Trees play an important part in the environment and enhance the aesthetic quality of a building’s grounds or private home’s exterior. That said, property owners must realize that caring for these life forms could prove vital to their longevity, in addition to the structural integrity of such properties and the well-being of the residents and patrons frequenting such locations. The following is a basic home or property owner’s guide for proper tree maintenance.
Trimming
Like any other living being, trees grow and sometimes at prodigious rates. Therefore, they require periodic trimming. This action not only improves the appearance and health of the tree but satisfies other requirements, such as, eliminating dead branches.
Furthermore, a lack of trimming could permit wild growth that hovers over a home or building. Any type of severe weather, like strong winds, thunderstorms or ice and snow accumulation could bring limbs crashing down upon said locations. Such circumstances could lead to significant damage to pertinent components, including the roof, gutters and windows
Watering
Water is the lifeblood of all plant life. Trees need this crucial liquid to keep critical components, such as, the leaves and roots properly hydrated. Failing to maintain adequate hydration could lead to leaves susceptible to unsightly drying, insect infestations and a host of illnesses. Furthermore, improperly hydrated trees could weaken or die, leaving them more apt to collapse, cause significant amounts of property damage or cause serious bodily injuries.
Industry professionals suggest the tree’s trunk plays a pivotal role in how much water trees should be administered during watering sessions. By and large, a tree should be given 10 gallons for every inch of the trunk’s diameter.
Practice Close Observation
Home and property owners are firmly urged to closely monitor the condition of trees on their property. Like people, trees can become ill. Physical manifestations might include discoloration and stunted growth. As is the case with most human ailments, early detection is the key to a more expedient and less costly recovery.
Mulching
A substance known as mulch, which is a collection of organic material, has been known to spurn tree growth and improve their health. Landscaping professionals maintain that this product helps roots retain water, insulates surrounding soil from temperature extremes, inhibits the capacity for weeds to grow and prevents soil from impacting.
Despite its benefits, mulch must be properly installed for trees to reap the preceding benefits. Arborists suggest removing any surrounding grass up to three feet surrounding the tree in question, pour mulch anywhere from two to four feet deep in the surrounding circle and be sure not to allow any material to touch the tree’s trunk
Plant Appropriately
There is nothing a property owner can do about already existing trees. However, when planting additional plant life, property appropriate types of trees should be chosen. Certain trees thrive better in certain climates and types of soil.
Test Surrounding Soil
A sometimes overlooked but crucial tree maintenance tip is soil testing. Performing such measurements can help a property owner determine the material’s pH levels and determine what nutrients are contained within. If these examinations yield unfavorable results, the appropriate corrections should be made.
Winterize
Most trees thrive during the spring and summer. However, how said lifeforms are handled during the winter might go a long way in determining how aesthetically-pleasing they become during peak times. Particularly sensitive trees like those bearing fruit should be covered with material strong enough to provide frost protection. Industry professionals additionally suggest that property owners fertilize the surrounding ground to ensure the tree receives adequate nourishment.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
Certain maintenance duties, such as trimming and watering can be performed by homeowners. That said, individuals are strongly urged to periodically schedule professional maintenance. Tree care experts can identify underlying problems, like illnesses before said conditions morph into more complicated problems and expensive fixes.