The City of Madison Streets and Urban Forestry Division has issued a reminder to residents about the potential harm that incorrect application of weed killers can cause to trees. According to Ian Brown, City of Madison Forester, “We’ve seen the problem lower in the tree canopy, which suggests the herbicide may have been over-sprayed, or perhaps the herbicide misted or drifted onto the leaves.”
Residents are encouraged to avoid using chemicals on lawns near trees. Instead, pulling weeds manually is recommended. If chemicals must be used, granular applications are preferred over liquids, especially on windy days.
For those who employ lawn care professionals certified in herbicides/pesticides use, it is advised to discuss best practices for protecting trees from damage.
To help trees recover from any damage caused by herbicides or other stressors, regular watering and proper mulching are suggested. However, if a tree cannot recover from severe damage, Urban Forestry will remove it. In such cases, city ordinance allows for fines and replacement costs to be charged to those responsible for the damage.
Residents with questions regarding terrace trees can contact Urban Forestry at 608-266-4816 or via email at forestry@cityofmadison.com. For issues concerning private property trees, consulting a certified arborist is recommended.
