What Is Tree Care?

Tree Care is the overall process of maintaining a healthy and thriving tree. This includes a wide range of activities such as inspecting for pests, insects and diseases, pruning, fertilization, watering, mulching and more. Many people have a general idea of what goes into maintaining a tree, but there are many details that must be considered and specific tasks performed for every type of tree.

One of the most important parts of tree maintenance is ensuring that a tree has adequate space to grow to its full size. This includes making sure that it is planted far enough away from houses, sidewalks and power lines to avoid future damage. Choosing the right size of tree at planting time can also help avoid future problems.

Newly planted trees should be thoroughly watered to encourage root growth and help it become established in the soil. This is especially important during times of drought. Mulching is also very important to tree health. It helps prevent weeds, retains moisture and allows roots to thrive in cool temperatures. When using mulch, it is important not to pile it up against the trunk of the tree, as this can cause rot and reduce air circulation.

During winter, tree trimming is an essential part of preparing the tree for the winter season. During this time, dead branches are removed to minimize fire hazards and promote new growth. It is also very important to keep grass and other plants from growing under or near a newly planted tree, as this can inhibit the proper development of the roots.

After a storm, it is very important to assess the condition of your trees and remove any damaged or dead limbs. This will allow the trees to recover more quickly into spring and can help prevent injury to property or people in the future. It is also important to remove any piled up debris and to clean up fallen leaves from the ground.

A properly maintained landscape is a beautiful sight. But when a tree or shrub starts to decline, it can affect the overall appearance of your yard and neighborhood. Often, the most common causes of a declining tree or shrub are related to improper planting, poor soil conditions, insect and disease infestations, improper pruning or too much shade.

If you notice that your trees are not thriving, be proactive and contact a professional tree care service. Be sure to ask about their background, certification and insurance. You may want to choose a service that is a member of the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), which offers training, support and resources for its members. Also, be wary of professionals that offer “topping” as a service – this is a very dangerous practice and can damage or even kill a tree.

When choosing a professional, be sure to get a written contract that clearly outlines the work to be done and the total cost. This will help protect you if the worker is injured on your property or damages your neighbor’s property. Also, be sure that the professional is insured for personal and property damage as well as workers’ compensation.