Purdue Extension Service

Vanderburgh County, Indiana

Sing Out About Proper Tree Care!

By Larry Caplan, Extension Horticulture Educator, Vanderburgh County, IN

For the Evansville Courier and Press, February 29, 2008

I'm sitting through Evansville's second ice storm in as many weeks, trying to write my weekly column. Maybe it's the ice, or a case of cabin fever, but the following ... material... forced its way out of my mind and onto my computer. I offer it to you now, with my deepest and sincerest apologies to country singer Tom T. Hall.

In some of my columns I've casually mentioned

The fact that I love to save trees.

This article is more to the point;

Roll out your wheelbarrow and lend me your ear:

(Chorus)

I like trees. I love the shade that they're forming!

I like trees. They're real fun to climb, and they help combat global warming... (Combat global warming!)

They absorb CO 2, and storm water too, have lovely flowers and leaves,

This little refrain should help me explain, as a matter of fact, I like trees. (He likes trees!)

My wife often frowns when we're driving through town,

And I swerve to the corner and stop.

'Cause I'm looking at trees, identifying disease,

And swearing when I see one that's topped!

(Chorus)

I like trees. They provide shade for our homes and city!

I like trees. They keep my yard cool, 'cause my A/C bill isn't pretty. (bill isn't pretty!)

With proper care, trees do their share  To raise the value of my property.

This little song, can help me along, to show everyone I like trees. (He likes trees!)

Last night I dreamed that I passed from the scene,

And I went to a place that was flawed.

The trees had been pruned until they were ruined

'Cause proper tree care was outlawed! (Awwww!)

(Chorus)

I like trees.  I've never thought they were dirty.

I like trees. They produce fruit and nuts, and a home for the squirrels and the birdies. (And for the birdies!)

Here's what you should do, and I'll tell you true, Care for them properly, please!

This little tune, should show you real soon, that as a matter of fact, I love trees. (Yes, he loves trees!)

For information on proper tree care, or to offer me a recording contract, please contact the Purdue Extension Service at (812) 435-5287.