Tree Care – Inspect Your Trees Regularly For Pests and Disease

When properly maintained, trees add beauty, increase property value, and provide shelter and food for wildlife. But, like all living things, they require ongoing care to survive and thrive. Proper tree care includes regularly checking for pests and disease, watering, proper mulching, pruning and trimming, soil conditions, and staking or guying systems. Having your trees inspected on a routine basis can help you spot potential problems before they escalate.

Watering

Newly planted trees need supplemental water to get established. This can be accomplished by irrigating the ground around the base of the tree using a soaker hose. Water should be applied until the soil is soaked to a depth of six inches. The frequency of hydration will vary depending on the weather. In general, newly planted trees need a soaking every week during summer and every other day during the winter, while mature trees can benefit from a deep soaking once a week.

Mulching

Using a thick layer of mulch can help maintain soil conditions that promote root health. However, the type of mulch you use is important. Avoid materials that can clog the roots of trees, such as gravel, wood chips, and other organics. Instead, select a well-decomposed mulch that is not too thick and provides proper airflow to the roots. Also, be careful not to let the mulch touch the base of the tree. This can cause rot.

Pruning

Pruning helps keep trees healthy by removing dead, infested, or overgrown branches and encouraging the development of new growth. It can also prevent structural damage and reduce the risk of falling limbs during storms by reducing weight on the lower branches. It is best to prune young trees in late winter or early spring, while a mature tree should be trimmed every three to five years.

Insects

While insects are a natural part of the environment, they can create significant problems for your trees if allowed to multiply in the wrong conditions. In addition, some insects may not be immediately apparent as a problem but can lead to a variety of issues, such as girdling roots or crown blight.

Diseases

Symptoms of disease or infection can be difficult to spot on a daily basis, but examining your trees on a regular basis can help you identify and respond quickly to any potential issues. Diseases such as Dutch Elm disease can result in the loss of large limbs, while leaf rust can make your leaves look a reddish-orange color and interfere with photosynthesis.

A professional inspection by an ISA Certified Arborist is the most accurate way to assess the overall health of your trees. These professionals are trained to recognize the signs of disease, insect infestation, and other threats that you might not be able to see. Legitimate professionals never ask for payment upfront and are members of the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). Contact TCIA’s contractor listing sites or search online to find an ISA Arborist near you.

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