Trees play an important role in our landscape, adding beauty and value to homes and businesses. But like any living organism, trees need care and attention in order to thrive. In urban areas, where most of our residential and commercial trees reside, trees face more environmental challenges than those in natural forested areas. Pollution, traffic (both human and vehicular), fertilizers, animal waste, cramped growing space, and lack of regular maintenance like watering and pruning can all take their toll on a tree’s health and vitality.
While it may seem counterintuitive to focus on tree health, a plant’s healthy state is often its first, strongest line of defense against potential problems. Proper species selection for the site, proper planting, and proper care during establishment are all critical to a tree’s success. Many issues can be avoided if these initial steps are taken well.
After a tree’s establishment, the focus shifts to preventing disease, pest infestations, and other problems. This is where ongoing care and regular inspections can help. By examining a tree and its health on a regular basis, a professional can often spot issues in their early stages, which is crucial to a tree’s longevity and health.
Unnecessary staking – While staking a new tree during the first couple of weeks can help them stand up straight, this practice should be stopped as soon as possible so that roots have the opportunity to develop properly and to sway and move naturally. Over-staking a tree can disrupt the root structure, leading to damage, and it also inhibits the trees ability to absorb nutrients from the soil.
Over-watering – Over-watering is another common mistake that can cause problems for young and mature trees alike. Excessive watering can deprive a tree of the essential oxygen it needs to grow and survive, and it can also lead to root rot, which can threaten the health and vitality of the tree.
Fertilizing – Newly planted trees should be fertilized on a schedule that is appropriate for their age and stage in life, and older trees can benefit from supplemental fertilization as needed. An in-ground fertigation system allows us to target specific areas of the landscape with the proper amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium based on soil samples, which helps trees establish strong, healthy root systems.
Mulching around the base of a tree is another good way to protect and support its growth. Avoid using weeds or other plants that compete for resources, such as shrubs and woody vines (including English ivy), and instead surround your trees with low-growing herbaceous perennials, such as rudbeckia, monarda, heuchera, or moss phlox. These plants can provide color and interest to the landscape without competing with a tree’s resources.
source https://realtreesolutions.wordpress.com/2024/07/06/the-importance-of-tree-care-and-attention/
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