Proper Care for Mature Trees
Mature trees provide great shade, beauty and other benefits to an area. However, they require treatment different than that of a young tree. They still require regular watering, pruning, and disease prevention. Mature trees grow at a much slower rate than new trees and are extremely sensitive to their surrounding environment. Mature trees that are pruned should be pruned carefully, so that there are no large wounds.
These large wounds will cause the tree to regrow even slower, and become more susceptible to disease. It’s also very important that the tree is watered correctly and growing in healthy soil, otherwise the health of the tree will begin to decline. The result of this includes rapid leaf loss and branch droppings. If you see either of these signs, begin care for your tree.
Monthly deep watering is recommended to keep mature trees alive and well, as well as regular pruning to remove excessive weight from the ends of branches. The pruning process for mature trees reduces the chance of breakage and safety hazards for yourself and the tree. Improper care for these trees can result in several different pest infestations including whiteflies, aphids, and thrips. Whiteflies make the leaves f your tree curl and turn brown. Aphids suck the juices out of the leaves and pierce them.
Thrips make leaves appear silvery or tan, and they make flowers appear discolored. If you see any of these signs, please contact your local arborist for disease prevention and safety of your tree.