Tree add shade and beauty to your property, but they can also cause damage if they fall or drop a large branch. The following maintenance tips can help you prevent your tree from becoming a property hazard.
Water Deeply
A drought-stressed tree is more prone to disease and eventual death compared to one that receives sufficient water. Tree roots penetrate deep into the soil, which means water needs to as well. For trees in temperate, moist climates, water from lawn irrigation may be sufficient. During periods of dryness though, you should water the tree deeply every couple of weeks. Mulch over the soil around the tree further helps prevent moisture loss.
Just keep in mind that too much water can also be damaging. The soil should not be saturated, muddy, or soggy. If the soil remains wet too long, the roots of the tree can rot. This will result in the death of the tree.
Prune Annually
One of the best things you can do to maintain tree safety on your property is to prune every tree yearly. Late winter general pruning is done to remove weak, diseased, and dead branches. Your tree service will cut out any branches that pose a safety hazard, along with the crossed, rubbing, and damaged branches within the canopy. For younger trees, the service will also work on shaping them so they have a strong branch framework that will be less prone to issues as the tree matures.
You can also do periodic maintenance pruning in the summer and fall. This pruning is simply to remove branches that develop damage or issues as the growing season progresses. One last maintenance pruning before winter arrives ensures there is little dead wood to pose a danger during winter storms.
Treat Problems
Even with proper care, a tree can develop insect and disease problems. The easiest way to counteract this is to stay vigilant. Inspect the tree, at least monthly during the growing season, for issues. Insects are major damagers and causes of disease, so keep an eye out for increased insect activity on the bark and leaves. Discolored foliage, foliar damage, bark loss, and a sticky residue on the leaves and twigs are all indicators of insect problems.
Watch the trunk and the soil over the roots for mushroom and fungus growth. Root and heart rot can bring down a tree, but they are hard to detect since most of the damage is internal or underground. If you see increased fungal growth, it is time for a professional assessment.
Contact a tree service in your area for more help.