The Basics of Tree Care

Tree care is the process of maintaining or improving the structure, appearance, and vitality of trees and shrubs. It begins with proper species selection for a given site and includes installation practices that maximize the chance of success. From there, the focus shifts to keeping plants healthy and proactively identifying problems before they become serious.

Proper watering is crucial to a tree’s health. A newly planted tree needs to be watered regularly until it is established, usually about an inch of water each week during the first growing season or two.

When a new tree is planted, it’s important to mulch the area around it. Mulching reduces competition from aggressive lawn grasses and weeds for soil moisture and provides nutrients. It also protects the young roots from lawn mower cuts and helps prevent dry soil, which can lead to root rot. A 2- to 3-foot wide ring of grass-free organic mulch is recommended, but avoid mulching right up to the base of the trunk as this can lead to fungus problems.

Staking a tree is often necessary when it is first planted, but stakes should be removed once the plant has grown enough to anchor itself in the ground without support. Leaving stakes in place can prevent the tree from developing a strong root system and a proper form, which can ultimately cause it to break or fall over.

Pruning is an important part of tree care and is a great way to help shape the overall form of a plant. However, pruning should be done correctly in order to promote the best branch structure and promote the health of the plant. For this reason, it’s important to follow the guidelines in this article for pruning young and mature trees.

Fertilization is another common tree service and can be a great way to promote the growth of your plants. However, it’s important to keep in mind that fertilizers can also be harmful to plants when applied improperly, so it’s important to know the correct techniques for using fertilizer.

Finally, it’s important to check the soil under and around your plants for signs of damage or nutrient deficiencies. A good way to test the soil is by digging a small hole and feeling it with your hands. The soil should be moist but not soaked, and it shouldn’t feel sandy or blow away when you squeeze it. If you notice any of these problems, it’s time to book a checkup with your local tree services company! An ISA certified arborist will be able to spot problems that you may not have noticed and can provide the necessary care needed for your trees to thrive.

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