When planted properly and managed well, trees can contribute a great deal to your landscape. Trees can provide shade/energy reduction, beauty, windbreaks, privacy screens and more. However, like all living things, trees require routine care and maintenance to thrive and stay healthy. Whether your property has young or mature trees, proper United Tree Care begins with planting and continues throughout the tree’s life.
The first thing to consider when choosing a tree is its purpose. Whether your goal is aesthetics, privacy, energy reduction or a combination, the type of tree you select will help determine what types of maintenance and care it needs to flourish.
Temperature Fluctuations
Although a lot of people are concerned about the cold winter temperatures damaging their trees, it’s actually the sudden cold snap that harms trees the most. This is because when the weather slowly warms in the middle of winter and then gets cold again, the tree has time to acclimate to the change. But when the temperature changes quickly, it can damage and kill a tree that hasn’t fully adapted to the low temperatures.
Trees should be pruned regularly to maintain their health and shape, especially after storms or when branches break. In addition, it is important to monitor the tree’s condition and watch for pest problems. If a tree shows signs of distress, such as wilting leaves or weak branches, contact a professional to diagnose the problem and treat it before it becomes serious.
Mulching around the base of a tree is an effective way to keep the soil moist. Ideally, a layer of mulch should be spread to a depth of two to three inches, keeping it away from the trunk. Using fertilizers is also important, but only when necessary. When a tree does need fertilization, research has shown that using slow release and balanced granular products is more beneficial than nitrogen-based or foliar applications.
Heavy machinery and traffic around the area of a tree can cause soil compaction, which compresses soil particles, restricts root growth and prevents water from penetrating the soil. To minimize this damage, construction sites should fence off areas where trees are located and use vehicles and equipment with low ground pressure.
When drilling into a tree, the wound created should be cleaned to remove any debris that could become a habitat for fungi. In addition, if the cavity has not been sealed, it can act as an entry point for insects, such as carpenter ants and termites, that can create internal decay.
Using a trained and certified Tree Care professional is the best way to ensure that your trees are in good hands. When hiring a professional, it is important to ask about their certification, education, work history and insurance coverage. Many reputable companies will post their certifications, upper management bios and unbiased customer reviews on their website. It is also a good idea to request local references. Also, make sure to ask about their safety standards and how they manage potential risks.