The Importance of Tree Care Throughout the Year

Many of us think about tree care as the fall season approaches, but it is important to keep up with proper tree maintenance throughout the year. From the transition from cold to warm weather, to inspecting trees for pests and disease and pruning dead or problematic limbs, proper Tree Care helps ensure your trees are healthy into the future.

The planting process is critical to your tree’s long-term health and growth. Newly planted trees require consistent watering to overcome shock, especially if they live in a dry area climate or are exposed to drought conditions. The root system of a young tree is dense and compact, requiring a good amount of moisture to expand. A well-implemented planting will encourage the development of a full, strong root structure that can withstand the challenges of storms and other environmental factors.

A poorly planted tree may develop root rot, have a reduced capacity for water uptake and can even be more susceptible to damage or disease later in life. For these reasons, it is essential to work with a licensed, professional landscaper for all new plantings.

During the winter, newly planted trees are particularly vulnerable to injury or death. To minimize this risk, it is important to water your trees regularly and pile soil and mulch in a ring around the base of the tree. This creates a dish shape that holds the water and allows it to soak into the roots. The ring also minimizes weed competition and promotes a deeper and more extensive root system.

After a snowstorm, it is essential to remove any piled up snow or ice from the trunk of your tree. Doing so will prevent the formation of ice dams that could lead to trunk and limb damage. In addition, avoiding the use of road salt is crucial to avoid damaging roots by absorbing too much of the mineral, which can also reduce the amount of oxygen available to roots.

Pruning is an important aspect of Tree Care and involves removing any dead, diseased or broken branches as well as those that cross or rub against each other. This reduces the risk of disease, pest infestation and falling hazard while maintaining a healthy canopy that provides optimal air circulation.

When pruning, it is imperative to make clean cuts that are a few inches away from the trunk of the tree. This will allow the cut to heal properly and prevent bark tearing. Using the three-cut method is also important, which means making an undercut a few inches away from the trunk, a top cut slightly further out and finally, removing the remaining stub with a clean cut just outside the branch collar. If your trees have not been pruned before, it is recommended to hire a professional arborist who can provide a safe and effective pruning service. They will have the proper equipment and knowledge to perform the job safely and effectively. Be sure to ask for a written contract that includes all tasks, costs and terms associated with the work to be performed.

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