Are you a new homeowner and want to understand tree care basics better? You're at the right place. While some may believe that tree care isn't necessary, it's vital for your home's landscaping and ecosystem health. For example, flourishing trees enhance curb appeal, improve air quality, reduce stormwater runoff, provide protection for wildlife, and help regulate temperatures. In light of this, we've highlighted several ways you can care for your trees. Review this list below and understand which tasks you can do personally and which will require professional tree service. After this, don't hesitate to contact these experts and schedule the help today.

Research Specific Soil Needs

A way that trees get their nutrients is through the soil. With this said, it's essential to research soil needs for your specific tree type and use it during planting and maintenance. Some trees prefer alkaline soil and will best thrive in these conditions. Examples of these trees include Blackthorn, Field Maple, Hawthorn, and Holm Oak. On the contrary, other tree types need acidic soil. Trees like Willow, Dogwood, Magnolias, and Mountain Ash will flourish in these circumstances.

Plant New Trees Correctly

According to The Go Tree Quotes, approximately five million trees are planted daily. With this considered, it would be almost impossible for them to be successful if the planter isn't mindful of where they put them. First, the planting destination must not be too close to critical underground utilities or a home's foundation. Plus, the hole made for the planting should be approximately three times wider than the root ball to ensure the trunk can flare correctly.

Mulch Around Trees Regularly

Mulch is advantageous for a tree's flourishment. The mulch is a protective layer that will insulate the root system against destructive weed and grass growth. Additionally, mulch is helpful in that it moisturizes the soil around the tree, which is optimal for young trees. Lastly, mulch generally promotes tree growth and will prevent soil erosion near the planting site.

Schedule Professional Help for Removals

Don't ignore dead trees since they can quickly attract pests and insects. This predicament can soon be an invasion that is hard to combat. Additionally, the dead trees can become a safety hazard for those walking on your property. With this considered, schedule professional help for removals as soon as possible. A tree service will expertly remove the tree with the appropriate tools and equipment, resulting in no injuries to inexperienced individuals.

Trim and Prune Branches Frequently

The task of trimming and pruning will be beneficial for various reasons. First, this tree care task will ensure the tree grows balanced and straight. This factor is essential since flawless formation will provide ample airflow between a tree's branches and enhance its appearance. Plus, trimming and pruning can encourage healthy growth and prevent occurrences of disease and instability.

Inspect for Discoloration

A telltale sign that a tree may be struggling is if there is discoloration present. Since this discoloration is easy for anyone to see, this should be a tip that all new homeowners should know about. When inspecting your trees, observe the leaves for brown, white, or black colored spots on them. This discoloration can be caused by several factors, with some being a risk to tree health, such as fungi and bacterial growth. If you believe discoloration is an issue at your home, contact the appropriate professionals to take a second look at the tree and give the needed treatment.

Be Watchful for Any Signs of Pests

As explained above, dead trees attract pests to your landscaping. With this said, you shouldn't completely discount the chance of them, even if all trees are alive. Some typical signs of pest invasion are thinning leaves, unusual leaf sizes, stalled branch health, lifted roots, and loose bark. Don't ignore these issues since the pests may weaken a tree's structural integrity, attract disease organisms, or even kill it entirely.

Know the Required Watering Schedule

The watering schedule of a tree will differ depending on the type, location, and age. For example, young trees will need watering every two weeks and might need it weekly if they are in a warmer climate. On the contrary, older trees are considered established and only need watering once a month.

After reviewing the list of tree care basics above, you can now understand the steps needed to ensure successful growth. Since most of these tasks need professional help, call us today at J&C Tree Experts!