What Do Trees Need to Be Healthy?

Trees are magnificent and valuable additions to any landscape. While some trees can last for many years, they require regular care to maintain good health. That is where Southern Star Tree comes in as your trusted partner for professional tree services. Our certified arborists leverage extensive expertise and proven strategies to ensure your trees remain healthy for many years to come. If you have trees in your backyard or planning to plant one, here are helpful tips to keep your greenery looking great and in top condition.

Prune

Pruning is one of the most crucial tree maintenance practices. This entails strategically cutting overgrown, damaged, dying, or dead limbs. In addition, pruning can be used to remove limbs that are growing in undesirable directions. Since pruning is an invasive procedure that leaves behind open cuts, late winter or early spring offers ideal conditions to undertake such maintenance tasks without causing further damage. If you prefer a more hands-off approach, hire a reputable tree care company in Alpharetta, GA to devise a tailored pruning plan that suits your trees’ needs.

Hire an ISA-Certified Arborist

Homeowners often undertake tree maintenance as DIY projects. However, untrained individuals may not have the proper tools and experience to inspect, diagnose, and address potential problems. With that in mind, hiring a tree care company for regular care is crucial. A professional tree service hires ISA-certified arborists, giving you peace of mind knowing your trees are in capable hands. Highly trained service providers can pinpoint minor signs of deterioration and recommend the best course of action to restore optimal health.

Mulching

Mulching is an essential tree maintenance task that involves adding a 2- to 4-inch layer of organic material around the base of the tree. This is a great way to protect your trees from pests, weeds, and extreme weather. However, mulching material should not touch the trunk, as it can cause mold and mildew growth. Tree care professionals recommend mulching annually, but this can vary depending on the type of tree, mulch material, and weather among others. Before applying mulch to your trees, consult a tree service provider for advice on suitable mulching material for your backyard.

Regular Watering

Like most living things, trees need water to stay healthy and grow. While this may seem obvious, most people rarely water their trees and rely on rainfall to water their greenery. If you neglect watering your trees regularly, you risk dehydration, heat stress, and premature tree removal. When watering your trees, conduct a screwdriver test to ensure the roots absorb as much water as possible. Routine inspections by a professional arborist can ensure a tailored watering schedule for your trees in every season for optimal health.

Fertilization

Trees have vast root systems that stretch outward to absorb water and vital nutrients. If you notice telltale signs of deterioration, such as leaves yellowing, premature leaf falling, and frequently breaking branches, adding the right fertilizer can help. Schedule a soil test to detect which nutrients are lacking and determine the right fertilizer to create a balanced environment that contributes to tree health.

Protect Your Trees from Pests

Lastly, protecting your trees from pests is vital to maintaining healthy and durable trees. Look out for signs of pests like the presence of bugs, holes in the trunk, and browning leaves, as they indicate a possible infestation. Once you detect these signs, call an ISA-certified arborist to diagnose the problem and recommend the best solution to prevent further damage and premature tree removal emergencies.

These are just a few things you can do to improve the overall well-being of your trees. For more helpful tips, contact Southern Star Tree and schedule a consultation with our representatives. We provide comprehensive tree services and share pertinent information to help you make the most of your investment.