Maintaining the health and vitality of your trees is essential to both your home’s curb appeal and your property’s overall health. Fortunately, there are simple steps homeowners can take to protect their longevity and appearance. Here’s what you should know about basic tree maintenance.

5 Ways to Take Care of Your Trees

1. Trim Them Regularly

Trimming at least twice a year is a key part of standard tree maintenance—for both appearance and health. This helps new branches grow and can strengthen the roots. You can also trim especially dense areas that might otherwise prevent the tree from receiving adequate sunlight and moisture.

Though a professional should be enlisted for a full trimming, it’s safe for homeowners to use hedge trimmers to remove errant branches close to the ground. This is a simple way to enhance the tree’s aesthetic beauty.

2. Water Is Crucial

It’s better to soak a tree thoroughly at the roots just once a week instead of more frequent, lighter watering sessions. This allows more moisture to penetrate the first foot of soil and saturate the roots. 

During the tree’s first couple of years, this type of deep watering is crucial for its growth and longevity. Older trees don’t require as much, but you should make it a point to water them during dry periods.

3. Mulch for Protection

Trees have a much better chance of surviving when you cover the soil with mulch. That prevents the surrounding grass from robbing the tree of its vital nutrients and moisture. Apply it directly over the roots, but don’t create a volcano around the trunk. The material will protect the ground from temperature fluctuations and help lock in more moisture.

4. Avoid Unnecessary Pruning

Though similar to trimming, tree pruning is best left to professionals who know precisely where to cut in order to protect the health of the structure. “Topping” a tree by cutting its crown can be hazardous to its health, as can pruning for no specific reason. You should have a professional prune if the limbs are too close to your home, for example, or if the limbs are crowding one another. Ideally, trees should be pruned once a year.

5. Inspect Them Carefully

Make it a point to examine the condition of the trees periodically. Look for significant changes that could indicate issues such as disease or pest infestations, both of which could cause serious damage to limbs and leaves or even result in premature death. Common signs of problems include leaf discoloration, peeling bark, fungal growth, and visible rot.

 

Protect your home and property with basic TLC. Homeowners throughout Cookeville, TN, and surrounding areas trust in the professionals at Putnam County Tree Service for all their tree maintenance needs. The company provides a variety of services designed to improve the appearance and health of your yard, including tree pruning, removal, and stump grinding. Visit them online for information on their services or call (931) 528-3828 to schedule an appointment.