Last Updated on July 9, 2021 by Kimberly Crawford
Trees can complete the overall look of any landscape. When you have a few trees in your yard, it makes the outdoor space attractive and inviting. Trees are beneficial since they lessen pollution and cut down your utility costs. If you’re eager to keep your yard appealing throughout the year, you should provide proper care for the trees so that they’ll look their best at all times.
The benefits of having trees on your property are worth considering, but when you have an unhealthy tree, it can result in issues that can cost money and lower the curb appeal of your home. If you want to keep the trees in optimum condition, here are several considerations you should have when providing care and maintenance to your trees.
1. Regular Maintenance
If you have several trees in your outdoor space, scheduling a maintenance routine with a professional will provide you with the best results. If you prefer a hands-on approach, there are several tasks to work on to keep your trees at their best throughout the year.
Working with a professional will ensure that your trees will have a longer and healthier life, but it comes at a price. If your budget for maintenance allows for it, professionals will ensure that your yard is in good hands. In most cases, routine care involves trimming and regular watering.
When you have an old tree that might be a potential hazard to your home, family, or others, you might consider a tree removal service provider in your area. If you’re interested in learning about tree removal service, industry-leading companies like Tree Removal Calgary can help with your concerns.
2. Tree Trimming
Trees require regular trimming if you want them to stay beautiful and healthy. Generally, trimming your tree is a task that you can tackle yourself or with the help of a professional in case you don’t have time.
Remember that regular tree trimming is crucial in eliminating any dead branches and leaves to allow new ones to grow. If a tree close to your house is starting to spread out its branches, trimming is necessary. Incoming storms and strong winds can shake the tree and cause some of its branches to fall out, resulting in damages to your home.
When performing routine shaping and thinning of your trees, it’s best to trim during the dormant phase to promote rapid healing and lowers the chances of infection. If you have deciduous trees, you should cut at around late winter or early spring. As for trees that bloom during the spring, trim after they finish blooming. Some exceptions include birch and maple since they need pruning during mid-summer.
If you have conifers in your property such as spruce, fir, juniper, and pine, trim them during late spring or early summer before the new growth emerges.
Some trees have specific requirements, which is why you should do your research if you’re planning to prune them yourself.
3. Watering
When you have new trees, following a regular watering schedule is essential. The standard rule is 10 gallons of water for every inch of the tree trunk’s diameter. This amount of water is sufficient to promote growth and prevent the tree from drying out.
As the tree roots grow deeper and the trunk widens, it can take up water from other areas in your yard. A large-sized tree can absorb up to 100 gallons of water via its deep roots daily. Although old and large trees require less maintenance, you should provide regular watering to new or replanted trees to keep them healthy.
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4. Test The Soil
The moment your trees seem unhealthy, you should check the soil if it’s responsible for the change. If you’re growing a seedling or recently transplanted a tree, make it a priority to test the soil. Soil testing can determine the pH levels and minerals present in the ground so that you can find ways to improve the levels.
5. Add Mulch
The addition of mulch to your trees has more than a decorative utility for your outdoor space. The mulch helps insulate the ground around your trees from significant temperature fluctuations and holds water in place. When you have replanted trees, the mulch is highly beneficial to their growth.
When adding mulch, the amount to use will vary depending on the size of the trees. Most trees require around three to ten inches of mulch. The overall cost for the mulching will depend on the area and the number of trees that need it.
6. Monitor For Diseases And Pests
Even if you provide your trees with regular care and maintenance, there are instances when infestations and diseases happen. The ideal way to prevent the presence of pests and diseases is to regularly monitor your trees for any indications of unusual changes such as fungi, spots on the leaves, or alterations in the plant structure. Any of these signs might indicate the presence of disease or pests.
Depending on the trees you have in your yard, various pests can cause significant damage. If you want an effective solution for pests, you can find insect control formulations in the market to deal with an infestation. If your attempts fail, it’s best to call a professional to determine the problem and deal with it accordingly.
Of all the different types of diseases that can affect trees, rot and fungi are the most common. The growth of fungi on a tree is the initial sign of decay, while rot signifies the need for immediate treatment. You can check out fungicides from various brands in any local home and garden store to get rid of the fungus.
If you cannot remedy a tree disease, then your only option is tree removal. A tree with potential rotting can pose a safety hazard to your home and family.
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7. Winter Care
Before the arrival of the first frost, make sure that you protect your trees. If you have small trees, fruit trees, and transplants, it’s crucial to protect them against freezing temperatures.
The best approach to protect your trees from the frost is to cover them using a tarp or sheet. Don’t forget to apply a layer of fertilizer around the tree to provide it with nutrients continuously throughout the season. Additionally, it would be best to prune the branches to allow new growth in the spring once the weather warms up again.
Related: When to Prune Shrubs For Better Blooming
Conclusion
Trees are indeed a lovely element to have in any yard. With the several benefits that they provide to your property, such as having cleaner air and better overall curb appeal, ensure that you provide them with proper care. Proper care and maintenance will go a long way in keeping your trees beautiful and in good shape for years to come.