Okay, another year and now what? We took off a lot of the tree, but I was afraid to actually top the tree. It put out a lot of sprouts low on the south side of the trunk and of course a lot at the top. The four grafts that I tried with the Plugger grafting drill bit did not take. They are painted with grafting wax. I was able to do three successful chip bud grafts on a few of the lower sprouts so I'll leave those no matter what, just for pollination. We had a near catastrophe as the wind almost broke off the lowest large branch (facing right on the top picture). Fortunately there was someone who used to work at the Forestry Dept. just waiting for my husband to arrive at The Big Box. He knew exactly what size bolts and washers to use and we were able to re-attach the limb before it completely broke off. It was swaying back and forth when we arrived! What do we do this year?

Squonnk & whip1 - I am of like mind - I am very big into personal responsibility - which makes me a very odd attorney - & probably the reason why I don't do personal injury work. I knew when I signed up that there would be rules - and I do enjoy many many benefits of a HOA - which has a little to do w/snow removal & the pool & stuff, and more to do w/close-by great neighbors who are always watching out for each other's homes, etc. So, I am completely ok w/being responsible for my decision to buy into a HOA & for the negatives that go with it. My posting was really more of a vent than a "blame game" sort of thing. And, I usually need to vent a little before I come up w/my desired solution - which was to calmly tell my neighbor - the HOA Pres - which I did today - that if it were up to me, I would keep the trees & I would solve his "grass" problem by - installing a retaining wall to level the grade, keep the mega lawn mower off that small area to stop the compaction, and plant shade-friendly stuff. He said his wife agreed w/me :) I felt sooo much better after I talked to him - but I'm also glad I didn't talk to him right away b/c the litigator in me would have ripped his head off. He then told me that the HOA committee is in such a confused state that they can't even decide whether to spend $600 in annuals for the front area - sooo, that left me feeling that it was unlikely that they would get their act together any time soon to make a major tree removal, wall installation, and extensive shrubbery installation decision. BTW, when I noted all of the reasons why to do it my way, he said that one reason he wanted the extra 2 hrs of sunlight (4 - 6 pm) was to "dry out" the grass that IS backc there b/c it gets so waterlogged everytime it rains. First, it would be good if they turned off the automatic sprinklers back there. Second, he completely doesn't understand what I now know THANKS TO THE SOIL FORUM - that poor drainage has nothing to do with the sun and EVERYTHING to do with the SOIL. I feel so blessed to have been introduced to you guys! Thanks! All the Best, Tree

I, too, worry when someone is guessing about the dosage of a pesticide. It's dangerous for the applicator as well as for the environment. The responsible use of imidicloprid pesticides requires knowledge of the most effective timing as well as making certain that the dose will be correct. Another factor that worries me is that some insects are developing resistance to this class of pestides (neonicotinoids) . But the biggest headache is that these chemicals have proved to cause a population explosion of pests after the effects begin to wear away. This ends up causing increased problems....and more pesticides. I strongly advise that our original poster wait for several weeks to see if there are any positive results. By that time, the trees will be preparing for autumn. I also suggest that he/she call the toll free number found on every label to ask for advice. Know the identification of the pests and the measured circumference of each tree. Be honest with your particular dose. I'll bet that you get lots of help. I agree that the 'lint' insects are not whitefly but hackberry wooly aphids. You might not be observing or recognizing other pests, as well. Don't you think that it might be time for you to call on a professional? An ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certified arborist is required....not any 'tree guy '. One of the most effective control measures is horticultural oil applied in the winter. This treatment smothers the eggs of many pests, breaking the cycle. I doubt that any professional will spray acephate everywhere and Bt is useless on whitefly (or wooly aphids, for that matter).

In my home town we treasure our Oak Trees. They are very stately. Our streets in town are built around trees. It isn't uncommon to see a tree in the middle of the road with a right and left lane. I've always said I need to take pictures of these beautys. Some day I well. I'm a tree hugger. Gayle