Mature Tree Care Advice
To provide the best care, it’s important to know the kind of tree you have. Different species will respond differently to tree care. If you aren’t sure about the type of tree, an arborist can help you. There are tons of resources online too. Let’s look at some of the basics for mature tree care.
- Water – Your mature tree will have an extensive root system that will be able to search out the water it needs. Unless you face a long dry spell, then you may have to assist your tree. Some trees are more tolerant than others. Your arborist can tell you when you should water in the summer.
- Pest control – Each tree species is prone to different insects and disease. Learn what problems your tree can suffer from and make sure that you have remedies available to deal with these problems. Check your tree(s) often for signs of stress, which can indicate there is a problem that needs to be looked after.
- Pruning – Learn how your tree will respond to pruning. Typically, with mature trees you will need to remove dead and broken limbs. Some trees can benefit from branch removal that can harm the future health of the tree. If the tree canopy is dense, thinning can help to reduce wind damage to the tree.
- Don’t top the trees – Topping a mature tree is destructive and it is no longer a pruning practice that is used. Topping a tree, leaves wounds that invite disease and decay to happen, weakening the entire tree structure. It also destroys the natural shape of the tree. It destroys the beauty and weakens the health of your tree.
Mature trees don’t need a lot of work. They require general maintenance and you to be on the ball so as to not miss disease or pests that could damage your tree. Remember an arborist is always a good investment. That way you’ll know your mature tree is in good hands.