Tree Care – Maintaining the Health of Your Trees and Shrubs

Tree Care is an ongoing process of maintaining and improving the health and appearance of trees and shrubs. Good health is a plant’s first, strongest line of defense against problems that can arise, including disease, insects, fungus, environmental stress, and improper planting or installation. Many of these issues can be prevented by careful species selection and proper site preparation and planting.

Proper pruning, mulching, and proper soil care also contribute to the long-term vitality of trees and shrubs. The best time to prune is in the winter or early spring before new growth begins. Avoid excessive pruning, as this can weaken a tree, making it susceptible to damage from storms or wind, or to disease. Proper pruning techniques include removing dead branches, reducing the size of an overcrowded crown, and correcting structural flaws such as crossing or rubbing limbs. Pruning should be done with sharp, clean tools and never by topping a tree, which not only cuts off new growth but injures the branch ends and leaves them vulnerable to rot.

Invasive insect infestations and diseases are another major threat to the health of our urban forests. Some of these, such as emerald ash borer and hemlock woolly adelgids, are only expanding their range into our state, while others, such as the invasive Asian citrus psyllid, can devastate and kill native trees. The key to protecting and preserving your landscape’s valuable trees is preventative measures such as soil management, monitoring for pest populations, and use of fungicides and insecticides.

When choosing a location for your trees, consider the purpose they will serve – whether it is aesthetics, shade, fruit or privacy. Factors such as soil conditions, the weather, and the height and spread of fully grown trees will affect the success of your choice. Proper planning is crucial to the long-term success of your investment.

A well-developed root system is essential for a tree’s health and ability to thrive in the landscape. To ensure that a newly planted tree has adequate root penetration, it is important to pile soil and mulch in a ring around the base of the trunk. This creates a “dish” shape and allows the roots to soak up the water rather than run off into the surrounding garden.

Proper drainage of the soil is also critical to tree health. Wet soils encourage fungal growth that can lead to rot and other damage. Drainage can be improved through grading, installation of French drains, and removing excessive soil above the root flare.

It is also important to mulch properly, avoiding letting the mulch touch the trunk or stems. Mulching in the wrong place, or applying it too thickly, can limit oxygen flow to the roots and lead to decay and insect pests.

Regular inspections of your trees and shrubs by an ISA-Certified Arborist can help identify potential problems before they become serious. An ISA-Certified Arborist is trained to look at the big picture and can recognize problems that may go unnoticed by the casual observer, such as poor structure, insect pests or diseases, and a lack of root development.

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