How to Keep Your Trees Healthy

Trees play a critical role in our environment. They provide shelter to wildlife, create a cool environment in summer, and add value to our homes and property. It’s important for homeowners to know how to monitor the health of their trees and work with a professional to take care of their maintenance needs. A regular inspection by a qualified tree service can help you spot problems before they become costly and dangerous.

In addition to monitoring for signs of disease, it’s also helpful to keep tabs on a tree’s appearance and growth. For instance, a sudden change in the color of the leaves or the appearance of a trunk leaning to one side can be a sign of rot or other issues that need attention. A healthy tree has a deep root system that reaches into the ground and pulls nutrients from the soil. A layer of mulch can help protect the soil from erosion and promote a well-balanced soil. Many tree services recommend organic mulches, like wood bark, chippings, pine needles, cocoa hulls, and compost mixes over inorganic materials that can be harmful to the roots.

Another important element of maintenance is to ensure a tree gets enough water each week. This is especially important in the summer months when a tree may need to be watered several times per week. When watering a tree, it’s best to avoid spraying water directly on the foliage. Water that makes direct contact with a plant’s leaves can lead to fungal diseases and other problems.

It’s also a good idea to remove any invasive plants, like English ivy, japanese honeysuckle, or wisteria, around the base of the tree. These fast-growing plants can crowd out the roots of a tree and limit its ability to grow properly. It’s also important to monitor the soil conditions under your trees. If the soil is compacted, it can inhibit the tree’s ability to absorb water and nutrients.

Pruning is a great way to keep a tree healthy and prevent it from becoming a liability. If a tree is overgrown, a pruning professional can trim away extra branches or roots that are growing in the wrong direction and prevent them from damaging your home. They can also trim back the limbs of your tree to make room for future growth and minimize the chance of a limb or branch falling on your house during a storm.

Lastly, it’s important to check overhead power lines for any damage that might need to be addressed. An energized power line can shock someone working on it, even if they don’t touch the line directly. A person can be shocked by a tool, piece of equipment, or even a tree limb touching it.

In a worst-case scenario, an unchecked tree issue could result in serious damage to your roof or foundation or cause a tree to fall on your house and cause injuries or death. Regular inspections of your property’s trees and timely professional attention to any problems can keep a tree healthy, prevent expensive and dangerous repairs, and even lower your insurance premiums.

source https://experttreeremovalptyltd.wordpress.com/2024/07/01/how-to-keep-your-trees-healthy/