It is important to take care of the trees on your property. Tree maintenance helps your property. You’ll better maintain your yard, keep your trees healthy and beautiful, and add value to the landscape. Check out these tips on how to care for your trees and keep them looking great for years to come.
Choose the Right Trees for Your Property
Choose a tree species suited to your region’s weather and soil. Native trees are the best option. Find a place on your property with adequate sunlight and enough space for its canopy once it is fully grown.
Water Your Trees
Trees need water like any other plant. Learn about the trees on your property to understand their moisture needs. Mature trees need one inch of water each week, on average. During the first two years, newly-planted trees require between 4 and 10 gallons each week. As the tree grows larger and its roots extend further, it will absorb moisture from the soil’s deeper layers and won’t need as much watering.
Soil Testing
If your trees aren’t looking their best despite your efforts, it may be because of the soil. Conduct a soil test if the trees on your property are drooping, shedding leaves, or have a lot of dead branches. By analyzing the soil’s pH levels and identifying minerals in it, you can figure out what you need to do to improve the health of your trees. Consider hiring a specialist for comprehensive soil testing.
Mulching for Tree Maintenance
Mulching is helpful for growing healthy trees. While it’s especially crucial for young trees, mulch has several advantages for mature trees as well. Mulch protects tree roots from being damaged by lawnmowers, insulates them from the elements, and keeps the soil from drying out. Spread mulch beneath your tree, but keep it 10-15″ away from the trunk.
Apply Fertilizer Regularly
The natural decomposition of plant matter supplies nutrients to the soil around trees in the woods. However, you rake and remove those natural elements in your landscape, including grass clippings and leaves.
Fertilizer is a solution that provides nutrients to the tree. Apply a slow-release fertilizer once or twice a month, as recommended on the product label. This will help the tree grow healthier and make it less susceptible to disease and insects.
Protect the Roots for Tree Maintenance
To take care of the tree’s roots, don’t drive over them with cars or heavy equipment. Compacting the soil above the roots reduces accessible oxygen, which might cause roots to die. If you need to remove or add soil beneath the tree canopy for grading and drainage purposes, get in touch with a trained arborist to oversee the work without harming the roots.
St. James Home Services provides inspections to customers in Durham, NC, and the surrounding areas. Contact us to request our services.