and gutter. The tree isn’t getting 
enough water or nutrients to sup- 
port its large mass. As a result, it 
starts to die back, with many un- 
sightly dead branches in its leafy 
crown. 
At this point, the taxpayer- 
home-owner, who by now is tired 
of paying for sidewalk and curb 
repair, wants immediate removal 
of the tree. This individual may be 
from an area where there has 
always been trees. He may not be 
aware of the consequences of not 
having trees. 
Meanwhile, opposition to remo- 
val of the boulevard tree is voiced 
by a _ preservationist-type living 
next door. This individual is willing 
to pay for the sidewalk and curb 
repair. ‘‘So what if the tree’s roots 
are cut when the new walk and 
curb are put in? We must save the 
trees!’” Does this solve the prob- 
lem? Not quite. 
The following year the new roots 
have relocated into the sewer line. 
The homeowner now has an an- 
nual payment of either sewer 
cleaning or he must use chemicals 
to retard root development. In the 
meantime, where the old roots 
were cut, secondary pathogens are 
How not to trim a tree! Natural 
beauty of this tree is lost. The 
tree should be removed and 
replaced by small-growing va- 
riety which will not interfere 
with power and telephone 
lines. 
ILLINOIS AUDUBON BULLETIN 
entering the tree. Heart rot and 
carpenter ants have found a new 
home. 
In addition, more dead branches 
are found in the tree’s upper por- 
tion because of root cutting. The 
homeowner must now pay for re- 
moval of this dead wood. If not 
removed, the dead areas will pro- 
vide breeding grounds for beetles 
and other insects. Or a limb may 
break loose and pierce the roof of a 
Caf. 
