How do tree care for yourself?

Oct 5

For limbs that are easy to reach and need to be trimmed, a pole saw is a great tool. However, it can be difficult to know where the line is when it comes to DIY tree work. We want your trees to be happy and healthy so we have created a Do's and Don't list for tree work.

It is important to know as much information as possible about tree maintenance companies in your area.

1. In the fall, start landscape maintenance, especially for new trees.

People wait for spring to start thinking about landscaping. However, the pros know that springtime care can be easier and more rewarding if you get started in the fall. Preparing your trees for colder temperatures requires a few key steps. The PINE method can be used to prevent problems developing in the buds: prune, nourish, and then extend.

Prune unruly branches
Examine trees for signs of disease, insect damage, or dying limbs.
Water and organic mulch are good for your trees.
To extend the growing season next year, plant new trees in autumn

Healthy, well-maintained trees are more likely to live longer than unhealthy ones. Your home and property can be protected by keeping your trees healthy.

2. You can leave your trees alone to provide the best care possible.

For trees to thrive, they don't require humans. The right places are where trees thrive. However, humans can sometimes cause damage to trees that they wish to display. Parking a car under a tree can cause damage by repeatedly tamping the ground, which makes it more difficult for roots to grow and shift in soil.

A lot of homeowners desire to build a structure next to or around a tree in order to enhance their final construction project. Don't do it! Construction too close to trees can cause damage to their roots and growth spaces. Roots must have two to three times the number of branches to support a tree. Discuss your tree's needs and tools with a contractor and mark the areas where construction vehicles are not allowed to park or drive.

3. Weekly trimming and mulching

You don't really need to do much to help your trees stay healthy. However, it is worthwhile to take some basic precautions to ensure that they last a lifetime. Mulch is a good idea to surround the base of your trees. Mulch can protect your tree from excessive watering and fertilizing. Mulch should be 2 to 3 inches thick. It should not touch the tree's bark. Be sure to get rid of any older mulch before you put on the new mulch.

Trees don't require much pruning. However, pruning can slow down growth because the tree must heal to continue growing. You should prune trees when you notice dead limbs or cracks from strong winds or rainstorms. These limbs and branches should be removed safely from your tree in order to avoid them falling onto your property.

4. Make Pruning Cuts Correctly

– Avoid Flush Cutting

Flush cutting is one of the biggest pruning errors. This is when a branch is cut flush with the bark on the tree trunk or larger branch it's attached to.

How to avoid a flush cutting: First identify the branch collar. This is the area at the base of the branch. Next, cut just beyond it. The branch collar tissue is stimulated to grow over the cut and seal it with a pruning cut.

– No Stub Cut

Stub cuts, which are the opposite of flush cutting, leave a branch stub that can be seen long enough for the collar to not grow over it.

Avoid stub cutting by following this rule: A stub branch is too long if you can hang your hat on it.

5. You can choose the right trees to plant in your yard

You should also consider whether any leaves might fall onto your driveway or street during autumn. Wet leaves can cause slippery conditions. Even one layer of wet leaves can make steering and braking difficult. You should be aware of the potential fall of leaves, and take care to avoid any potential spotting.