Oak Creek's winter woes just took a turn for the botanical. The cold snap that had noses dripping and locals bundling up mercilessly hammered a dozen Linden trees in the area, marking the trees for the chopping block. According to a recent city report, these trees suffered from more than just the freezing temperatures, they were victims of past pruning practices.
Spencer Szuta, the Forestry Foreman of Oak Creek, pointed out an unpleasant legacy from the old school approach to tree trimming. "They were pruned improperly when they were younger because back in the day, tree workers usually only pruned with the goal of clearance," Szuta said, citing historical shortcuts that have come back to haunt these now-vulnerable trees, as noted by the city's official website. Each bad cut made years ago set the trees up for a less-than-stellar future, involving multiple leaders and something known as included bark.
The contemporary tree-trimming playbook is quite the page-turner compared to its predecessors. Armed with know-how and a bevy of specialized tools, today's Certified Arborists make cuts with precision and care. They sculpt these leafy giants not only to look good but to live long. By snipping for a single central leader and targeting problematic branch areas, these tree gurus work to prevent included bark or mitigate the risk if it's already present. It's high-stakes art, balancing the tree's health against the aesthetic appeal.
Despite the unfortunate events, Szuta doesn't dismiss the Linden's allure. "Just because Lindens have this issue sometimes, does not mean I would not plant them or recommend them. They are great for pollinators and can be appealing, big shady trees that are very fragrant when blooming," he told the city report. Wisdom has a way of sprouting from mishaps, much like sturdy branches from a well-pruned trunk. But, with the current state of affairs, the city isn't waiting around for residents to puzzle over U-shaped or V-shaped branches – they've taken the initiative to flag the weakened trees for removal themselves.
Concerned citizens aren't left out in the cold though. Oak Creek's bigwigs would appreciate an extra set of eyes from locals, just in case they've missed a Linden in need. If you do spot a problematic tree, notifications should go straight to the Forestry Department. And rest assured, if your tree is booted out for being structurally unsound, the city is poised to play Mother Nature and replace it when temperatures ease up. For those with concerns or trees that whisper of hidden issues, give Kelly Shoff a buzz at (414) 766-7075 or dial into her mobile at (414) 865-3987. She's the Marketing and Communications Manager who's handling media inquiries and probably more adept at distinguishing between branch angles than most of us could ever hope to be.
