All foresters and nurserymen learn to expect and enjoy the tree questions that they deal with daily.

When lawn trees appear sick, most homeowners are looking for a pesticide spraying recommendation. Spraying is what most of us relate to as the quick fix for tree illness, much like medicine is the quick fix for human ailments.

When an insect or disease attack becomes a serious threat to a tree, spraying a pesticide may be necessary. Young trees struggling to establish themselves often benefit from a pesticide spray. Before rushing off and spending a lot of time, money and energy, ask yourself a few questions.

* Is the tree too large to effectively spray?

* Do I have the equipment, ability and know-how to spray it myself?

* If not, am I willing to pay the cost of hiring someone to spray? (Large trees may cost hundreds of dollars.)

* Will I be able to positively identify the pest and the pesticide needed?

* Do I mind the exposure of people and property to the pesticide?

* Is the tree too old or too far gone to invest time and money?

* Is there another technique to control the pest without spraying?

* Is it too late to control the pest if I do spray?

* Will I be disappointed if the appearance of the tree does not improve until next growing season.

Most successful tree spraying efforts start immediately after leaf-out in the spring. Fungicides work only to prevent fungus infections, so you must start early and stay with it. Insecticides can only stop the effects of insects if sprayed when the populations are small and the critters are young.

The last thing I want to do is discourage tree care by discouraging spraying. But tree experts know that the best strategy is to focus your efforts on the tree itself, not the pest. A large, healthy tree with good vitality will rarely suffer an insect or disease attack that it cannot handle.

The best ways to ensure a healthy tree:

* Make sure each tree has enough root and top space to develop well.

* If planting a new tree or having troubles with an existing one, see if the soil is well suited for the tree species. (We guarantee tree failure if this mistake is made!)

* Do not damage roots with compaction, digging or filling. Feeder roots in the top two inches of soil are the most critical of all and very susceptible to damage.

* Prune trees only when you must.

* Mulch small trees to hold moisture and reduce competition.

* Do not wait too long to do deep watering for trees during droughts, especially those less than five years old.

If you want to get the best out of a forester, arborist or nurseryman, ask them for advice in caring for your healthy trees or when you are getting ready to plant some new trees. You will then find that matching the correct tree species to your soil type and available space, and taking care of them from the start, will grow trouble-free trees -- in a hurry.

Mike Anderson is an assistant district forester for the Missouri Department of Conservation.