• Plant the right tree in the right place. Don’t plant large trees like oaks, tulip poplars and sycamores under power lines or near buildings and signs. Choose smaller tree species for small areas or sidewalk planting.
• Prune trees when they are young. Trees should be pruned when they are three to five years old. It promotes good structure, saves money and causes smaller pruning wounds.
• Prune correctly. All tree pruning should be in accordance with the maintenance guidelines of the International Society of Arboriculture. For more information about this society and its recommendations, call 217-355-9411.
• Hire a qualified arborist. Get three bids from local tree services. Be sure to contact references from the arborist’s past work. Ask to see proof of liability insurance and workers compensation insurance.
• Why pay for an inferior service that destroys your tree? Find a qualified arborist who knows proper and safe tree care techniques. In tree work, taking the lowest price isn’t necessarily good. In some cases, you get what you pay for—destroyed trees.

###

NEWS RELEASE

CENTRE COUNTY OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION—Date

CONTACT: JOHN MAPLE, ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT, 000-6216

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KEY TO EXCELLENT COMMUNITY IS OPEN SPACE

“As our community becomes concerned with development, sprawl and zoning issues, we should not forget the value of open or natural spaces within our municipality,” says (name of person with title or name of organization or commission). “On a practical level, open spaces can improve water quality and availability, recreation opportunities and wildlife habitat. Open spaces also generate feelings of quiet, beauty, solitude and freedom for individuals who use them.”

The term “open spaces” means large connected areas within a municipality that are planned for and remain undeveloped. Examples might include a city park, a natural wetland, a meadow or an area bordering a creek or river.

“The benefit of open spaces to a community includes increased property values and an enhanced community image for its citizens and visitors,” says (name of person). “Open spaces can provide protection for historic landscapes as well as providing people with a sense of permanence so opposition to change in other parts of the community may be lessened.”