More than a century ago, Henry David Thoreau wrote: "Even trees do not die without a groan." You don't have to be a tree hugger to agree.

If the American essayist were to visit Pittsburgh today, he would probably be appalled by the abuse the city's planting and maintenance methods have inflicted on neighborhood trees.

The Friends of the Pittsburgh Urban Forest have called attention to the acts of sloppy tree management around the city. Citing the haphazard removal of old trees, the cutting of tree tops without regard to aesthetics or the health of the tree, entombing root systems under sidewalks and "volcano" mulching, the group accused the city of bad stewardship.

According to the FPUF and Councilman Bill Peduto, Pittsburgh leaves too much discretion on tree health and appearance to private interests. With trees costing up to $500 each, there should be not only a heartfelt incentive but also a financial imperative to get the best care and maintenance.

Pittsburgh has rules that dictate the correct way to manage its trees, from initial planting to the time they've grown so big that they threaten power lines. What the city has failed to do, according to critics, is consistently enforce its own rules. Private contractors have deviated the most from them, with discredited methods like volcano mulching (piling too much mulch around the base of a tree) still being used.

Six months ago, the city hired Lisa Ceoffe, an urban forester, to ensure that the rules for proper planting and maintenance will be followed. Hers is an important job, and developers and community groups are encouraged to coordinate their plans with Ms. Ceoffe.

Her hiring at least shows a recognition by the city that Pittsburgh's beautiful urban forest shouldn't be left in the hands of amateurs.