How to Take Care of Trees

Trees provide many benefits, including shade, beauty and tranquility. They can also enhance property value, reduce energy costs, and help with erosion control. However, trees require special care to thrive. Taking the proper steps to keep your trees healthy can make all the difference in ensuring they will be a lasting part of your landscape.

Water

Watering is the single most important factor in developing and maintaining a vigorous plant. Newly planted trees and shrubs need to be watered regularly, especially in dry periods. Watering should be done to the soil level, avoiding splashing water on the leaves and stems of the plants. Avoid overhead watering, as most bacterial and fungal diseases are spread by splashing water. Watering bags, buckets and drip irrigation can prevent this problem.

Mulch

A 3-inch layer of mulch conserves moisture, retards grass and weed competition with roots, adds organic material to improve soil, stabilizes temperature, and helps reduce root girdling by rodents. Do not pile mulch up against the trunks or stems of the plants, as this will reduce the amount of oxygen to the roots and may cause rot. Mulch should be checked and replaced as needed to maintain a moist soil surface.

Prune

Careful formative pruning can help prevent problems in the future and maintain a more compact, well-shaped structure. The goal is to promote strong, healthy growth that can withstand the stresses of wind and snow. Dead or problematic limbs should be removed promptly before the onset of winter weather, as these can lead to serious rot and other problems. Be careful not to remove more than a third of the foliage of the plant at one time, as this can cause the plant to send out new growth that is too large for the trunk to support.

Examine the Plant

Look for any rot, fungus, brittle bark or discolored or wilted roots. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek a tree service for advice or immediate attention.

Fertilizer

Trees are very complex living organisms that need to be taken care of properly in order to grow strong and live long. A tree’s health depends on many factors, including the type of species chosen, location and growing conditions, soil and drainage, insects and fungus, and more. A good tree service will understand the science behind these issues, and be able to advise their customers on how to best take care of their trees and shrubs. When hiring a tree service, always ask about their certification, education and experience. Ask for local references and to see examples of their work. It is also important to ensure that they have adequate insurance, including liability for personal and property damage as well as worker’s compensation.

source https://cameronstreeservices.wordpress.com/2023/12/04/how-to-take-care-of-trees/