Managing Large Trees in Mantua

A neighbor reached out to the MCA this month with questions about how to manage large trees on their property. At least four homes in Mantua have been seriously harmed in the past months from falling trees, and some neighbors report that their home insurance companies are using satellite imagery to require tree trimming or removal. In response, MCA reached out to the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) for expert advice on how neighbors should approach the issue of tree care.

When it comes to pruning large mature trees, DPWES recommends, “pruning is best accomplished during the tree’s dormant season before new growth begins … Pruning of mature trees is best limited to removal of dead or hazardous limbs. Topping a tree is NOT proper pruning, and is not conducive to the long-term health of the tree.” Topping, a practice where the upper canopy of a large tree is removed, is contraindicated by county experts, who provide a document on the hazards of the practice.

A spokesperson from DPWES added, “For specific tree protection or preservation questions, we strongly recommend that residents contact an independent consulting arborist who is also an ISA Certified Arborist. This type of arborist evaluates and advises on tree conditions but is not directly tied to a tree care company, which helps avoid bias or financial incentive to recommend unnecessary removals.”

For those interested in more advice, DPWES offers more resources, stating “for additional questions or follow-up call with one of our Urban Foresters, please reach out to TreeMail@fairfaxcounty.gov.”

For those interested in adding more trees to their property, the county offers free trees, along with the equipment to stake and shelter, on a first-come-first-served basis. Neighbors can request new trees at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/trees/plant-care.