How to Take Care of Trees with Preventive Maintenance?

Taking care of trees is essential to keeping our environment healthy, yet it’s often overlooked. But just like a car needs regular maintenance to keep running smoothly, so do trees! Preventive tree care can help your trees stay strong and vibrant for years to come – and the best part is that you don’t need a degree in forestry science to get started

So why wait? Let’s go green with preventive tree maintenance today! And if you’re still unconvinced, remember this: A tree never hits the brakes when it sees a squirrel crossing the road.

Why Is Tree Care Important?

It’s essential to care for your trees because they provide a multitude of benefits. Trees are the lungs of our planet, helping to clean the air and produce oxygen. They also act as natural filters, keeping pollutants from entering our bodies. Plus, trees can help reduce energy costs by providing shade in the summer and insulation during the winter months. Lastly, trees make a neighbourhood more beautiful, creating an inviting atmosphere for plants and wildlife.

Taking regular care of a tree results in the following:

• A blooming tree with beautiful leaves in the summer
• More robust branches and roots in the winter
• The tree’s overall health is better preserved
• A longer life span for your tree

Without pre-emptive maintenance, trees are more susceptible to stressors like pests and disease, which can cause irreparable damage.

What Does an Unhealthy Tree Look Like?

An unhealthy tree can have several tell-tale signs that it needs attention. Wilting, discoloured, or sparse foliage indicates stress, premature leaf drop, and pests or diseases.

A diseased tree may be stunted in growth with off-coloured bark and dead or dying branches. If a tree looks thin and crooked, it may struggle to survive in an environment that is not conducive to its health.

Another sign of a stressed or unhealthy tree is the presence of mushrooms or fungi growing on the roots or trunk.

Finally, if the bark begins to flake off, peel away, or become cracked and brittle, this may be a sign that the tree needs some extra care.

If you suspect an unhealthy tree, contact an arborist immediately to diagnose and treat the problem. Your tree can be restored to good health with proper care and attention before it becomes too late!

What Do Professional Arborists and Tree Surgeons Suggest?

Arborists recommend several practices that should be undertaken regularly to ensure our trees stay healthy:

1.      Tree Pruning

Regular tree pruning helps stimulate new growth and balances your tree by removing dead branches or low-hanging limbs that could become a snag if left unchecked. When planning your trimming care plan, ensure you know local regulations regarding tree pruning heights near power lines or other structures before starting work around them.

Do Trees Grow Faster When Pruned?

It may seem counterintuitive, but pruning your trees can help them grow faster. Pruning helps remove dead or diseased branches and encourages new growth by allowing more sunlight to reach the tree’s canopy. This helps stimulate growth in areas that had been previously blocked off. It’s important to note that pruning should be done carefully and with proper tools for the best effect and tree safety.

What Happens if You Don’t Prune a Tree?

Not regularly pruned trees can become overgrown or unbalanced, putting extra strain on their roots and branches. This can lead to weakened branches easily breaking in high winds or heavy snowfall. Unpruned trees also have an increased risk of disease and pest infestations since they don’t receive the same air circulation as pruned trees. If a tree is not pruned, it may become so overgrown that it no longer provides the same benefits.

2.      Mulching

Mulching provides needed nutrients while inhibiting weed growth and preventing soil erosion caused by runoff or other sources. Be careful not to create too high of a mulch layer – this holds in moisture which may contribute to rot or other diseases in your trees.

3.      Fertilization

Fertilizing isn’t always necessary – greensand, peat moss, composting material, or manure may be enough; however, depending on the species of tree or region they are growing in, additional fertilizer may be beneficial when used judiciously throughout the year. Always try natural solutions first whenever possible!

Will Fertilizer Help a Dying Tree?

Fertilization is not a cure-all for trees in distress, as many underlying issues, such as pests or diseases, may be causing the problem. However, adequately applied fertilizer can help provide essential nutrients needed to give the tree an extra energy boost and help it rebound from its current state of stress. If you are still determining whether your tree needs fertilizer, it is best to seek professional advice from an arborist. They can assess the tree and suggest the best action to improve its health.

4.      Protection from Diseases/Insects

Keep an eye out for signs of infection such as discolouration or wilting leaves – these warning signs mean it’s time for treatment – ideally, spray the affected area(s) with fungicide as quickly as possible before it spreads further along the trunk/branches of your tree(s). If you notice any damaged branches that appear split/cracked due to weighty weather, consider using straps made from soft cloth (or similar materials) to limit movement until repairs are put in place via appropriate cabling systems installed by professionals

How Do You Save a Stressed Tree? Summing Up…

When a tree is stressed, it can be hard to know how to save it. In many cases, the best thing you can do for a stressed tree is to start by improving its growing environment. There are several things you can do to help your tree become healthier and more resilient:

1. Water the soil around the tree thoroughly, as this will help to replenish any depleted nutrients.
2. Mulch near the tree to retain moisture and reduce weed competition.
3. Prune dead or damaged branches, as these can strain the tree’s energy reserves.
4. Plant beneficial companion plants around the tree to create a more supportive environment.
5. Provide extra nutrients by applying a slow-release fertilizer or compost tea around the tree’s base.
6. Remove competing plants, such as grass, that can siphon away vital water and nutrients from the tree.
7. Avoid foot traffic and heavy machinery around the tree, as these can damage its roots.

By understanding the signs of a stressed or unhealthy tree and implementing proper care techniques, we can ensure our trees continue to thrive and provide shade, beauty, and oxygen for years. With a little effort and understanding, you can save your stressed tree and give it the best chance at recovery.

Book Expert Tree Care Service Right Away

If you’re concerned that your trees may suffer from a disease, contact an arborist for a complete diagnosis and treatment plan. A qualified arborist in Aberdeen can identify diseases early and advise on the best action to protect the tree and surrounding landscape. Pruning, deep root fertilization, and organic treatments are often recommended as preventative measures to improve a tree’s overall health and make it more resilient to disease-causing pathogens.

About Arborist Direct Aberdeen

At Arborist Direct Aberdeen, we provide full-service arboricultural services, including everything from regular trimming & topping to insect control and removal services. They are explicitly designed by arborists who have experience working with trees safely & effectively while protecting your landscape throughout Scotland daily!

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with all your tree care needs.