Tree Care – How to Care For Your Trees, Shrubs and Ground Cover

Tree Care helps maintain the health and beauty of your property and protects its value. The proper care of your trees, shrubs and ground cover helps ensure that they remain attractive throughout the growing season and that your yard is free of weeds and debris. In addition, it is important to check on the condition of your trees and seek out professional advice when necessary.

A well-maintained landscape can add up to a significant increase in the value of your home or business and improve the quality of life for those who live in your neighborhood. It can also help prevent damage from storms, which can cause serious problems for the structures and lives of those who live near trees that are too old or damaged.

Young trees need special care to ensure that they survive and grow strong to provide shade and benefit your environment. Water them deeply and often, about 10 gallons per week in the first three years. Look up the species of your tree online to find out specific watering recommendations. Avoid splashing water on the leaves and stems of the tree as this can lead to fungal growth issues, but do apply water directly to the soil around your trees.

Regularly prune dead or dying branches to remove limbs that are prone to falling. Check for signs of insect infestations and disease organisms such as fire blight, leaf rust or fungus. If you see signs of infestation, contact your local garden center or search online for advice and suggested treatments.

Keep an eye out for “topping” as a service offered by tree services. This is a poor practice that can injure and even kill your trees. Instead, consider choosing a company that is certified by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) or who is a member of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s list of registered tree care professionals (link to NYSDEC page).

Proper pruning can help your trees remain healthy and attractive. It is important to prune properly, taking into account the natural shape of your trees. For example, if your tree has two competing leading shoots, removing one at an early stage can save you from major branch failure in the future.

Avoid excessive pruning of your trees, especially in the first few years after planting. This can stunt growth and make your trees more vulnerable to injury and insect infestation. In the case of mature trees, pruning can be used to remove dead or dying branches, reduce competition from surrounding vegetation, and to promote air circulation and sunlight within the canopy.

Protect your trees during construction projects, utility trenching, and changes to the soil grade of your property. This can be done by wrapping the trunk of the tree with plastic wraps available at nurseries and garden centers, and by maintaining a 2- to 3-foot wide grass-free mulched ring around your trees. This will prevent damage to roots and bark by lawn mowers and weed-eaters, reduce soil compaction under the tree, and remove the need for grass and weeds to compete with your trees for water and nutrients.

from TLC Trees and Co https://ift.tt/X4fzRHj