The Art Of Arborism: Tips for Maintaining Healthy Trees
Trees play a vital role in our environment. Providing lush shade, cleaner air, and helping to regulate temperatures in and around our homes are just a few of the ways that trees give back to the community. Maintaining the health and vitality of our trees is critical to keeping our surroundings beautiful and healthy.
What Is Arborism?
Arborism is the science of proper tree care and maintenance. An arborist who is specially trained to care for and maintain trees employs specific techniques to ensure that your trees grow strong, healthy, and beautiful. The art of arborism involves much more than just periodic pruning and watering; it is a dedicated science that evaluates all parts of a tree’s growth and development. As you seek to maintain your home and property in the best way possible, enlist the help of a qualified arborist to implement a tree care plan that involves the following steps.
Proper planting–It’s essential to plant trees in the right place, at the right depth, and with the right soil conditions for health and growth. Ensure that your trees are planted far enough away from structures, plants, and other trees, and that the roots and the canopy both have enough room to spread out.
Watering–Trees need water to grow and thrive, but too much or too little can be detrimental to all aspects of growth. Trees must be watered deeply and regularly, but they should not be over-watered. Your arborist will know the perfect watering combination to yield optimal growth and strength.
Fertilizing–As good as your soil may be, it’s likely that your trees need proper nutrient fortification to grow. Soil lacking specific vitamins and nutrients can cause stunted growth, dying branches, and yellowing leaves. Applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer twice a year is best to stimulate growth and protect your trees from disease and infestation that set into weakened structures.
Pruning–Regular pruning helps maintain a tree’s ideal health and shape. Pruning is best done in the winter months when the tree is dormant. This cutting of branches is tricky business; inexperienced pruners have caused significant damage to their trees by attempting to handle the job on their own. Dead and diseased branches should only be removed by a qualified, trained arborist to prevent the spread of illness and pest infestation to other areas of the tree and to promote healthier growth.
Mulching–Mulching at the base of your trees helps to conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperatures, and prevent weed growth. Placing a 2-3-inch-thick layer of mulch at its base is a great added layer of protection for your tender sapling. Make sure to avoid piling it up against the trunk to prevent root rot from setting in.
Routine Monitoring and Assessment–Having an arborist regularly monitor your trees can help identify problems early on, allowing you to take the necessary steps to treat or prevent them. Check for signs of pests, disease, and stress; take action as needed to restore your trees to health once more.
“Leaf” It To Professionals–Tree care is a potentially dangerous business; leaving it to the trained hands of an arborist is best to reduce your risk of injury and protect your landscaping and property. An arborist can accurately and efficiently diagnose and treat problems, provide all necessary care and maintenance steps, and keep your trees and landscape healthy year-round.
Sarasota Tree Service Professionals: Your Choice for Quality Tree Care
Don’t let tree care slip your mind! Take care of your trees, and enjoy the benefits of a healthy, beautiful environment. The professional technicians at Sarasota Tree Service are ready to serve you and all of your tree care needs—from planting and pruning to diagnosis and removal, we’ve got you covered. Visit www.sarasotatreeserv.com for more information.