Conservation

Seasonal Tree Trimming

Wait before you trim that tree! Is it the correct season?

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Did you know tree trimming in spring and early summer is irresponsible and possibly illegal?  This can damage trees and devastate nesting birds.

KEEP  TREES HEALTHY.

Cutting, trimming and pruning during spring and early summer can lead to diseased trees and intrusion of pests that harm trees.  Fall is the best time to trim branches when trees are dormant!

KEEP NESTING BIRDS SAFE.

Hawk nests are large and visible, but the majority of songbird nests are small and camouflaged.  Tree trimmers may not see nests until too late.  Also, loud activity of tree trimming can disturb birds in surrounding trees.

WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY?

Birds and active nests are protected from harm or harassment by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. California Department of Fish & Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will issue citations and levy fines to individuals and companies that blatantly disregard the regulations.

ACTIONS TO HELP TREES AND BIRDS:

Trim and prune during the fall and winter when trees are dormant.

Hire arborists, landscapers and tree trimmers who are concerned with the health of your trees and the birds that nest in them.

Avoid contracting services that only trim trees (they have to work year-around).

If you see tree trimmers disturbing an active nest, TAKE A PICTURE of the nest, the destruction, and the company's name.  Report violations to the Law Enforcement Office of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service at (310) 328-1516  (Office of Investigations and Compliance Inspection).

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YOU CAN HELP PROTECT ORANGE COUNTY'S  TREES AND NESTING BIRDS!

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The International Society of Arboriculture is a non-profit organization supporting tree care research around the world and dedicated to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees.

For information on the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), click here.

This ISA website covers the following areas: . . . . Tree buying and planting  . . .  What your tree needs and why  . . .  Proper tree care techniques  . . .  Pruning your trees  . . .  Tree hazards and treatments

To find an ISA Certified Arborist near you, go to  http://www.isa-arbor.com/findArborist/findarborist.aspx and type in your zip code or city to obtain a list of certified arborists in your area.

 

Below is a form letter intended for delivery to property owners (such as businesses, municipalities, parks and schools).  In most cases, the letter is not appropriate for single family homeowners. (Copies of the letter are available on Sea & Sage letterhead at Audubon House.)

You may use the letter as is, or write your own draft using the information within.

If you receive any response to your letters, please refer them to a Conservation Committee member.

Preceding the letter is a form for keeping records of whom you sent letters to.  The Conservation Committee may ask for these in cases where a land owner continues to act inappropriately.

Thank you for your help.  The Conservation Committee.

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TREE TRIMMING LETTER MAILING ADDRESS LIST
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Hire arborists, landscapers, and tree trimmers who are concerned with both the health of your trees and the birds that nest in them.  Dear Sea and Sage Audubon would like to remind you that fall is the best season to prune your trees.  Pruning in fall and early winter is the preferred season for most trees and the least dangerous time for the birds that nest on your property.  Each year, irresponsible pruning during the spring and early summer damages trees and devastates nesting birds.  The members of Sea and Sage Audubon Society are asking that you trim and prune now (if needed) during the fall. Sea and Sage Audubon is a local chapter of the National Audubon Society.  We are very concerned with the growing trend towards excessive pruning of trees occurring year round in our communities.  We would like to include you on our list of land owners and property managers who practice responsible tree care. SOME REASONS TO TRIM AND PRUNE DURING THE FALL WHEN THE TREES ARE DORMANT: Fall is the best time to determine which branches need trimming after the leaves have dropped. Cutting, trimming, and pruning trees during the spring and early summer can lead to disease and the intrusion of pests that harm trees. Many special birds nest in parks, on school grounds, business properties, etc. throughout Orange County. Local state and federal regulations (such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act) prohibit the disturbance or destruction of active bird nests. YOU CAN HELP US PROTECT TREES AND BIRDS BY FOLLOWING THESE GUIDELINES: Trim and prune during the fall. Hire arborists, landscapers, and tree trimmers who are concerned with both the health of your trees and the birds that nest in them. Avoid contracting services that only trim trees because they have to work all year round.     Thank you very much for your help and consideration.   (your name)_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ and the members of Sea and Sage Audubon Society

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