Mature trees offer abundant shade, improve air quality and even reduce stormwater runoff, making them valuable to homeowners. As they age, they require a different type of care; failure to provide it can lead to disease and death. Fortunately, this care is relatively straightforward. You can even find professionals to help by searching for “tree pruning service near me.”
Inspect for Winter Damage
In the spring, plants come alive, producing new leaves and flowers. However, trees won’t bounce back after the winter if significantly damaged. As the weather warms up, inspect your trees for the following signs of distress:
- Brown, mottled or wilting leaves
- Rot, fungus or mould at the tree base
- Brown, dry or dragging branches
You should also look out for pest damage, including signs of rodent infestation:
- Claw marks
- Bites
- Missing tree bark
The good news is that you can prevent damage by being vigilant during the winter. For example, you can avoid broken branches by monitoring the ice and snow accumulation.
Prune Properly
You should always hire a professional to trim dead foliage and broken branches, as this will allow the tree to recover. Trimming also removes the risk of dead branches falling unexpectedly and causing bodily injury or property damage.
Trees can handle pruning during any season, but there’s an advantage to trimming right before spring. During this time, trees can best close wounds, leading to a full recovery.
One thing you absolutely shouldn’t do is over-trim. Any healthy foliage that doesn’t pose a risk should be left alone, as trees need it for energy storage and production. If you’re unsure whether a branch needs to go, consult a professional tree service. These experts can judge if pruning will provide benefits, such as more light and air to the inner leaves, or create health stress for an otherwise flourishing plant.
Fertilize and Mulch
Trees need nutrients just like people do. Instead of consuming these nutrients, trees absorb them from the surrounding soil via their roots. Unfortunately, soil can become depleted, especially if you remove dead leaves and other debris. Of course, you can’t just leave fallen leaves and twigs since they can smother grass and create the perfect environment for mould.
The solution is to fertilize mature trees, preferably in the autumn and again in the spring. Suitable fertilizer depends on the type of tree and the climate. Your local tree service professionals will know the correct brand for your needs.
Professionals can also mulch trees to strengthen them during a time of exponential growth. Mulching offers several benefits:
- Prevents growth of weeds and grass too close to roots
- Slows evaporation and boosts water filtration
- Prevents soil compaction
- Improves soil structure
- Moderates soil temperature
Water Appropriately
Watering trees is one of the most essential steps to keeping them healthy. It also requires care, as trees can die from too much or too little hydration.
Again, the appropriate amount of water depends on the tree type and the climate. If there’s a mismatch between the two, you may need to consult a professional. For example, if you live in a desert climate and the tree isn’t native to the area, it may require more watering than it would in its natural environment.
Your approach to watering also plays a huge role in tree health. For best results, water with a hose at low pressure. Move the hose periodically to ensure the soil absorbs the moisture. Avoid watering directly at the tree’s base or using a sprinkler, as they’re inefficient.
Martins Tree Service is here to help homeowners keep their mature trees healthy. We provide a variety of services, including pest treatment and pruning. To learn more, visit us online or reach out by phone.
Steve Martin
