News Release – 15 July 2005

July 15, 2005 – Eight hurricanes and fifteen named storms. According to Dr. William Gray, a meteorologist with Colorado State University and a leading hurricane forecaster, that’s what can be expected this hurricane season. We’ve already started seeing the affects and experts at the nation’s weather agency predict that two or three big storms could hit the U.S. this year.

There’s a lot to worry about during hurricane season including falling trees and limbs. The high winds and saturated soil conditions typically associated with summer storms can cause tree roots to fail and branches to weaken. Limbs may be torn free during storms or an entire tree may fall, causing power outages, property damage and even personal injury.

According to Dr. Bruce Fraedrich, a scientist at the research labs of leading tree care provider Bartlett Tree Experts, there are some basic procedures that can help reduce the risk of damage. He notes that a property inspection by an arborist is key to uncovering hazardous conditions like dying or weakly attached limbs, decaying branches, root disease and other structural problems that can predispose trees to failure.

“Problematic tree conditions are not always obvious to the untrained eye and correcting them can be dangerous,” said Fraedrich. “A certified arborist can inspect your trees from the ground up and recommend appropriate treatments such as pruning, installation of supportive cables or braces and even lightning protection systems.”

While storms are unpredictable, taking preventive measures now can make all the difference when a big one hits. “In areas that are prone to severe storms, routine care is the best way to maintain the beauty and safety of the trees on your property,” commented Fraedrich.

About Bartlett Tree Experts

The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company was founded in 1907 by Francis A. Bartlett and is the world’s leading scientific tree and shrub care company. The organisation’s current chairman, Robert A. Bartlett Jr., represents the third generation of Bartlett family management. Bartlett has offices in 25 U.S. states, Canada, Ireland and Great Britain. Services include pruning, integrated pest and disease management, soil analysis and management, cabling and bracing, tree lightning protection systems and tree/stump removal. Its corporate offices are located in Stamford, Connecticut. To find out more, visit the company’s web site at www.bartlett.com or call 1-877-BARTLETT (227-8538).