The Basics of Tree Care

Tree Care is the practice of arboricultural methods for maintaining or improving the health, beauty, and structural integrity of trees and shrubs in built landscapes (road verges, park wooded areas, greenways, and backyards). It also includes the management of invasive species that interfere with native canopy growth.

Regular inspections of trees and shrubs on your property will help identify potential issues, including damage from insects and diseases. Many of these problems are preventable if the proper steps are taken. This begins with the planting process, selecting a species suitable for your site and ensuring it is properly planted.

Proper watering and mulching is another critical step in tree health and maintenance. A well-mulched area keeps weeds out, reduces competition for moisture and nutrients, and helps to maintain soil pH. A layer of mulch applied 1 metre around new, young plants will help them establish roots in their new home and reduce the need for excessive watering.

Correct pruning can also greatly enhance the appearance of your trees and improve their overall health and structural integrity. Pruning is distinct from trimming and focuses on the removal of diseased, damaged, or dead branches and promoting new growth in an orderly fashion. It can also minimize the risk of structural defects such as codominant stems or weak branch attachments that are prone to wind and storm damage.

When a tree is pruned, the wounds need to be closed and sealed properly to minimize infection by disease organisms. Large cuts are more difficult for the tree to heal than small cuts and should be avoided whenever possible. The best time to prune is during the dormant season to minimize stress on the plant.

Staking young, immature, or newly planted trees is a common practice, but should only be done for one growing season to allow the root system to establish itself. If the staking is done for more than one season, it can result in girdling of the stem and eventually lead to death.

Tree removal may be necessary in the event of severe injury, poor structure, or to make room for other landscaping features. Poorly-placed trees, such as those planted too close to buildings, power lines, or structures, are more susceptible to damage from wind and storms. This type of damage can be costly and dangerous for the property owner.

It is always best to hire a qualified professional, an ISA Certified Arborist, to perform any work on your trees. ISA Certification requires specialized training and testing that must be periodically renewed. Non-certified individuals may be able to do some trimming, but they can cause more damage and are often unable to offer the same level of safety and liability protection. Legitimate arborists will never solicit work after a storm as this can create high-risk situations for both workers and property owners. They will provide you with a written estimate before beginning any work and will not use climbing spikes, which can open wounds in the bark of the tree that lead to decay.

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