Written by Elizabeth Olson and published on https://www.finehomesandliving.com/
Trees need regular maintenance to ensure their long-term health and safety in our landscapes. The urban environment is the source of many stressors on trees; from asphalt reflecting excess heat to the salt, we put down in the wintertime. Trees do not usually encounter these stresses in their natural environment and they can often lead to poor growth or even death of the tree if they aren’t properly addressed. There are lots of things we can do to help our urban trees grow large and live long, productive lives.
Tree Care and Maintenance Tips From the Experts
The health of trees is essential for the health of the planet and our healthcare. Also, trees increase property value, create shade, and improve one’s homestead’s general beauty. There are several other reasons why a man can’t do without trees, and as such, there is a need for tree care maintenance. Here are excellent tree care and maintenance tips from experts.
Inspect the Trees
Tree maintenance requires that you should frequently inspect the branches, roots, and leaves to determine whether the tree is in perfect state. Look for marks on the trunks, punctured leaves, cracks on the branches, and any other signs of damage on the tree. The amount of damage will determine whether you will salvage the trees, or they should be removed. For tree-loving homeowners who intend to create the perfect landscape, tree experts from the Rhode Island Tree Service recommend that you hire professionals who will help you handle downed trees, ugly stumps and they will handle all the trimming needs.
Inspect Diseases and Pests
Despite your effort, some diseases and pests could overpower you. It would be in your best interest to monitor the tree conditions, and you should be on the lookout for abnormal signs on the trees. Be on the lookout for a change in plant structure fungi, or spots on leaves. Such signs could indicate that diseases or pests have plagued the trees, and you should, therefore, take steps to control the spread.
Watering the Trees
Young trees need lots of water; thus, you should regularly water the young plants. Trees need lots of water and energy to grow, and as such, you should make an effort to ensure their survival, especially during the summer. When watering the trees, ensure that you leave the soil moist to increase the chances of survival.
Taking Care of Soil
One way to care for trees is by conserving the soil surrounding the trees. Most trees tend to wither due to poor soil structure and composition. In most cases, trees suffer due to soil acidity issues, soil compaction, and poor nutrition. By improving the soil composition, you end up enhancing the health of the tree. As such, make an effort to add fertilizer, drill holes in the soil to increase soil aeration, and use compost manure to fend off diseases and pests.
Pruning and Mulching
It would be a great idea if you surrounded the tree basement with mulch. Mulching helps protect trees from overnutrition and excess watering. When mulching, ensure that you place a 3-inch layer of mulch, and it should be inches away from the bark. It’s also important to note that some trees need pruning while others don’t. Research your homestead trees to determine whether pruning will affect their lifespan. For some trees, pruning will slow their growth, leading to death. Once you have determined that a particular tree needs pruning, seek help from experts. You wouldn’t want the fallen branches to damage your property, thus the need for hiring experts.
Experiment with Different Tree Species
For some people, trees might wither during a certain season; thus, you have to do without trees in that duration. Experts would advise that you research trees that thrive through all seasons and employ techniques to ensure that they survive in the harshest weather. It would help if you considered hiring an arborist who will assess the climatic conditions and recommend the right trees. Choose from a variety of shade trees such as oaks and maples or flowering trees such as cherry trees, redbuds or dogwoods. One of our favorite shade trees is the Shumard Oak. Japanese maples are more compact and are better for smaller spaces. Be sure to check your growing zone to make sure specific trees can thrive in your area.
Weeding Trees
Trees face competition from nearby plants and weeds for light water and soil nutrients. Experts often advise that you should have a 3 feet diameter around a tree. You can weed using your hands or with a hoe, and if matters get out of hand, you should consider using a weed suppressant that hinders the growth of weeds or kills them altogether.
Cooling the Trees
In the summer, shading and cooling of trees are essential for their survival. If you have young trees, ensure that you create shade for them. Also, materials such as block walls, glass, structures, and water surfaces, can cause heat stress on the trees. It would help if you evaluated the materials you intend to use for cooling the trees. It’s also important to note that certain materials such as decomposed granite, often absorb heat, resulting in heat stress for your trees.
If you have trees growing in your homestead, the chances are high that you might fail to care for them since you believe that nature will take its course. It’s important to note that trees need maintenance, and failure to take proper care will result in death. These tips will help you take care of trees, and in the end, you will reap the benefits.
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