Trees are beautiful things; the more of them we have around, the cleaner the air, and the more mesmerizing the scenery. Of course, when it comes to caring for trees on our property, there are a few things we can do to help keep them healthy and happy for years to come.
Pruning and Trimming
When it comes to tree growth, sometimes our beloved garden plants can get in their own way. Occasionally, branches will block other parts of a tree from sunlight. Sometimes branches or leaves die and need to be removed from the rest of the tree for its health and our own (loose branches can cause havoc to cars and rooftops during storms). As well, root loss or damage often needs to be balanced out with some branch trimming.
The blog Tree Care: 9 Incredible Benefits of Tree Trimming mentions the top benefits of trimming trees, but often this chore also keeps things looking good as well. Who wouldn’t want healthier trees that are aesthetically pleasing? This being said, be careful about pruning young trees. Anything under three years old might struggle to deal with pruning.
Water
Most adult trees are capable of getting enough water on their own, thanks to extensive root structures. This being said, sometimes we have wacky seasons, and they need a little help staying hydrated. just remind yourself that gardening is good for your health and mental wellbeing.
As well, smaller trees need much more water than you’d expect. Even if you have excellent water levels, if you’ve recently planted a baby tree, take the time to check up on it and look for signs of wilting. (It’s also crucial that you water a tree immediately after you plant it, even if it seems quenched and the soil is nice and damp).
Mulch
Surrounding the base of your tree with mulch is an excellent idea for a few reasons. Foremost, mulch helps keep the soil’s temperature more regulated. It also serves as a marker of where you should stop cutting the lawn—you don’t want to get too close to a tree and risk damaging the root system while mowing. A good rule of thumb is to clear a three-foot diameter around your tree from grass and any other non-supportive plants and mulch that area.
Watch Your Trees
Just like humans, trees have visible hints that they’re struggling or are unhealthy. If you notice parts of the tree changing colour, fading, wilting, or developing growths take note and see what you can do to reduce the damage and prevent it from occurring in the future.
The above tips should help you take care of the trees in your yard. Of course, every species is somewhat different, meaning you should supplement the above information with specifics you were given about the type of tree and its yard.