Routine Tree Maintenance and Care Practices

Trees are a very important part of the environment we live in. They are part of the landscaping and make the environment look beautiful. They provide shading and can even help to reduce your air conditioning costs if you live in very hot climates. They are a natural habitat for animals like small rodents and birds. When they are mature, they can also be harvested for wood, tree sap, bark and other useful by products. The following are some of the routine tree maintenance and care practices to get keep your trees growing healthy:

Proper planting of trees

You should avoid planting trees and shrubs near power lines. The tree branches can tangle up with the power branches, which is quite dangerous. The trees may also be damaged by the power crews whenever they are working on the power lines. You should also avoid planting large tree varieties very close to buildings, driveways and paved areas as the roots can damage your foundation. Ensure that your trees will have enough space to grow to maturity without interfering with construction and power lines.

Mulching

Mulching is the practices of adding dead grass, plants and other mulching materials at the base of the tree trunk to insulate the soil and provide a buffer from extreme temperature such as excess heat or cold. The mulch also helps the ground retain water keeping the soil moist, which is necessary for the development of the growing tree. It helps to keeps the weeds out and prevents soil compaction so the tree roots can spread out properly.

Watering

Watering your trees, particularly in the first two years of growth, is a necessary part of tree care and maintenance. Newly planted trees need a lot of water starting immediately after planting. In the first two years, trees should be watered during the growing season due to the vigorous growth they undergo. After two years, the roots of the tree are well established and can draw in moisture from the soil with little assistance from watering. When watering your trees, a steady stream of water for about 30 seconds for every seedling is enough to grow it. The mulch will help retain the moisture in the soil for longer.

Pruning

This is the process of removing parts of the tree branches or trunk. Regularly light pruning to remove dead and diseased branches is necessary to keep the trees healthy and prevent the spread of pests and diseases from one tree to another. Pruning practices vary depending on the individual species of the tree. It generally promotes a burst of new growth, manages the size of the tree and the extent of the tree canopy.

Managing pests and disease problems

You may need the help of an arborist to properly diagnose pests and diseases affecting your trees. These individuals can recommend the right pesticides and herbicides to use, or whether you need to remove the entire branch to prevent the spread of the disease. You can call your local specialist and enquire about the health of your trees for advice on how to handle such problems.

Posted By: All American Tree Pro  http://allamericantreepro.com