Tree CareTrees are typically a fantastic addition to a yard, a lawn, or general landscaping, but proper care is very important in their continued growth and health over time. Many best practices suggest that one thing one can do in the process of maintaining a healthy, productive (often in the case of fruit or flowers) tree that looks beautiful is to do both preventative and regular maintenance.
This can be done by you or a professional, but this will involve pruning and trimming and well as special watering and other care techniques for newer, younger trees. The best time to begin pruning is around planting time early in the tree’s life to encourage its development and growth. |
Waiting to do this or neglecting to prune at all can either result in more work down the road or a deformed tree. Pruning and trimming regularly will both enhance the appearance of a yard; it will also help to keep the tree healthy and the residents of a home safe because of the removal of the dead or damaged branches. If you are doing this yourself without the help of an experienced professional, take care to be safe around other structures, wiring, and such. Clipped branches can cause severe injury if not done properly.
In addition to pruning trees, make sure to eliminate dangers to them as well. This can include not getting the lawn mower too close trees and their roots and reducing the use of herbicides near the tree and the yard surrounding it. But it also means that things like tying ropes or climbing trees can pose a harm.
Fertilizer is normally not needed and can be harmful to a stressed or new tree, so only use that if necessary. Some people will choose to plant flowers under a tree for a better aesthetic appeal, but some experts believe this does more damage. Mulching is a better alternative to both techniques. Finally, if you do occasional inspections (or leave that to a professional), you may be able to catch small problems before they become huge and costly.
If you are taking care of a new, young tree, there are other precautions and measures to take. Many experts say that appropriate planting and watering techniques are key. Beginning with planting, there are certain tips that can help prepare a site for a new tree. Evaluate the landscape, leave the tree enough space for its roots to grow, check the soil and make sure there is room for drainage, and prepare the site mechanically (removing weeds and other vegetation) as well as chemically (to control the competing vegetation). All of this is best done under the supervision of a professional.
Since trees use significant amounts of energy developing their roots, they may need extra water. Heat and drought can stunt the growth of new trees, so keep that in mind as you decide when to purchase new trees and where to plant them. You can make this process go smoother by providing extra water and using wood-chip mulch to cover the soil the tree is planted in. Do not over-water, though, as that is a common mistake. If the soil is moist, you are in the clear, but a soggy feeling will indicate that the tree has been given too much water.
Tree care does not need to cost you insane amounts of money. Keeping a lush, green yard filled with trees and other plant life does can be inexpensive whether it is done by you or landscaping companies. For those who decide to go with a tree care service, be sure to get a detailed estimate, check credentials, and keep the lines of communication open so that you are always aware of what they are doing. If you are doing it yourself, invest in the right tools and keep up the work so that you will not lose money later from using the wrong equipment or not pruning and trimming enough.
In addition to pruning trees, make sure to eliminate dangers to them as well. This can include not getting the lawn mower too close trees and their roots and reducing the use of herbicides near the tree and the yard surrounding it. But it also means that things like tying ropes or climbing trees can pose a harm.
Fertilizer is normally not needed and can be harmful to a stressed or new tree, so only use that if necessary. Some people will choose to plant flowers under a tree for a better aesthetic appeal, but some experts believe this does more damage. Mulching is a better alternative to both techniques. Finally, if you do occasional inspections (or leave that to a professional), you may be able to catch small problems before they become huge and costly.
If you are taking care of a new, young tree, there are other precautions and measures to take. Many experts say that appropriate planting and watering techniques are key. Beginning with planting, there are certain tips that can help prepare a site for a new tree. Evaluate the landscape, leave the tree enough space for its roots to grow, check the soil and make sure there is room for drainage, and prepare the site mechanically (removing weeds and other vegetation) as well as chemically (to control the competing vegetation). All of this is best done under the supervision of a professional.
Since trees use significant amounts of energy developing their roots, they may need extra water. Heat and drought can stunt the growth of new trees, so keep that in mind as you decide when to purchase new trees and where to plant them. You can make this process go smoother by providing extra water and using wood-chip mulch to cover the soil the tree is planted in. Do not over-water, though, as that is a common mistake. If the soil is moist, you are in the clear, but a soggy feeling will indicate that the tree has been given too much water.
Tree care does not need to cost you insane amounts of money. Keeping a lush, green yard filled with trees and other plant life does can be inexpensive whether it is done by you or landscaping companies. For those who decide to go with a tree care service, be sure to get a detailed estimate, check credentials, and keep the lines of communication open so that you are always aware of what they are doing. If you are doing it yourself, invest in the right tools and keep up the work so that you will not lose money later from using the wrong equipment or not pruning and trimming enough.