Maintaining Your Trees and Shrubs With a Tree Care Plan

Keeping your trees and shrubs healthy is the best way to protect them from disease, pests, and other problems. A good tree care plan should be implemented at the time of planting to maximize the life and vitality of your plants. This begins with selecting the right species for your location and proper installation, followed by regular maintenance to ensure that the plant has the best chance of thriving.

Trees are important to our landscapes and provide a variety of benefits including enhancing the beauty of your property, increasing its value, and providing shelter from the elements. However, a large number of issues can arise in the life of a tree that could impact its structure, health, and safety. A qualified tree care professional can diagnose and treat these issues to keep your trees healthy.

Many of these issues can be avoided with routine maintenance, such as pruning, soil management, and fertilization. Some services may include cabling and bracing to support weak branches, removing hazardous limbs, and stump grinding to reduce the risk of root rot. Other services are more preventative in nature, such as fungicide treatments and monitoring for insects and diseases to catch any problems early, before they escalate.

As the weather changes, it’s important to inspect your trees for any signs of damage or potential problems. This includes examining the bark ridge, branch collar flare, and trunk for any abnormalities. Look for insect galleries, fungus colonies, girdling roots, or structural defects like crooked or leaning trunks.

Some of these issues are easy to spot, but others require a trained eye and the use of specialty equipment. For example, when a young tree is planted, it needs protection from lawn equipment that can damage its roots and cut the cambium layer. This can interrupt the transport of water and nutrients, leaving it vulnerable to pests and diseases. Water conservation is also critical for young trees. A layer of mulch can help conserve moisture, reduce soil erosion, and suppress weeds.

An experienced tree service can provide more specialized and complex services, such as installing lightning protection to lessen the risk of a devastating lightning strike or managing an infestation of invasive plants, like the emerald ash borer or spotted lantern fly. These services often require a high level of expertise and can be dangerous, so it’s important to work with a company that has the required insurance and certification.

When choosing a tree service, ask about their experience and references. Make sure they are insured and certified by the International Society of Arboriculture. Getting regular service can save you money in the long run, by preventing damage and helping your plants thrive. If you see an issue, contact a tree care company immediately to prevent it from becoming a major problem. A reputable company will offer a free consultation and quote to assess the situation and recommend a course of action.

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