The Buck Stops Here

I'm taking a quick break from campaigning to remember why I'm campaigning in the first place. I spent several hours treating and protecting a number of young trees damaged in George Washington Park. The damage you see in the photo is called mechanical damage. It can be caused by mowers, weed eaters, and vehicles, but it can also be caused by humans and deer—in this case a buck rubbing the velvet off of its antlers. Damage received when a tree is young can result in structural failure as an adult, and that can mean falling trees. By protecting our trees when they're young, we can help ensure the safety of our homes and infrastructure when they grow up. Much like in formulating public policy, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.