Taking care of a tree is not just something you learn in a few hours. It’s a skill that takes dedication and seriousness to master. Tree care, in general, is different compared to your lawn or flowers. As trees have a naturally long life, the first few years when you plant them is crucial and will affect how they grow. What you do in the first few years of its life span will significantly affect the tree’s growth quality. It’s also worth noting that tree care regimens differ depending on the species of tree you planted.
Why should you care for trees?
Aside from being an element that compliments your landscape, trees are essential not just for you but also for the world. Here are some reason why you should take care of not only your tree but others as well
- Trees help clean the air – As you know, trees breathe in carbon dioxide and spit out oxygen that both you and I need.
- Trees(mature) help improve the value of your property – Ever wonder why those mansions with huge gardens are so expensive? It’s because a mature old tree is something that you can’t just buy. A well taken care of tree improves the overall value of your home.
- Improper tree care results in frequent tree removal – Which in turns means more expenditures for you
Tree care, the right way!
Always plan ahead when choosing a planting location
The location of your tree is vital for its health. It would be best to consider several factors like sunlight and the space needed when the tree grows. Before you decide, consider any critical structures such as power lines or deep pipes of your tanks and water utilities. One thing most people forget is not to dig too deep. The tree’s roots will do their job in going under to secure the tree to the ground.
Use fertilizers
In the wild, trees utilize dead bodies of plants and animals near its roots as fertilizers. In domesticated ones, however. It is your job to provide those nutrients for the soil. Regularly applying slow-release fertilizers helps ensure that your tree’s soil is getting proper nutrients that it needs to grow healthy and strong.
Pruning is the key
You might think that trimming a tree is only for aesthetics, but it’s significant for their health. Pruning involves removing parts of your tree that might be infected with pests or diseases. Cutting these branches or trunks prevents any other damage that might occur if left alone.
The best time to prune a tree depends on its species. You always want to schedule a major trimming when the tree is in its dormant season. Doing pruning in this season makes it easier, as most of the tree leaves fall down, giving you a better look at its branches.
Watering a tree
Watering is one of the most neglected parts of tree care. Most people assume that rain is sufficient for the trees and they only need to water the plants. This is a myth, and you should go out and water your trees now!
It would be best if you were vigilant about watering a tree. There are times when rain is not sufficient to feed your trees the hydration they need. In hot seasons like in the summer, you need to be wary of the amount of water your tree is getting. If several weeks have passed by, your tree needs a drink. Most mature trees require an average of 3 to 10 gallons during their first growing season.
Mulching
Mulch acts as an insulator for your tree’s roots. It also acts as a natural moisturizer to prevent the soil from drying out. You can utilize these techniques by cutting some grass growing underneath the area and then spreading them near its base with a thickness of 2-4 inches.
Learn to recognize warning signs
A tree that is sick can quickly escalate into a big problem. That’s why, as the owner, you need to know how to recognize different signs or symptoms of a dying tree.
One of the first to show signs are the branches. It can tell you a lot about the current health of the tree. Cracking in the branches or trunks usually indicates a disease or infestation. Another part to check is its leaves. Take a close look at the thickness of your tree leaves; if you notice that it’s growing thinner every year or it’s starting to shed ahead of other trees in your area, then it may be a sign that the tree needs help.