Lisle arboretum measures love, knowledge of trees in new survey

A survey commissioned by The Morton Arboretum shows many Chicago-area residents see trees as welcome neighbors, but don't know how to help maintain them.

The Talking Trees study surveyed 500 adults between March 23 and 30 and grew out of the devastating effects of the emerald ash borer, said Patti MacMillan, public relations specialist at the arboretum in Lisle.

"Emerald ash borer has become a real threat to our ash trees and a visible one," MacMillan said. "People are seeing trees weakening and dying, millions of them throughout the area. That was sort of a catalyst for us to want to know what people know and think of trees."

The survey showed a lack of consideration for trees isn't a problem. In fact, two-thirds of respondents place "top importance" on trees when deciding where to live, and 60 percent had concerns about the loss of trees in their communities. But while eight of 10 respondents thought trees need the assistance of humans to thrive, many did not know how to help them.

The survey found 65 percent of respondents agreed that trees need to be frequently inspected for pests and diseases, but only 41 percent knew trees need help getting enough water.

And only 36 percent of respondents knew trees need mulch to prosper in cities.

"The majority of respondents know trees need our help ... they need human intervention to grow and to thrive in our communities, but (they) are unsure of what that next step is," MacMillan said.

She said the arboretum will use the information to improve its messaging and outreach and education efforts.