Letters To The Editor: Nov. 1997

To The Editor:

I just got through reading the May 1997 issue of Lawn & Landscape. As usual, I found the articles and updates informative and useful.

However, I was extremely impressed with the article “Service on the Storm Front” (page 73). It gave some excellent ideas on how tree care companies can prepare for the unexpected. Here, in southwestern Indiana, we can expect tornadoes and ice storms—it would be only prudent to be prepared for them.

I have two requests in relation to this article. First, I would like to see a follow-up article, with some examples of companies’ emergency storm plans, and lists of the criteria used in the “triage” (or is it tree-age?) to prioritize the severity of the customers’ needs following a storm. Also, some suggestions in how to train temporary and supplemental staff for emergency tree work would also be great.

Thank you for your time and consideration, and thank you for the great article.

Larry Caplan
Extension Educator - Horticulture, Purdue Univ. Cooperative Extension Service
Vanderburgh County, Ind.