Consistent care can prevent many problems with your trees, and it’s easy to create a manageable routine to maintain their health throughout the entire year. Let’s take a look at what maintenance you need to do and factors to consider for optimal tree health.
Steps to Take
Begin by making a watering schedule that gives your trees sufficient water every week. Mature trees often require less water, but their needs might differ based on the species. Next, spread mulch around the base of the tree while keeping it away from the trunk. This will protect the roots and preserve the moisture ratio. During the winter, branches that are damaged or weak should be pruned. Fertilizer should be used in the right amount only if the soil lacks the right nutrient levels. Checking for pests and signs of disease during every procedure will help you catch problems early.
Select the Right Mulch
Selecting the right type of mulch can affect the health of your trees. There are organic mulch products that can enrich the nutrients in your soil, and they include ingredients such as wood chips, bark, and shredded leaves. The mulch is designed to decompose slowly, which releases the nutrients into the soil over time. Inorganic mulch products might last longer, but they don’t improve the soil quality because they’re typically made from materials like gravel and rubber.
Best Mulch Types for Different Trees
The best type of mulch should be matched to the type of tree. For example, deciduous trees will thrive when you add mulch made of wood chips or shredded bark. Examples include oak and maple trees, which respond to this mulch because it mimics the conditions that exist on forest floors. Other examples include the mulch used for fruit or evergreen trees. Fruit-bearing trees respond best to mulches made from compost or straw. Evergreens like pine and spruce trees prefer mulch made from pine needles or bark, which maintains the soil’s acidity.
Other Considerations
A simple tree care routine assumes no serious hazards exist. Expertise is necessary if you’re dealing with power lines near buildings or other hazards. Pest control measures also need regular maintenance to avoid massive infestations. Additional aspects of advanced tree care can include root zone management, cabling, branch bracing, and tree removals.
Professional Tree Care
Arborists can be effective at helping you identify and eliminate common pests before they cause damage to your trees. This includes establishing a procedure for mulching, watering, pruning, and trimming. Professionals understand how to match the type of mulch to each species of tree. Adjustments may be needed to meet the needs of the specific tree.
This process can become complex, so consulting a professional arborist might become necessary. If you need a professional tree care service crafted by the best experts in this area, contact Maguire Tree Care, Inc. in the San Francisco Bay Area.
