Trees are one of our landscape’s most important assets. They provide aesthetic value, beauty, and many services that benefit our quality of life. They also pose a number of problems, from the nuisance of dropping branches to more significant property damage when they collapse and fall on buildings or cars. To help prevent this type of damage, it is necessary to regularly evaluate your trees and shrubs to identify potential hazards.
A certified arborist is the best person to identify structural problems with your trees but there are some things you can look for yourself. Look for dead wood (easy to see in the leafless season), cracks or splits, fungi or mushroom growth at the base of the tree or in the ground around the roots, and leaning or overhanging branches that could pose a problem during storms.
Poorly pruned trees are another common source of injury. Incorrect pruning techniques create wounds in a tree’s tissues that do not heal properly, and can lead to insect infestation, disease, and structural weakness. Avoid removing more than 10% of the total tree’s total diameter, as this can have serious consequences to the health and structure of the plant.
Unnecessary staking can also be harmful to trees. Unless a newly planted tree is struggling to stand up straight, staking should be avoided. When staking is required, make sure the stake does not contact the trunk of the plant, as this can cause serious rot and damage to the tree.
When determining the size of a stake, use a tape measure or ruler to find the circumference of the trunk. This will give you the proper diameter of the stake, which will help to minimize damage to the tree and ensure the stake is positioned correctly.
Damage to a tree’s root system can be caused by digging, construction or even lawnmowers. Tree roots extend one to three times the radius of the canopy and are easily damaged if you dig or drive over them. Avoid driving or parking vehicles near a tree where the roots might be impacted and consider marking a zone to protect the roots.
The winter months can be particularly harsh on trees and plants, but you can take steps to protect your landscape. Keeping your trees healthy is the best way to ensure that they can withstand snow, ice and freezing temperatures.
Healthy, well-maintained trees are more resilient to the effects of cold weather than those that have been damaged by insects, diseases or other factors. By assessing your trees and shrubs regularly, you can ensure that they are in good health and ready to withstand the challenges of winter. By doing this, you can save yourself the expense of removing injured trees and the inconvenience of dealing with the aftermath of an unexpected fallen tree.
source https://axetreeservices.wordpress.com/2024/08/19/tree-care-tips-for-your-landscape/
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