The trees in your yard are the most valuable parts of your landscape. They provide shade, cut energy costs, and also increase your home’s value. Moreover, with trees, you can improve air quality and reduce soil erosion, while also providing habitat for small wildlife.
Their calming presence makes them a great addition to your yard. However, many homeowners tend to forget that trees also need proper care. To ensure healthy growth, here are some ways to keep your trees healthy.
Plant the Right Tree
This is important to enjoy long-lasting benefits from any tree. Choose the right species that can adapt to your climate. Moreover, it should also be able to adapt to the specific conditions of soil, light, and space in your yard.
The right species, when well adapted, thrives. The wrong choice can compromise tree health care, and you might even need to take it down in severe cases.
Get Tree Service for Pruning and Maintenance
You can prune the trees on your own. However, if it is not possible, you can hire a tree service. Pruning helps strengthen the trees and enhance their structure. You need to make thinning cuts (remove entire limbs at their origin) rather than heading cuts (cut along the length of a branch).
For large trees, you should consult an arborist. Pruning at the right time and in the right way makes a huge difference.
Remove Stakes Early
A tree can develop a stronger and sturdier trunk if it is allowed to sway in the wind. If your new tree can’t stand on its own, you should use a two-stake system, one on each side of the root ball. There should be a loose, flexible tie between them that supports the trunk.
After about one year, your tree will be able to stand on its own, and you can easily remove the stakes.
Water the Trees Properly
Young trees need more water. Even mature trees should be watered regularly during droughts. Water until the entire root zone is saturated. It should be just outside the drip line (a line from outside of the tree canopy down to soil level).
Let the soil become partially dry before watering again. Don’t rely on water sprinklers. They don’t wet deep enough, leading to shallow-rooted trees. Drip irrigation or soil basins are better.
Take Care of Tree Health Using Mulch
Mulching is important for your tree’s health. Apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch, like compost or pine straw, under the tree’s canopy. It will help cool the soil, preserve moisture, and improve soil texture.
Moreover, mulch reduces weed growth. Make sure to replenish regularly to keep your tree healthy.
Protect the Roots
Roots are where your tree grows from. Taking care of them means you are taking care of the entire tree. Never allow cars or other heavy equipment to drive over the roots. This can result in compacted soil, reduced oxygen, and even the killing of roots.
Moreover, you should never remove or add soil without consulting a certified arborist. Changing soil grades can harm roots, often killing them or making them more vulnerable to storm damage.
