Do you have a tree that's looking like it's seen better days? Are you feeling like it's time to give up and remove the tree entirely? There are definitely times when cutting down a tree is going to be the best solution to the issues at hand. However, this is an extreme measure that isn't always warranted. There are almost certainly things you can do to make the situation better, making your tree look healthier and removing the desire to get rid of it entirely. With the help of a qualified professional, some things that should be taken into consideration include the following:
Pruning
Trees can look "bad" for a variety of reasons. Irregular growth can cause an uneven distribution of nutrients within the tree, something that can then cause further imbalances and even more irregular growth. Once this cycle has started, only professional tree pruning will be able to break it and get things back on track. After the first tree pruning session, the tree might initially look even worse than before. Fortunately, over the next few months and years, the tree will be able to recover and grow in a more even and healthy manner. You will most likely need to have your tree pruned regularly for a couple of years in order to ensure that its growth remains correct.
Fertilizer
Some trees need more nutrients from the soil than other trees. However, before you rush off to the store to buy the first fertilizer that you can find, know that not all fertilizers are created equal. The fertilizer that you need is going to depend on things like the initial soil composition, the type of tree, and whether you're trying to get more growth after a tree pruning or to simply sustain the growth that's already there. A professional will be able to test your soil and evaluate the tree to tell you what type of fertilizer is going to be best for your tree's needs.
Watering
Too little water can kill any plant, but too much water can also be harmful. It can be difficult to establish the correct amount of moisture that needs to be in the soil, especially if the tree you're dealing with isn't native to the area. Native trees are going to be more or less adapted to local weather conditions and should be able to exist with minimal additional water, if any. Non-native species, on the other hand, may have completely different needs. After tree pruning, they might need more supplemental water to encourage growth or they might need less water to prevent rotting. Talk to your tree professional to know what needs to be done.