Healthy trees enhance the beauty of your property, provide serenity and privacy, and increase your home’s value. The best way to ensure the long-term health of your trees is with regular seasonal tree maintenance. Seasonal maintenance includes pruning and inspections to stimulate healthy growth and identify diseased or weak spots. This reduces the risk of falling limbs and improves the safety of your family and friends and protects your home and its surroundings.
In winter, it is important to check for any new damage or signs of insect infestations caused by a cold snap or recent snow storm. Look for broken twigs or branches, holes in the trunk, and any fungi growth. These can indicate a lack of nutrients and water in the tree, which can lead to disease and insect infestations. A professional can help with pest removal and provide fertilization treatments to encourage your trees’ growth and protection.
During the spring, a thorough inspection of your trees will reveal the condition of the roots and soil. In addition, it is important to check for nutrient deficiencies and any new root growth, as well as any sign of root rot or insect infestation. This is a good time to mulch the root zone, as this will help conserve moisture and protect the root structure of your trees.
As summer progresses, you will want to make sure your trees are thriving and getting the proper amount of water and sun. Performing seasonal tree maintenance throughout the summer, such as pruning and fertilization, will keep your trees healthy and happy, and ensure that they are ready to take on the hotter weather of autumn.
By removing dead limbs during the fall, you will be preparing your trees for the harsher conditions of winter. This will also reduce the risk of them becoming damaged by heavy snow, ice and other extreme weather conditions. A professional can prune overgrown limbs in the late winter, so they have a chance to recover before the spring.
The last major point to consider in preparing your trees for the winter is to remove ladder fuels from around the base of your trees. This can include ivy, grass, and other plant species that compete with the health and strength of your trees. Weeding around the base of your trees will also help to prevent rot and promote a healthier soil environment that will support tree growth.