Simple Tree Care Tips For Beginners
As a homeowner, you have many responsibilities. Taking care of home maintenance is only part of the equation; your landscape is another aspect of your home and property that needs tending in order to protect your investment.
About That Landscape
A well-maintained landscape can significantly raise your property value, by as much as 40 percent when it comes time to sell. Even if you aren’t selling in the near future, creating a home that is as beautiful outside as inside will be essential to caring for your property. Plants such as flowers and shrubbery may be easily managed by you, but what about your trees? These giant, majestic landscape icons do much for our homes and communities, lending shade, lush green beauty, and shelter where we need it. We need to care for them too. Below is a simple guide to getting started with basic aspects of tree care. Taking proactive measures as you inspect and maintain your trees will add to the strength and beauty of your landscape, provided you commit to a care schedule. Follow these steps for healthy, beautiful trees.
Do your research. Planting trees that will be around for decades to come starts with choosing the right type of tree. Research specific species that you desire to plant to ensure that they will assimilate and integrate well with your climate and other plants on your property, and choose ideal planting spots that will encourage unfettered growth and expansion. In doing so, you’ll prevent the need for excessive care and maintenance as your trees grow.
Know a bit about staking. Staking a tree is fortifying the tree trunk with solid material until it’s strong enough to stand on its own. While a certain degree of staking may be necessary for young saplings, all staking materials must be removed by at least the third year after planting to ensure that the tree and root system grow strong enough to handle environmental conditions on their own.
Water correctly. Watering infrequently yet deeply will produce more robust root systems and well-formed trees. Test your soil for proper moisture levels by digging down with your fingers and forming a ball of soil. Ideal moisture levels will cause the ball to stick together, while too much or too little will cause the ball to disintegrate.
Consider mulch. Mulching around the base of your trees will prevent the formation of weeds and moisture loss during those formative years when your tree needs root protection. Do not pack mulch right up against your tree trunk, as this can lead to fungal growth that can damage the bark over time. Turn or stir your mulch regularly to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Feed those trees. Trees are living things, and they need to be nourished in order to thrive. Having an arborist assess the health of your trees and provide recommendations for proper nutrient administration can help them thrive even in the most adverse environmental conditions.
Prune as needed. Occasionally inspect your trees for dead or dying branches, and make a plan to remove them to avoid injury and harm to you and strain on your trees. It is not advised to prune trees by yourself unless you have knowledge and experience in doing so without harming delicate tree structures. In these cases, hiring an arborist is an excellent idea to help you manage the growth of your tree without negatively impacting its growth.
Monitor for pest infestation. Certain types of bugs and insects love to take up residence in healthy trees, causing infestation issues that can overtake their growth and cause significant damage to them. Do not attempt to administer pesticides or insecticides without the advice of a trained professional who has experience in safe application. Many tree care jobs are best left up to tree care professionals. They have the knowledge, expertise, and tools needed to maintain your trees and optimize their growth.
Sarasota Tree Service: Providing Superior Tree and Landscape Care
Sarasota Tree Service is family owned and operated; we specialize in all aspects of tree care, maintenance, planting, removal, and assessment to make caring for your landscape nearly effortless. Our professionals are licensed, insured, and downright passionate about making your landscape and trees as beautiful and healthy as can be. Contact us today for a comprehensive assessment. Visit www.sarasotatreeserv.com to make an appointment.