Trees are a valuable asset to any property, providing shade, beauty, and numerous environmental benefits. However, they require regular maintenance to keep them healthy and looking their best. Additionally, properly cared-for trees are less likely to suddenly topple over, helping to minimize property damage. Tree companies can help to properly care for your trees, keeping them strong and full of life. Here are some tree maintenance scheduling tips to ensure your trees are taken care of.

Consider Hiring a Professional Tree Care Service

While you can perform some basic tree maintenance tasks on your own, such as watering and mulching, other tasks are best left to the professionals. Hiring a professional tree care service can provide you with the expertise and equipment needed to properly maintain your trees, ensuring they last for years to come.

Schedule Regular Tree Inspections

Regular tree inspections are essential for identifying and addressing potential problems before they become serious issues. Inspections can be performed by a certified arborist who works with tree companies, assesses the health of your trees, identifies any signs of disease or insect infestations, and provides recommendations for tree care. The frequency of inspections will depend on the age, species, and condition of your trees, but a general rule of thumb is to have them inspected at least once a year, according to Bob Vila. Your trees should also be inspected if they are showing signs of disease or if you suspect your tree may have been damaged in a storm.

Prune Your Trees Regularly

Pruning is an important tree maintenance practice that involves removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches to promote healthy growth and improve the tree's appearance. Regular pruning can also help to reduce the risk of falling branches and other safety hazards. The timing and frequency of pruning will depend on the type and age of your trees, but a general recommendation is to prune trees every two to five years, according to HomeServe. When pruning a young tree, the focus should be on removing broken or dead branches, according to Bob Vila. Heavy pruning shouldn't happen until trees are at least two years old or older. Great tree companies will help you understand how frequently your specific types of trees need to be pruned and how to do so safely.

Mulch Your Trees

Mulching is another important tree maintenance practice. Adding mulch around the base of a tree can help the tree to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the tree's roots from extreme temperatures. When mulching your trees, be sure to use a natural material, such as shredded leaves or wood chips, and avoid piling the mulch too high around the base of the tree. A layer of two to three inches of mulch is sufficient. According to Oregon State University, mulch should be reapplied every one to two years, depending on its condition.

Water Your Trees Properly

Proper watering is essential for keeping your trees healthy, especially during times of drought or extreme temperatures. The frequency and amount of water your trees need will depend on the type and age of your trees, as well as the soil conditions and climate in your area. A general recommendation is to water your trees deeply once a week during dry periods, providing at least one to two inches of water, according to South Dakota State University. If you have any additional questions about how much water your tree needs, tree companies can help you with the specific needs of your tree.

Fertilize Your Trees

Fertilizer is essentially food for your trees. It can provide them with the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy. However, it's important to use the right type and amount of fertilizer, as too much or too little can be harmful to your trees. A certified arborist can provide recommendations for fertilizing your trees based on their species, age, and condition. As a general rule of thumb, trees need to be fertilized at least once a year.

Proper tree maintenance is essential for keeping your trees healthy and looking their best. Remember, healthy trees not only add beauty to your landscape but also provide numerous environmental benefits, such as improving air quality, reducing erosion, and providing shade and shelter for wildlife. If your tree needs to be maintained, let Dillon Tree Service help. Call us now to book a tree maintenance appointment.