Handling the Demise of Historic Trees: A Problem of Public Relations

Abstract

Decisions regarding the removal of historic trees are discussed along with the importance of a public relations campaign to lessen the social impact of the removal. An historic American elm on the Smith College campus is used as a case study. A successful operation often depends upon extensive publicity before, during, and after the takedown to stress the reasons for taking action and to lay out a timetable for that action and the role of the professional arborist.