A tree is like an investment. Once they mature, they are higher in value and can even increase a property’s overall worth. This is a good reason why homeowners should pay close attention to the maturing trees in their landscapes. Proper tree care for mature trees is a bit different from caring for early to mid-life trees. Maturing trees can pose safety hazards or decline in health if not cared for properly. Continue reading to learn how to care for mature trees, and who to call on for professional assistance you can trust!
Mature Tree Care
If mature trees are not tended-to in the right way, they can quickly become simple nuisances, and worse, safety hazards. Over-grown foliage can clog gutters, block sunlight to gardens, invite unwanted pests, give wild animal’s access to the roof, and damage siding; while tree trunks can become infected or infested with termites and other nuisance insects. And as for safety, the structural integrity of large branches and the trunk can decline, causing fallen trees and potential injuries to people and costly damages to properties.
Proper tree care includes using the right techniques for routine inspections, mulching, watering, fertilizing, and pruning. It is important to have all your important landscape trees to be serviced by a professional arborist or tree care company. They retain the proper tools and training to provide comprehensive tree services in a convenient time-frame. They can provide tree trimming, pruning, disease treatment (if-needed), branch removal, and much more. As for yourself, there are several things you can do to care for your mature trees.
Start with regular inspections of the branches, foliage, and trunk. Look for environmental problems, damages to the bark, dead or discoloring leaves, fungus or mold growth, pest infestations, or signs of nuisance animal activity. By catching these issues early on, you can protect your tree from extensive harm and prevent paying for tree removal services.
Also, be sure to water your trees regularly, but do not allow the tree’s trunk to get wet. This can lead to mold growth, which then invites pests and other infestation problems. It then deteriorates the tree and weakens its structural integrity. If left unresolved, it can kill the tree. Apply mulch around the base of your trees once every year, two to four inches deep, and one to two inches away from the base of the trunk. The diameter of the mulch bed should not extend beyond the tree’s canopy.
Have a professional tree service check the soil’s PH levels and provide proper fertilization for your mature trees. Proper pH levels in the soil beneath a tree will correct any nutrient deficiencies that hinder tree growth. This also reduces plant stress, which in turn, renders a healthier tree.