Tree Tips
You may think of your trees as just another plant in your yard, but consider them a part of the family and they will reward you with years of shade and service.
Trees are like people:
They are all different, choose a tree like you’d choose a friend - selectively
Every tree has its own set of problems whether it be an insect, disease or particular growth or structural characteristic. Plant young trees that will give you their best characteristics with the least amount of potential problems, then provide regular maintenance and care. Contact an arborist for help with species selection.They need a strong foundation
Proper planting is critical to long term success. Stems grow in air and roots grow in soil. Plant your tree so that the root crown* is at ground level; any deeper and your tree will be susceptible to stem girdling roots (roots growing around the stem and choking it). *The root crown is where the roots flare away from the trunk.They need the basics
Water
The most limiting factor we, as caretakers of our own environment, have on controlling the health of our trees is water. It is better to water trees deep – water for longer periods of time, but less often than you would normally water grass alone. The amount will vary depending on whether your soil is more clay or sand, compacted or loose, flat or sloping, mulched or grass covered, North facing or South facing, shaded or exposed.Nutrients
Trees living in urban settings rarely get the nutrients they need to help them thrive. Deep root fertilization will provide the nutrients your trees crave. Leaves that fall to the ground in a forest gradually decay and add nutrients back into the soil as well as keep the soil loose so it can absorb water with adequate oxygen to grow well. In an urban environment we usually haul the leaves to a compost site causing the soil to have less available nutrients, be more compacted with less oxygen and less able to absorb water.They need shelter
Create rings of natural mulch to reduce competition for water and mineral nutrients, build healthy soil, conserve water, alleviate temperature extremes and keep away bark-eating lawn mowers and weed whips.They need immunizations
As a flu shot decreases your chances of getting the flu, treatments for your tree can decrease the chances of it contracting diseases or being infested with insects, but only if done BEFORE symptoms present themselves. Just as the flu shot is ineffective if you receive it when you already have the flu, so are tree treatments. Treatments are usually administered each year you want to protect your tree just like an annual flu shot.They want and deserve proper grooming
Learn and respect the way trees are built. The biology of how branches are attached dictates how they should be removed. Learn how to do it properly when pruning young trees. Hire professionals to do all off ground work.They don’t bounce back like they used to
The older they get the harder it is for them to bounce back from major surgery (pruning). Surgery may still be necessary as your tree ages but pruning smaller branches at an earlier age promotes good structure in the tree and will produce a stronger tree with less decay.They’ll eat anything
Be careful with broad-leaf weed killers, trees are broadleaf weeds. Use lawn weed killers very carefully and only when there are weeds. Never apply "3-way" herbicides to bare soil under trees as the roots will take it up.They like to work
Plant deciduous trees first on the West side of the house and secondly on the East side of the house to give the most energy savings by cooling the house from the late morning and hot afternoon sun. During the summer, they will shade your house from late morning and hot afternoon sun and their bare branches will allow sun to warm your house in the winter. Strategically planted trees can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 8% annually.They enjoy company
If you have space to plant a tree, do it. You will reap the benefits for years to come.They pick their battles
Some pests are truly dangerous, but most are harmless and unimportant in the grand scheme of things. If you are concerned about an insect or pest bothering your tree, call a professional for more information.They can be popular
Pay attention to woodpeckers, if they are paying attention to your trees, you should too. There could be insects lurking under the bark which could mean big problems down the line. Consult a professional for more information.They like to stay home
Many insects are transported via firewood. Help stop the spread of insects and diseases, don’t transport firewood, buy it when you arrive at your destination.
For more information on any of the above information or to speak with an arborist visit www.sstree.com or call 651-451-8907.