Trees go a long way to enhancing the appearance of your home and landscape. They add character and charm that is impossible to replace if you have to remove them. This is why it makes sense to care for your trees in the same way as your flowers and grass. Active monitoring includes protecting them from diseases and pests that ruin rot their roots and branches. Follow the tree care essentials below to keep your trees strong and healthy.
The first important step in tree care includes a detailed inspection of the plant. Look for leaf density. Are the braches adequately covered with leaves? Do you see an abundance of fallen leaves during the growing season? You’ll also want to check for dead branches and peeling bark on attached limbs. These are all signs of disease or insect infestation. Visibly weakened areas should be trimmed off immediately to prevent symptoms from spreading.
If you do have to take down a few limbs, take the time to insect them for internal sounds of decay. Sometimes you’ll see a hollowed-out core or missing bark on the trimmed pieces. These are signs of potentially larger problem. If the rest of the tree looks good, then you likely have a few years before the destruction takes over. However, a certified arborist may be able to save the tree, so check with one if you are concerned.
Another overlooked area to examine is the soil region around the tree. The large trees roots that grow around established trees can prevent moisture from being absorbed. This leads to soil erosion and excessive water runoff. A simple fix is drop a few inches of mulch around the trunk to absorb the water.
Insects are a big concern with the health of a tree. A small infestation can quickly grow into a widespread problem if not contained. You can purchase a variety of insecticides at the hardware store, but some of them can be dangerous to pets and surrounding vegetation. Start with an organic insecticide first, and apply it only to the infected area. If you see results, then proceed through the rest of the tree as a preventive measure. Keep in mind that it could take several applications, especially if rain washes the solution away.
Prevention is your best weapon when caring for trees. Unlike many human ailments, suffering plants do not always show symptoms on the outside. You might have to look closer to identify damage. Spring and fall are the best seasons to inspect for leaf and limb damage. Try to schedule your inspections once the leaves begin to grow, and again before they shed in autumn. This should give you plenty of time to react to potential problems.
This article brought to you by CincinnatiTrees.com. Call Cincinnati Trees for all of your tree removal and stump grinding projects in Southwest Ohio.