Your trees are beautiful parts of your yard. If you take good care of them, they’ll flourish for many years to come. Knowing what you should do and which common mistakes to avoid will keep them as healthy and attractive as possible. Use these tree care guidelines for the best results.

Do:

Adjust watering as needed.

How much water your trees need will depend on a few factors: climate, season, breed, and age. Young trees need plenty of water to grow, and drier conditions require extra moisture. During Nebraska’s wet winters, you should skip watering sessions to avoid oversaturating the roots.

Your tree care team can advise you on the best watering schedule. Use a drip irrigation system to prevent water from being sprayed onto the trunk. The moisture on the bark can leave the tree susceptible to fungus or disease.

Use mulch.

Organic mulch breaks down over time, giving the tree essential nutrients. It also acts as a protective barrier that keeps out pests and weeds.

The material will also insulate the soil to protect the roots from damage. A three- or four-inch layer of mulch is ideal, but make sure it doesn’t pile up against the trunk and attract pests.

Don’t:

Prune them yourself.

Tree trimming should be done by a professional. A trained arborist knows what branches to cut to foster the right growth and shape the tree the way you want. They also know how to look out for dying branches or signs of disease, and they’ll remove the compromised parts to prevent the issues from spreading.

Crowd them.

The root system underneath the tree can extend up to four times past the diameter of the crown. Give your trees plenty of space to grow, making sure not to plant them too close to each other or your home’s foundation.

Have them trimmed away from power lines and avoid planting close to underground utility lines. If you have a septic system, make sure the roots can’t reach the pipes and infiltrate the tank. 

 

If you need help maintaining the trees on your property, the professionals at Eden Lawn Care & Tree Service will help. Serving Lincoln, NE, and the surrounding areas, this locally owned and operated company offers tree pruning, stump grinding, and lawn maintenance services to ensure you feel proud of your landscape. They can also provide advice on disease and pest control. Learn more about the company on the website, or call (402) 488-3177 to request a free estimate.