How to Keep Your Trees Healthy

Trees are the highlight and the most valuable asset we have in our landscape. They offer shade, clean the air, and help in cutting energy costs. With them around, your home’s value is upgraded significantly, and wildlife has a place to call home. On top of that, they have a calming effect that eases our daily stress. 

We are accustomed to seeing trees in the background that we often forget that they also need some care to live to their full potential. Proper tree care is pivotal to their overall wellness and continued development. Taking this into account, here are practical tips for maintaining the health of your trees: 

Tree Care Tips to Keep Trees Healthy and Attractive 

Choose the Right Tree. Don’t commit the mistake of planting just any tree in your landscape. Choose a species that is well-suited for the weather and soil conditions you have in your area. Look for a spot where it can receive adequate sunlight and allow enough space for it to grow its canopy. Make sure not to plant it too near utility and power lines, and of course, your home. Pro tip: don’t plant the tree too deep. 

Remove Stakes Early. Stakes are helpful when a newly-planted tree can’t support its own. Use stakes on opposite sides of the root ball with a flexible tie. Make sure to remove the stakes when the tree can stand on its own, probably after a year. Removing the stakes early on will allow the tree to sway freely in the wind, which will help it develop a sturdy trunk. 

Water Properly. Trees are living creatures that need to drink. Give your tree some care by offering it a drink, especially if it hasn’t rained for weeks. Generally, mature trees require at least one inch of water weekly. Younger trees, on the other hand, need up to 10 gallons every week to thrive. 

Mulch. Mulching is an essential part of tree care. It works as an insulator for the roots and protects them from the impact of lawnmowers. Mulch also keeps grass away from the tree, which means they don’t have to battle against each other for nutrients to live. Put at least 2 inches of mulch around the base of the tree. Make sure not to cover the base of the trunk in the process. 

Fertilize When Needed. Unlike the trees in the forest, landscape trees need fertilizing at some point. Natural plant materials serve as fertilizers in the forest, but in your yard, you need to remove those materials like leaves and grass. This is where fertilizers come in. Check the nutrients your soil has periodically to find out what is lacking so that you can provide them using slow-release fertilizers. 

Prune. Routine pruning goes a long way in improving a tree’s structure and health. Perform significant pruning when the tree is not actively growing, particularly in the winter season. In the warmer months, clean the area around the tree of any dead or fallen twigs. 

Schedule Inspections. Just like how humans require annual visits to the doctor, trees need to be assessed by arborists, too. Certified arborists, such as tree service in Manassas  (508) 731-3119, can spot diseases and infestations and offer treatments that can help correct the situation.