Tree care begins long before you purchase a sapling at your local nursery. If you aim to secure its health, longevity, and structural soundness, you should carefully plan before buying the specimen promising colorful blossoms each spring. Tree Care Inc., a reputable tree service in Lexington, KY, guides you on how to keep trees healthy with our expert tips below.
Learn How to Keep Trees Healthy with These 10 Tips
What does it take to ensure healthy trees from the time you plant them till they mature? A seasoned arborist might say it takes more work than many property owners think. You choose specimens to enrich your landscape, adding seasonal color and permanent structure to your home or business. Make sure your investment lasts with the following recommendations.
#1 Think Before You Buy
Each tree species has specific needs for it to thrive. Some prefer more shade while others mature best in full sun. Consider the location where you plan to plant the three.
Take note of the amount of sunlight the area receives daily. Observe whether rainfall collects or quickly drains from the spot. These characteristics will help you determine which type of tree will flourish in your chosen space.
#2 Choose Species That Thrive in Your Climate
Next, research your growing zone. Lexington, Kentucky is in growing zones 6B and 7A. Some attractive species that do well in these zones include:
- Japanese maples
- MacIntosh apple trees
- White oaks
- Arborvitaes
If you live in Lexington, you have an extensive list of decorative, fruit-bearing, and native options from which you can choose.
#3 Find an Optimal Spot for Planting
Whether you already picked a spot or purchased a specimen on a whim, double-check to ensure it can thrive on your property. Consider how much of the following the sapling needs:
- Sunlight
- Water
- Soil nutrients
Scheduling a soil test before planting will inform you about fertilizer options to enhance tree and soil health.
#4 Consult with Tree Care Experts About the Tree’s Needs
Lexington tree experts, like the team at Tree Care Inc., will gladly assist you in setting the stage for root and truck health. Consulting with an arborist ensures you haven’t missed any potential problems or overlooked possible needs. After all, trees are at their most vulnerable and sensitive right after a transplant.
#5 Remember: Roots Take Time to Establish
You can’t simply plant the tree and forget about it. It needs some extra care in the years following you planting it. The roots need ample time to become established and structurally firm, anchoring the trunk securely to the ground. A consistent schedule for watering trees within the first one to five years is crucial to their survival and success.
Although fertilizer can nourish newly planted specimens, too much of a product can stunt growth, damage new roots, and cause defoliation. Too much of a good thing can harm any living thing.
#6 Stay Away From Stressors
Since recently planted trees are incredibly vulnerable, you should limit their exposure to potential stressors. Keep track of the following influences to prevent them from damaging or stressing your new trees:
- Chemical stressors: Using herbicides near your vulnerable trees could spell disaster for their longevity. You should also avoid applying salt to prevent ice and other pesticides that might cause soil problems.
- Mechanical stressors: Ensure the tree is a safe distance away from carports and driveways. Damage from lawnmowers and other landscaping equipment can also thwart a tree’s growth and security.
- Environmental stressors: While you can’t control the environment, you can anticipate its shifts. For example, increasing or decreasing your watering sessions according to drought or rainy seasons can save your tree’s life.
Learning how to keep trees healthy often means proactively protecting them, especially while their roots become established.
#7 Select an Appropriate Mulch
A three-inch layer of mulch can do a lot of preventative heavy lifting. Mulch retains moisture, filters out potentially harmful chemicals, and insulates the roots from dramatic temperature shifts. Certain types of mulch can also enrich the soil as they break down.
Add mulching to your list of landscaping to-do list once or twice annually. Remove as much old mulch as possible before spreading the fresh material around the tree’s base.
#8 Inspect the Trees on Your Properties
Setting your trees up for success involves inventorying any odd behaviors. Keep an eye out for:
- Out-of-season leaf fall.
- Naked or damaged branches.
- Failure to produce leaves in the spring.
- Odd bark growth patterns.
- Open trunk wounds.
- Leaning trees.
These issues might indicate illnesses that need early intervention. Familiarize yourself with Kentucky’s tree pests and their symptoms, too.
#9 Schedule Annual Checkups and Pruning Services
Nothing beats the eye and touch of a professional. Lexington arborists know trees better than anyone and can pick up on potential disease symptoms that you missed.
They may also recommend services that will enhance your trees’ health. Plus, most trees need pruning services in early spring. While you might tackle small saplings with proper pruning tips by yourself, you’ll need assistance from professionals to handle tall, mature specimens.
Large pruning jobs are risky business for unskilled property owners. They require heavy equipment and expert skill to navigate safely.
#10 Consider a Customized Fertilizer
Finally, a custom-blended fertilizer can provide your tree with the proper nourishment. Sure, you can purchase mass-produced fertilizers at nurseries and landscaping stores. However, these products don’t account for your unique soil composition and the specimen’s specific needs.
An arborist can test your soil and craft a customized blend to address specific nutrient deficiencies. This prevents overfertilization, which causes root burns, wilting leaves, and further nutrient imbalances.
Choose Tree Care Inc. for Healthier Trees in Lexington, Kentucky
It takes a lot of effort to learn how to keep trees healthy. Tree Care Inc.’s crew can assist you in your journey. We’ll help you avoid bad tree pruning practices and other mistakes that could jeopardize tree health. Call 859-347-2237 for an estimate on tree maintenance services in Lexington, Kentucky.
