Tree Maintenance: What to Do and When to Do It

A tree's value to your property cannot be understated. They provide oxygen, improve air quality, and support wildlife. However, trees need proper care and maintenance to stay healthy and thrive. This can seem daunting, but with a little knowledge and effort, it can be easy to keep your trees healthy and looking their best. Below is a guide to help you with tree maintenance, what to do and when.

What to Do

Water Regularly

Water your plants regularly, especially if they are young. Water aids in the distribution of critical nutrients throughout the tree and also assists young trees in standing straight. Plan on using approximately 10 gallons of water for every inch of trunk circumference.

Older trees require less watering because their roots can reach deeper into the soil and draw moisture. Young trees, as opposed to established trees, require more frequent watering as their roots spread and they become more self-sufficient.

Watch Out for Pests and Diseases

Pests and diseases will harm your trees no matter how well you care for them. They may undo all of your efforts to keep your trees healthy. As a result, you should always look for pests and diseases.

To determine whether something is wrong, look for abnormalities such as spots on the leaves or fungi on the bark. Changes in the structure of the plant that do not make sense indicate something is wrong with it. These signs that your trees may be infested with insects or diseases.

If this is the case, you should contact a professional plant care provider to determine what is wrong and how to correct it. To get rid of pests, you can also buy an insecticide and spray it on your trees.

Mulch Them

Contrary to popular belief, mulch serves a purpose other than aesthetics in the garden or yard. Mulch is particularly beneficial in arid areas because it helps trees retain moisture. It is especially beneficial to newly planted trees because it protects them from extreme temperature fluctuations.

The amount of mulch required by your trees is proportional to their size. Three to ten feet of mulch should be spread around the tree for the best results.

Prune Them

Pruning is the removal of dead or otherwise ineffective branches and leaves to promote the growth of healthier new growth. If you do not keep an eye on your trees, they can quickly become a hazard. They must be pruned regularly if they grow too close to your house. If you do not have the time or desire to landscape your yard, a professional gardener or landscaper can help.

Stormy weather can endanger your home with falling tree limbs. Unsecured limbs have the potential to cause damage to your roof or windows. During a storm, the branches have the potential to move and smash your windows.

When to Do It

Most people think tree maintenance is only necessary when a tree is damaged. However, routine maintenance can prevent damage to trees and save you money in the long run. Here are three times when you should do tree maintenance:

Before Planting a New Tree: Before planting a new tree, it’s important to ensure that the area around the tree is clear of debris. This will help the roots establish themselves properly and avoid any potential damage.

After Severe Weather: If your area has experienced severe weather, it’s important to inspect your trees for any damage. This includes broken branches, cracks in the trunk, or uprooted trees. Any damaged trees should be removed immediately to avoid further damage or injury.

During Periods of Drought: Drought can weaken trees and make them more susceptible to damage.

Conclusion

Maintaining your trees is important for your yard's health and your home's value. Greenridge offers tree maintenance services that can help you keep your trees healthy and looking their best. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you maintain your trees.