X marks the spot: Removing Warren's hazardous trees Published Oct. 19, 2007 By 90th Civil Engineer Squadron F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. -- A project to improve some areas on base by removing dead or dying trees began in early October and ends in May. There are 152 hazardous trees base-wide marked with X's near Brick Quarters and Sergeant's Row that are slated for removal. A tree is hazardous when it could cause property damage or personal injury. Before removal, professionals assess every measure to make the tree safe. "I know exactly how hard it is to keep a tree alive and healthy in this high plains desert environment," said Tom Gonzales, grounds maintenance manager. "I would never remove a tree if it was savable; removal is the absolute last resort." Mr. Gonzales is a master gardener trained by the Wyoming State Forestry Department in hazardous tree assessment.. "Tom Gonzales is very cautious and contacts my office on a variety of tree issues," said Les Koch, WSFD. "He relies on a team of certified arborists to manage his urban forest." There are symptoms that indicate a branch or tree could fall, injuring people or damaging property: -Large branches or major limbs are dead. -Water is leaking from a wound, or the bark is severely discolored. -The trunk has developed a strong lean. -Decay and rot is present in old wounds. -Large branches or the trunk have obvious rotten wood or hollow cavities. -Mushrooms are present on or at the base of the tree. -Large branches have fallen, or there are broken branches hanging in the tree. -Large roots have been severed or damaged by construction, such as root excavation, sidewalk repair or trench digging for utilities. -The soil level over the roots or at the base of the trunk has been significantly raised or lowered. -The tree has been topped or severely pruned in the past. -Two or more main branches arise from the same point on the tree. The remedies to improve the health of a tree are pruning, cabling or bracing. If that doesn't help, the last resort is removal. "I have been personally involved in the maintenance and ultimately the health of all 12,253 trees on base during the past six years," Mr. Gonzales said. The 90th Civil Engineer Squadron spent more than $1.4 million in the last six years planting new trees, pruning and fertilizing to extend the life of historic trees and planning for the removal of over-mature trees. The life expectancy of the Great Plains Cottonwood tree is 75 years. Most trees have been on base for more than 100 years, classifying them as over-mature. The 90th CES asks parents to keep children away from the work area when contractors are removing a tree. Also, do not ask the contractors for the wood; all materials are transported to the base compost facility. For more information call Mr. Gonzales at 773-6105.