Trees do much more than just sitting pretty on our lawns. They also provide shade, cut energy costs, and reduce air pollution. The current global forest cover stands at 31%, which translates to about 4.06 billion hectares.
That sounds impressive, but it’s not enough to avert an impending climate disaster. That means we’ll have to plant even more trees to save our planet.
While most folks have no problem with planting trees, not many are great at taking care of them. Tree maintenance is just as important as planting trees because that’s the only way they can thrive and look their best. If you want your lawn to be the envy of your neighbors, then you need to have tree maintenance down pat.
Taking care of a tree isn’t as simple as watering or trimming them every once and then. Although doing so helps, there’s much more you can do to get the best from your trees.
In today’s post, we’ll look at some tips on taking care of a tree for healthy and thriving trees.
1. Tree Trimming
You can think of tree trimming as giving your tree a haircut. Consistent tree trimming ensures your trees look lovely and healthy.
Trimming helps remove dead branches and leaves so that new ones can grow. Your trees can grow out of control, and you need to trim them to stop them from coming too close to your house. If you can’t trim them yourselves, you can always hire a gardener or a professional landscaper to do it for you.
It’s worth noting that tree branches pose a serious threat to your house during severe weather. Loose branches may break and crash into your windows or roof. Sometimes, the branches may sway from strong winds and break your windows.
2. Water Them
It’s imperative that you water your plants regularly, especially if they’re new. Water helps carry important nutrients to all parts of the tree, and It also helps young trees stand up straight. As a rule of thumb, aim for about 10 gallons of water for every inch of the trunk’s diameter.
Older trees need less water because they have expansive root systems that can draw water from beneath the ground. You can’t say the same about young trees, and you need to water them regularly to help them grow roots, so they’ll need less water.
3. Keep an Eye Out for Pests and Diseases
Pests and diseases are detrimental to your trees’ health, regardless of how well you take care of them. They could reverse all the hard work you did to keep your trees in their best shape. As such, you need to always watch for pests and diseases.
Monitor your trees for any unusual changes like spots on the leaves or fungi on their barks. If you see abnormal structural changes, there’s definitely something wrong with the plant. All these are indicators that pests or diseases might be infesting your trees.
If that’s the case, you need to seek professional plant healthcare services to identify the problem and figure out a solution. Alternatively, you can purchase an insect control formula and spray them on your trees to get rid of pests.
However, remember to follow the instructions on the label to the letter to avoid harming your trees. Although buying pesticides is a good solution, calling in the pros is the best way to keep pests and diseases at bay.
4. Mulch
Contrary to popular thought, mulch isn’t just a decorative element for your yard. Mulch also helps trees to retain water, especially in dry regions. It also helps protect the trees from drastic temperature changes and is very beneficial for newly planted trees.
The mulch amount you’ll need for your trees depends on their size. You’ll need around three to ten feet of mulch around the tree for the best results. You’ll have to pay between $200 to $2000 for the mulch, depending on how many trees you’re mulching.
5. Soil Testing
If your trees don’t look their best despite your best efforts, it could be something with the soil. Maybe the soil lacks the optimum PH level and minerals for proper growth. Soil testing helps determines the PH level and minerals in the soil so you can take the necessary steps.
You can purchase a DIY soil-testing kit, but it may not give the most accurate results. Instead, consider hiring a professional to conduct comprehensive soil testing. You’ll have to pay slightly over a thousand dollars for professional soil testing.
6. Fertilize if Necessary
You have to fertilize your plants consistently if you want them to grow to their full potential. For young trees, you’ll have to fertilize them until you notice considerable growth. You don’t have to fertilize mature trees, but there’s no harm in doing so.
A soil test confirms what nutrients the soil lacks so you can get the right fertilizer. Fertilize plants that exhibit yellow foliage or stunted growth as soon as you can. Only use the recommended amount of fertilizer to avoid damaging the plants.
7. Keep Tree Roots Safe
Avoid driving any cars or heavy equipment over your tree’s roots. Doing so compacts the soil above the roots, which reduces available oxygen. Lack of enough oxygen may make the roots die off and kill the entire tree.
Also, avoid adding and removing soil under the tree canopies. If you want to do so, contact a licensed arborist to do it for you. That way, you can add or remove the soil without damaging the roots.
Be careful when changing soil grade, so you don’t damage the roots. Contact a reputable landscaping professional before any landscaping.
Proper Tree Maintenance Needs Commitment
Now that you know how to take care of a tree with the above tree maintenance tips, make sure you put them to practice. Remember, your trees aren’t only a decorative element; they’re also crucial for saving the earth. Take care of your trees not only for your yard’s aesthetics but for the planet’s future.
A touch of professional tree maintenance never hurts anyone. Contact us today for professional arborist services, including tree maintenance.
