As important as all trees are, a few have risen to a status of fame. Take for example, General Sherman, a Giant Sequoia in California, is the world's largest tree. A little-known Coastal Redwood, also in California, called the Hyperion Tree, is considered the tallest tree in the world, at just under 380 feet. The Liberty Tree, an Elm, located in Boston, was a gathering place for the Sons of Liberty as they staged acts of defiance against the British, which eventually led to the American Revolution in 1776. Speaking for Britain, their favorite tree, Major Oak of Sherwood Forest,…

If you go outside and look around, chances are you will see trees. Trees in all directions, as far as you can see. Cut one down, which lets in more sunlight, and new trees will sprout or nearby remaining trees will grow even faster. Trees are actually solar batteries. They absorb energy from the sun and store it there until it is released (by us or by nature). Trees can be utilized as energy in numerous ways. In forestry, trees are chipped and burned to create heat and generate electricity for the grid. In lumber manufacturing, sawdust is burned to…

Have you ever noticed, when you are outside, how far sounds travels this time of year? It’s because the deciduous trees have lost their leaves and are no longer acting as sound dampeners. There are many benefits provided by trees, most of which we take for granted. Trees provide shade in the summer and warmth (through firewood, pellets or increased sun exposure) in the winter. Evergreen trees make a great wind-break in the winter as well as protection for birds and animals. Trees provide us with the very air that we breathe, and they absorb carbon dioxide in the process. They…

Often we receive calls from people who are concerned about a neighbor's tree, and wondering what legal and ethical rights they have in the matter. While I'm not a lawyer, I can't give legal advice, only the benefit of my experience of working with the different scenarios for the past 30 years. Over the years, I've been directly or indirectly involved in numerous situations where, in the case of tree damage, insurance company policies have come into play about who pays for what. Naturally, I would encourage all property owners to work with and cooperate with their neighbor's in the…