The Importance of Tree Maintenance

A well-cared for tree can enhance your property and add beauty and value. However, a rotten or diseased tree can become a serious safety hazard to your home, property and family, not to mention the potential of costly damage from storms. That’s why it’s important to have your trees inspected and maintained on a regular basis by an experienced, professional Tree Service company.

Proper care, including pruning, cabling or bracing, fertilization and inspections can help you head off problems before they occur, keeping your trees healthy for decades. It’s also a way to save money, as the modest cost of a maintenance program is far less than the expense to replace or repair damage caused by a fallen tree.

There are many things that can go wrong with a tree, some of them biotic (living) and some abiotic (non-living). Abiotic stressors can be anything from the weather to soil conditions, insects or diseases. While most of these can be dealt with through proactive monitoring, pest control and regular pruning, some may require immediate attention to avoid significant damage or even death of the affected tree.

Root diseases, insect infestations, and structural weakness due to improper planting or construction can all lead to the failure of a tree. Root diseases and insect infestations are most commonly caused by abiotic stresses, such as improper soil conditions, nutrient deficiency or excessive moisture. Abiotic stressors include the use of inappropriate fertilizers, watering practices, soil compaction, construction impacts or inadequate spacing between trees.

A weakened or diseased tree can lose significant portions of its canopy, significantly reducing light and shade penetration to buildings and people below it. It is also more vulnerable to wind and snow damage, which can cause it to fall over.

When a limb falls, it can create an electrical hazard for both the person pruning or working near it and any passers-by. If a limb hits or comes into contact with an overhead power line, it can be very dangerous, as electricity can jump from the limb to the utility lines, causing a fatal shock. For this reason, it is very important to know the rules for dealing with branches and wires and not to touch a live power line.

Over-pruning and unnecessary staking: Over-pruning can cause the crown to thin and open up, reducing sunlight penetration and making a tree more susceptible to diseases and pests. Unnecessary staking can also restrict the natural movement of a tree and prevent it from growing to its full size and potential.

Overhead power lines must be considered energized and treated as such, with special training required for those who work on them. Branches that hang over overhead power lines must be directionally pruned to avoid contact with the line. Directional pruning is a process that removes live branches on the outer perimeter of the crown and lower sections of the main trunk to reduce their weight and prevent limbs from contacting and damaging utilities. Contact the utility companies in your area to learn more about this important and specialized method of pruning.

from Treby Tree Services https://trebytreeservices.wordpress.com/2024/06/09/the-importance-of-tree-maintenance/