Expert Talks – Ideas for Keeping Your Trees Healthy and Thriving

Trees are the ultimate sophisticated decor that Mother Nature has gifted us with. They beautify our yards, add shade and privacy to our exteriors and believe it or not – trees can also increase your property value. Furthermore, they also play an import role in preserving our planet – they purify the air, keep a stable temperature, prevent soil erosion, and act as windbreaks. But for them to be able to do that, they first need to be healthy. In other words, we need to take proper care of at least the ones we have in our outdoor space. Here are some ideas on how to keep your trees healthy and thriving.

Inspecting for Tree Disease

Keeping your trees healthy is the first step toward a great-looking yard. While the majority of insects found on trees are not harmful, detecting any potential tree pest problems early on gives you a leg up in preventing them from harming trees. Establishing whether a tree is healthy or not is a complex process which should be done by an expert who can help identify these pests and come up with possible solutions.

While some tree diseases are minor, causing spots on the leaves and tiny sores on the twigs, others are very serious and call for the removal of the tree. Removing the infected tree will help eliminate the transfer of the disease to other trees. Unless you are an expert in tree removal, call a professional. Chances are, you will make a huge mistake in the process and the tree will fall on your own house. A tree removal expert has the knowledge and proper training to do the job properly and safely.

Mulching the Tree

Mulching your trees is a great way to get rid of weeds and to stabilize the soil’s temperature, which helps preserve soil moisture. Mulch your trees with 7 to 10 centimetres of shredded hardwood mulch. The proper way of doing that is to form a doughnut shape around the bottom of the tree. Don’t pile mounds of mulch around the trunk because this can lead to unwanted insects and diseases.

Fertilization is Important

Make sure that your trees have ample nourishment to support leaf and shoot development and fend off insects and diseases. Keep in mind that trees growing in high-stress areas (suburban and urban environments) often require more fertilization than trees growing in natural areas.

Irrigation May be Necessary

During dry, warm weather, watering trees may be necessary, especially if the trees are young or have been recently planted. As a rule of thumb, trees need about 18 litres of water on adequately draining soils. For fast-draining soils, more frequent watering is needed.

Pruning is a Must

Whenever you spot a damaged, diseased or dead branch, prune it to ensure your tree will continue thriving. Trees that flower in spring are best pruned the first summer once they finish flowering. These trees include flowering cherries, magnolias, and lilacs. Remember, big trees are best pruned by professionals.

When having your trees inspected, ask the expert to suggest you what’s the best way to take care of your trees. These professionals are experts in tree inspection, tree removal, tree pruning, tree fertilization, tree irrigation, etc., which means most of their tips are worth following.