Mature trees are mostly independent and require very little care, day-to-day. In fact, you might be surprised to learn that you can endanger a tree by over-caring for it. Too much water and too much fertilizer can damage a tree. Of course, drought conditions will require some watering of the tree to help to keep it alive. And judicious use of fertilizer can be helpful in some circumstances. Usually, though, mature trees require very little assistance, aside from yearly inspections and regular trimming.
But if you want to give your trees a helping hand, how can you take the best possible care of them? Here are some safe steps you can take to keep your Cincinnati trees healthy:
Mulch Regularly
Applying mulch around tree trunks keeps moisture in the soil and suppresses weed growth. There are a variety of mulch materials you can use. It’s best to use natural, biodegradable mulch, such as shredded autumn leaves, wood chips, or cocoa hulls to give your trees the best possible boost while reducing the impact on the environment. Mulching material should be applied at a depth of one to four inches. It is best to apply the mulch at least three feet out from the tree trunk, but not right up against the trunk of the tree, because this can cause the base of the tree to hold onto too much moisture, which can cause problems with mold growth.
Avoid Over Watering and Over Fertilizing
Mature trees require very little water in normal weather conditions, and don’t typically require any type of food other than what they get from the soil around them. Keep in mind that mature trees can actually be damaged by too much water. And it’s best to avoid all types of fertilizer on mature trees, unless this is specifically recommended by a tree expert. As with the rest of your lawn and garden, you’ll want to make sure to avoid all contact between your trees and any type of garden and lawn herbicides.
Be Cautious When Pruning, But Don’t Skip It
Pruning damaged or dead branches is always a good idea in order to protect your tree from pests or further damage and to protect the safety of people and property in the area of your tree. Other than that, it’s good to remember that although pruning correctly is an essential element of routine tree care, trimming too much (or in the wrong way) can be harmful for trees. Thinning the crowded growth of branches in the center of the tree is usually a good action to take. Crossing branches that rub each other can cause wounds to the bark which can harm the tree and allow pests a route into the tree’s bark; removing these will make the tree look better and will let light into the center of the tree. Beyond that, it’s good to do some research into the needs of your particular type of tree, and when in doubt, never hesitate to call in an expert. But it is better to under prune than to over prune, because your local tree service professional can always help by removing branches that shouldn’t be there, but they can’t put back branches that you’ve cut away overzealously.
Protect Healthy Roots
Healthy tree roots are necessary for healthy tree growth. Healthy soil, which is essential to keeping your tree roots healthy, is soil that is not so compacted that it restricts water and oxygen from reaching the roots. In drought conditions, some light watering might be necessary, even for mature trees, but in general, your best path to healthy roots is to make sure nothing is exposing the roots (such as regular foot traffic, erosion, or digging pets) or compromising or compacting the soil around the tree roots.
Watch For Warning Signs of Stress
If the leaves of your tree are not the right color, or if they are withering or have dark spots, then it’s an indication that the tree is stressed. These conditions warrant an inspection by a tree expert. Pests, excess or insufficient water, and extreme heat are among the most common causes of stress in trees. Your trusted, local tree service company can definitely help to advise you on the best course of action to protect your trees.
Professional Cincinnati Tree Care Services to Keep Trees Healthy
Tree Images provides many different tree services to keep your Cincinnati trees healthy. Call us today at 513.528.4167 to set up a detailed estimate today.
Reference:
https://www.bhg.com/gardening/trees-shrubs-vines/trees/keeping-trees-healthy/
