Problems With Trees and How to Properly Maintain Them

A healthy tree adds value to your property and provides a variety of environmental benefits. However, trees can be a significant safety hazard if they are not properly inspected and maintained. Often, problems with a tree do not appear as outward symptoms until they are in a serious stage of decay or have fallen over and damaged something else. Getting to know the basic signs of a healthy or unhealthy tree can help you to identify and address these issues before they lead to severe damage or even death.

Many common problems with trees are preventable with routine care and regular inspections by a professional arborist. This includes pruning and trimming the overhanging branches, watering the soil to the correct depth, and providing the proper amount of fertilizer to keep the tree healthy. Often, problems with a tree can be caused by the presence of insect infestations or fungal diseases and can be further exacerbated by environmental conditions like drought or improper planting.

A good mulch is important for the health of a tree, and will also help to retain moisture in the soil. We recommend using organic materials such as wood chips, pine needles, cocoa hulls, compost mixes, or natural soil amendments rather than inorganic options like rock or gravel. Mulching should be done 2-3 inches deep in the area surrounding the trunk of the tree and up to 3 feet around it. Keeping the root zone free of excessive weeds is also important as this will limit competition for nutrients and water from the roots of the tree.

During a routine inspection, be sure to check the condition of the crown, branches, and trunk of a tree for any signs of decay or structural damage. Also look for bare or discolored leaves, early or late leaf drop, and any unusual growth patterns. Fungal disease symptoms to watch for include holes in leaves, sagging or dead branches, and discolored bark.

While some problems with a tree may be easy to spot, others are less obvious and require specialized equipment or training to evaluate. Some examples of specialized techniques are crown cleaning, crown thinning, crown raising, and stump grinding. A good arborist will know the proper technique for each situation and how to utilize these tools to get the best results.

It is important to remember that a limb or the entire trunk of a tree can fall due to a variety of reasons, such as storm damage, poor pruning practices, or rot. Unchecked, these issues can result in major property damage and injury or even death to a person or animal. With proper maintenance, a well-established tree can remain a beautiful and useful addition to your home or business for decades to come. For more information on the benefits of tree maintenance, or to schedule a consultation with one of our tree service professionals, contact us today!

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