Editor's Note This paper has been published in the full knowledge that its contents have appeared in many publications in this country. The advisory services of both the United Kingdom and the United States of America commit public funds to encourage sound arboricultural practice and professional organisations likewise devote their resources to achieve a better understanding of tree care and maintenance. Despite this effort arboriculturists the world over are confronted by indifference to the dead tree by society that it is hoped the different techniques advocated in this paper by Drs Ray Maleike and Rita Hummel, will encourage arboricultursts and others to give more consideration to their attitudes towards tree planting.