While you’d think it’s safe to assume that Mother Nature will take care of her own, trees still need a little extra help to keep them healthy. Even if they’re getting plenty of water and sunshine, there are still many other factors that can impact the overall health and well-being of your trees. This quick guide points out three of the most crucial tasks you should do for your trees to keep them healthy all year.

3 End-of-Summer Tree Care Tips

1. Mulch

Mulching is typically done in the spring, but if you didn’t get around to it, there’s still time. Add a two- to four-inch layer of mulch in a two- to three-foot radius around your tree. Be careful not to make the circle too small, and let the mulch rest against the trunk of the tree. This can lead to rot and insect problems. If you already mulched this last spring, check it again to make sure it’s holding up. Give it a quick scrape with a rake to remove the old mulch and add more if it’s looking sparse.

2. Inspect for Pests & Disease

A few insects here and there are to be expected; but, if you see a lot of them, you may have an infestation. This is a problem for two big reasons. Certain insects such as carpenter ants can cause structural damage to your tree, which will eventually kill it. The other problem with a bug party on your tree is that it may be an indication of disease. Diseased trees are prime real estate for bugs. Inspect your tree for the most common signs of disease, such as seeping fluid down the trees bark, growths, and peeling bark. A diseased tree poses a threat to your property as well as the foliage and other trees around it. Contact a professional arborist at once to get a professional evaluation.

3. Protect Your Trees From Storms

Summer storms threaten the structural integrity of your trees as well as the safety of your property. Fall storms can be just as bad. If you’re worried about storm damage to your trees, this is a good time to do some preventive maintenance. Protect trees from storm damage by trimming long, unsteady limbs or those hanging above your home. For larger trees, have an arborist come out and trim or remove limbs. Talk to them about cabling or bracing for your trees as an added measure to keep your trees and your home safe.

If you’re looking for a tree service professional to help maintain your landscape, the tree experts at J D Mills Expert Tree Service in High Point, NC, are ready to help. From tree removal stump grinding to routine tree maintenance such as trimming and pruning, this fully insured and licensed tree service does it all. Visit them online to learn more about their services, or call them today at (336) 431-8162.