Trees are a great addition to your yard. They offer beauty, a natural habitat, shade, and privacy. However, trees need regular maintenance and care to keep them healthy. If you have trees that you have been ignoring, keep reading so you can better care for your trees.
How to Maintain a Tree
Maintaining a tree doesn't require much work, but younger trees typically require more attention. Younger trees may need additional support to remain upright, and they need regular water. In fact, during the
first two years of your tree's life, you should keep it regularly watered. This helps the tree create a strong root system, which will provide it with nutrients and stability.
It's also important to keep ground covering around young trees that are still establishing their roots. The ground covering helps in two ways. First, it helps with water absorption, so the soil and tree have more time to absorb the water. Second, it prevents other plants from growing — plants that could steal nutrients, water, sunlight, and space.
Older trees with established roots don't need as much water, but you may want to give them a helping hand during hotter months. However, older trees need regular pruning. You should trim any branches that are dying, dead, or pose a potential hazard.
Signs of a Healthy Tree Versus One That Is Unhealthy, Dying, or Dead
There are a few signs to look for in healthy trees. First, check the bark. Healthy bark is thick and does not peel or chip. If the tree is sick, it may not be able to regrow the outer layer of bark after the old layer is shed. If you can easily pick the bark off the tree with your hands, it may be dying or diseased.
Similarly, the twigs of a healthy tree are slightly flexible. You can bend the branch a little without it snapping. Trees that are sick or dying have dry, brittle twigs, so they snap when you bend them. You may also notice a lot of twigs on the ground around the tree if the tree is dying.
If you cut a small branch or twig, look at the color. Light green indicates the branch is alive and healthy. If the branch is brown or gray, it's probably dead. You can also do this on the tree trunk, but you'll have to remove some of the bark, which can cause damage.
Because the wood is rotting, a dying or dead tree will also attract fungi and pests. Both these organisms love dying wood. As the tree rots and weakens, it may start to lean to one side. Other signs of a dying or dead tree include:
- Extreme dropping of leaves
- Open wounds
- Unhealthy leaves or pines
If you think your tree is dying or dead, you should have it removed immediately. As the tree dies, it loses stability. Besides dropping big branches, the tree could topple over.
Special Considerations
You may need a tree specialist even if your tree isn't dying. Some people choose professionals to trim their trees. Incorrect trimming can lead to injury to the tree, and if you don't know what you're doing, you could hurt yourself if a cut branch falls on you.
Speaking of branches, some healthy branches may need removal. If you have a big branch hanging over your garage, for example, talk to professionals about having the branch or the entire tree removed. This will reduce the risk of the branch falling onto the garage in a storm.
Finally, if a tree is too close to a structure, it may need to be removed to prevent future damage. Tree roots can damage plumbing, patios, driveways, foundations, septic tanks, and much more. Ideally, such trees should be removed to stop the roots from growing.
Trees can be amazing, or they can cause many issues. A good arborist, however, is your best ally in keeping trees healthy and safe. If you would like to know more,
contact us at McClain's Tree Experts.
