitis, the extent of which varies 

 greatly according to the individual. Specific directions are required for any 

 effective program dealing with ivy and sumac eradication. 



Electric Current. For reasons of personal safety, as well as the protection of 

 utility service, work on trees or parts of trees in close proximity to wires should 

 be undertaken only by authorized persons, skilled in this particular practice. 

 Individuals observing the need for tree work of this type should make prompt 

 report to, or obtain information from, the tree warden or other duly designated 

 municipal officer. 



