Pruning, Planting, Soil Management and Soil Improvement Are All Part of Tree Maintenance

Keeping trees healthy and attractive enhances the visual appeal of your property. It also adds value because a well-cared for landscape is one of the most appealing selling points of a home. Proper tree maintenance includes pruning, planting, soil management and soil improvement, and monitoring for invasive plants, pests and diseases.

Pruning involves removing dead or damaged branches and stimulating new growth, ensuring the health of the entire canopy. It also helps keep a desired shape and aesthetic, prevents damage from insects or animals, and protects the public by eliminating limbs that could fall and injure people or damage property.

Planting trees and shrubs in the proper location is essential to a landscape. Choosing the correct species for a site, properly site planning and staking are just some of the basics of good planting practices.

Soil Management

Soil management is an important component of tree maintenance, as it is the medium for nutrient uptake by roots. The soil is comprised of air, water and minerals, and the right balance of these components is essential for root development and canopy growth.

A healthy, balanced soil encourages tree and shrub roots to grow densely and firmly into the ground, increasing the stability of the plants. Soil management is accomplished by balancing the soil’s organic matter, moisture levels, pH, and aeration.

Trees that are planted too close to buildings, fences or sidewalks should be thinned to provide space for future growth and a more pleasing appearance. Proper mulching is another important element of soil management. A layer of 2-3 inches of mulch provides a cushion against soil compaction, and allows the roots to easily draw in nutrients.

Monitoring for Invasive Plants

The most common cause of landscape tree failure is invasive plant species. Monitoring for these pests is an important part of a tree maintenance program and should include removal when necessary.

Construction Site Protection

Construction activities such as trenching, digging cellar holes, septic systems and grading can destroy the root zones of valuable trees. Damage to the fine root system that exists within the dripline of a tree is a common problem, and it cannot be remedied once it has occurred.

Cabling and Bracing

Cabling and bracing are support structures that help trees stay upright when they are at risk of falling over due to old age, wind or storm damage. It should only be performed by a licensed professional. Trees that are located too close to overhead power lines should not be pruned without the permission of the power company as this is a serious safety hazard. If you have an unsafe or dead tree on your property it is recommended that you contact a professional for removal. It is a complex process and requires a significant amount of experience. Once the tree is removed, the stump can be ground with a machine called a stump grinder. Stump grinding is included in some service contracts. If not included in your contract, this service can be scheduled as an additional option.

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