Trees are captivating marvels of the natural world, so it’s no surprise that we choose to celebrate their beauty in our yards. But something we often don’t consider is that trees, just like any other plant, can become unhealthy if not taken care of properly, and require special care to thrive. So, understanding the best ways to maintain the health of your trees will allow you to keep celebrating these evergreen wonders.
Pick a Good Planting Location
Ensuring that your trees stay healthy starts when you select one at the nursery. You’ll want to do a little research before you buy so that you can figure out which trees have the best chance of thriving in your environment. Next, it’s wise to assess your yard as there are a few things to consider when deciding where to plant your tree. You’ll want to look for spots that align well with your chosen tree’s need for sunlight, type of soil, and anything else that might contribute to healthy growth.
Water Correctly
Just like any other plant, trees need two primary things to survive: sunlight and water. So, one of the best ways to maintain the health of your trees is to water them regularly. As a general rule, mature trees usually require an inch of water a week, while adolescent trees will need 4 to 10 gallons, depending on the species. You’ll also want to be careful not to over or underwater, as this can lead to root complications and susceptibility to certain kinds of diseases that could impact the life of your trees.
Use Mulch and Fertilizer
Unfortunately, because the trees in our yards are domesticated, they don’t get some of the benefits that a forest would naturally provide. Using mulch helps insulate the roots of your trees, protects them from damage, and prevents the soil around your tree from drying out. In most instances, mulch can be a make-or-break addition for ensuring healthy roots.
Similarly, fertilizer can give your trees a powerful boost of nutrients that makes up for any missing components in your soil. In a forest, trees have the advantage of soaking up nutrition from the leaves, insects, and surrounding plants that enrich the soil. But, again, because the trees we plant in our yards are domesticated, they need a little help extra help. Therefore, using a slow-release fertilizer and checking your soil can help you better understand what your tree might be missing.
Prune Branches
An important aspect of maintaining your tree’s health is pruning dead branches regularly. Just like other plants, tree branches will die and replace themselves with new sprouts. However, it’s crucial to cut the deadwood off so that your tree can expend energy on new growth rather than sending it to dead branches. So, if you notice that some of your branches are getting lackluster or hollow, it might be time to call a SID mourning tree professional for tree care in Austin, Texas.
Trees add a vital and natural element to our lives, so the least we can do is understand the best ways to keep them healthy. Hopefully, this quick overview has given you some new insight on how you can help the trees in your yard thrive.