Tree Care – Choosing, Planting, and Maintaining Your Trees

Whether it is providing shade, color or beauty, or helping with the drainage of soil and the prevention of erosion, trees are an important part of your landscape. Choosing the right tree for your yard and planting it properly can provide years of enjoyment and value to your property. Planting a tree can be easy, but proper maintenance is key to making sure that your investment in trees will provide the benefits you desire. This includes watering, fertilization, mulching, and pruning.

When selecting a new tree, it is important to consider its mature size and the space it will take up in your yard or garden. Make sure you have adequate space to accommodate the roots of the tree, and that it will not interfere with overhead wires (phone and electric) or block desirable views. In addition, make sure the type of tree you choose will grow well in your climate. Finally, it is helpful to understand how a tree will interact with the soil in your yard.

Tree Care in the Winter

In winter, the best way to protect your newly planted trees is to provide extra protection with a protective wrap or cover during cold weather. This will help reduce damage from snow, ice and wind and minimize the potential for bark discoloration or disease. A good rule of thumb is to wrap a large portion of the trunk up to the first major limb, and only extend the cover as far as needed for the desired protection.

Mulching

A thick layer of organic mulch will help to retain moisture and keep weeds away from the roots of your trees. Apply a 2-4 inch layer around the base of the crown, but be careful not to mound it up against the trunk as this can encourage mold, insects and disease. Mulching will also help with the overall health of your trees by cooling the soil, which is beneficial for the root system.

Proper Fertilization

It is important to not over-fertilize young trees as this can stunt their growth. Avoid using nitrogen and other high-phosphorous fertilizers until your trees are established. Newly planted trees should be watered thoroughly at planting, and regularly through the summer during droughts or long periods without rain.

Pruning

Thinning a tree’s crown involves selectively removing live branches to reduce the density of a canopy and increase sunlight penetration. Thinning is the most common form of pruning performed on mature trees. When done correctly, it will promote healthy growth and balance the shape of a mature tree.

Incorrect pruning can harm your trees by reducing flower and fruit production, encouraging pests and diseases, and causing the death of the tree. It is critical to have your trees pruned by a professional that has the proper training and experience. It is also important to monitor your trees on a regular basis for insect and disease problems. Early detection can prevent a minor problem from becoming serious and expensive to treat.

from Treby Tree Services https://trebytreeservices.wordpress.com/2024/11/03/tree-care-choosing-planting-and-maintaining-your-trees/