A big, beautiful tree in your yard is more than just an aesthetic statement. Many homeowners feel connected to their trees, and feel they have become part of their homes.
Memories can be made reading in its shade, swinging from its branches, or climbing the trunk. So the possibility of having to remove the tree is often a painful decision. But there are ways to take care of the tree you love, and give it a better chance of survival. Check out our tree maintenance tips to help prevent the possibility of chopping down your favorite tree.
Quick Note: I have received a couple of questions from tree service start-ups about the looks of a website for their companies. Something that’s not too expensive, easy to navigate and effective when it comes to getting business. I personally like simple layouts with navigation at the top that doesn’t move as you scroll the page, easy to see phone number posted multiple times on each page and an estimate form for after hour requests to-be answered the next day. For example this tree service website has all those features, but I would avoid the large image (in the header) at the very top of the page. The rest I would definitely keep. Moving on…
Regular Pruning
The branches of trees may need to be removed for all kinds of reasons. A branch may have been partially snapped off during a storm, and is creating a dangerous hazard.
The branches may be too long, and could potentially damage your home or a neighbor’s home if bad weather comes through. You may also find that a couple of the branches are infested with insects or disease, and need to be cut off to save the life of the whole tree. Calling a certified arborist and tree removal company will ensure you receive an expert opinion regarding your tree. They have the ability to catch problems early and remove them, thus offering a better chance that the tree will survive for a many years.
Fertilizer and Mulch
Trees seem like such hearty plants, you may not think they need fertilizing or mulching the same way a garden might. But regular upkeep by a certified arborist gives a tree a much better chance of survival. Mulching a tree actually helps to reduce normal environmental stress, and creates an environment for the roots that is more stable and strong. An unstable root environment is a common reason trees need to be cut down. Fertilizing your tree during the winter months provides additional nutrients to the roots, which can be very beneficial for a tree that is growing in poor soil.
Consult with a certified arborist about the condition of your tree, and decide what maintenance will be right for you. Once the tree is removed, be sure to take care of the stump. Here’s a great resource to get you going!
Fungicides and Insecticides
If your backyard tree is planted close to other trees, the spread of fungi and nasty insects can happen more easily from plant to plant. To prevent this spread from occurring, a certified arborist can assess the area and determine if a fungicide or insecticide spray is appropriate. Insecticides are especially important to use early. Often the offspring of the insects will live inside the tree, undetected. Spraying the tree before the larvae reach adulthood and emerge on the surface of the tree is essential to the tree’s survival. Trees with visible insects almost always need to be completely removed. Using these sprays early can greatly reduce the chances of diseases spreading to your tree, and lessen the chance that you will have to chop it down.
Tree maintenance can seem daunting, but with an arborist assisting you, the process is much less intimidating. Proper care and early detection are the best ways to ensure your large, statement tree remains a central part of your home life for many years to come.…
