Tree Health Care
There are many components to proper tree health care, some of which we will discuss on this page. With proper care, your trees can be a very valuable asset providing lower energy bills, elevated property value and years of enjoyment.
- Planting: Proper planting will get your tree off to a good start. Many things can go wrong at time of planting including girdling roots, improper planting depth and simply planting or transplanting at the wrong time of year. Also keep in mind carefully choosing the proper location for the species of tree you have chosen. You may have a small tree now, but someday it could interfere with structures, power lines or other trees. Our arborist is available for consultation on these matters as well as procurement and planting of trees and shrubs.
- Water: On new trees you may have to water every other day for the whole first year, on established trees every one to four weeks (depending on Genus). Drought stress is a very real issue here and often times is the first level of tree decline, followed by reduced vigor, insect activity, disease and finally death! So water those trees!
- Form and Structure Pruning: Often, tree owners wait until there is a broken branch or until the tree is a hazard to request pruning services. Pruning young trees with consideration for the future can prevent many costly problems before they begin. Often, it is more cost effective to have a young tree pruned every few years than to wait until it is mature and needs extensive pruning. Structural issues can often be corrected early in a trees life to promote a stronger, safer, healthier tree.
- Promote Good Rooting: Water new trees regularly when newly planted. On established trees water deeply every one to four weeks (depending on species) from spring to late summer. It is also a good idea to apply beneficial organisms such as mycorrhizae to the root zone to increase vigor. Trees produce roots better in a mulched bed than in a lawn. Keep vehicles and equipment off the root zone.
- Protect Trees From Damage: Mechanical damage can be very harmful to trees. Be careful with equipment such as mowers and trimmers and never put wire or twine around the trunk or branches. Be sure to have a plan in place if any construction is planned in the trees habitat. Also, be very careful of malpruning as it will cause permanent damage. Beware of soil compaction in the root zone caused by vehicles or construction. We are available to draft construction preservation plans and perform evaluation on already damaged trees. Construction Preservation Guidelines(PDF).
- Protect Trees From Insects and Disease: We offer some excellent options for prevention and suppression of insect and disease issues before or after they become a problem.