How to Take Care of Trees and Keep Them Healthy

|7.19.19

Trees are an investment! Not only with their initial cost, but they require time and additional money to maintain their health. While most of the time mature trees are self-sufficient, there are extra steps you can take to ensure that your trees are healthy and resilient to extreme weather for years to come. Read on to learn how to take care of trees and keep them healthy below!

1. Protect Tree Roots

Roots are the lifesource for your tree, so it’s essential that you protect them to maintain the health of your tree. One of the best ways to do this is by preventing compacted soil from gathering around your tree. Compacted soil is one of the biggest threats to root health because compaction prevents essential water and oxygen from reaching the roots. To avoid soil compaction, you should consistently check the area around your trees for compacted soil and replace the soil if you notice compaction is an issue. 

2. Protect Tree Bark

Tree bark is like a tree’s amor against the outside elements. Without it, trees would be susceptible to fungus and bacteria that can cause tree rot. The common causes of bark damage are: rotary sprinkler heads, rubbing tree branches, lawn care equipment and cars. Chances are if you notice damage to your tree bark, you will immediately know what’s been causing it. If not, you can always give our experts at Brents Tree Service a call for an extra set of eyes. 

3. Properly Water

We couldn’t write a post about tree health without mentioning proper watering. Most of the time mature trees thrive off the existing soil and weather conditions, but if you’re experiencing a drought or an extremely hot summer, you will need to give your trees a little extra attention. The frequency of watering is dependent on the type of trees on your property, so make sure to research the best watering practices before you get out your hose and watering can. 

4. Proper Pruning

Trees can’t reach their full potential without being properly pruned. Obviously you will want to remove any damaged or dead branches, but you will also want to pay attention to low and crossing branches. Low branches can prevent light from hitting the rest of the tree which can hinder your tree’s growth, whereas crossing branches can cause rubbing and wound the tree’s bark. If you’re looking to maintain your tree’s health, it’s best to hire a professional who can properly prune your tree as opposed to doing it yourself and damaging your tree. 

Have tree questions? We have the answers! Give our team of experts at Brents Tree Service a call today to schedule an on-site consultation for all your tree care needs.