Taking care of trees is just complicated at first, especially if you don’t know anything about it. As you may know, trees are beneficial since they provide oxygen, reduce air pollution, and provide shelter. Unfortunately, if trees are neglected, they can also affect us negatively.
Do you have some trees around you? Maybe it’s time to give some time and effort to keep them safe and healthy. And since the Christmas season is just around the corner, you can start the planning process on how to decorate them.
However, for some trees you didn’t save, you can still use them as decorations for Halloween or any other celebrations.
Meanwhile, if you’re interested in keeping the rest of your trees become healthy, then you should check the list below!
1. Call an arborist
You can start by looking for the best arborist in your area. If your trees are too leafy, then they need proper pruning immediately. In addition, they should undergo checkups. An arborist can determine whether trees have problems or not. So it’s best to have the trees checked before you do anything else.
Since the weather changes too often, you can also ask the arborist about the proper care of specific trees during certain seasons. However, if you’re planning to schedule regular tree maintenance, then you can just ask about the basics, such as the watering schedule or the appropriate decorations for Christmas.
2. Water them properly
The water supply needed by trees depends on their age and variety. Younger trees tend to require more, so you must water them regularly. However, if you already find an arborist, it’s best if you’ll ask them about the proper watering techniques.
Once they give you some tips, you should make sure to dedicate some time to following the preferred water supply.
However, if there are times when it’s raining continuously, especially during the Christmas season, then there’s no need to water the trees. You can just leave them for a few days and water them once they’re about to look dry.
3. Remove pests and diseases
Whether you already contacted an arborist or not, you shouldn’t allow grass to grow near the trees. Grasses tend to absorb the nutrients from the soil, which lessens the supply for the trees. And as the grasses absorb more nutrients, the trees can develop poorly.
Aside from grasses, there are also other forms of pests like bugs, beetles, and caterpillars. They feed on the tree leaves and trunk. And when worse comes to worst, they might turn the whole tree into their new home.
It might be irritating to think about pests, but diseases are not something you’ll be happy to see. Some tree diseases tend to consume the tree first before showing some symptoms. It is one of the reasons why you should consult an arborist.
4. Mulch and apply fertilisers
Did you know that trees also need food? Aside from the natural supply of nutrients, they also need fertilisers and mulch once in a while.
If your trees are young, they need more fertiliser than the older ones. You can ask your arborist about their recommended fertiliser for the specific type of trees you have and how frequently you need to feed them.
Meanwhile, you can also scatter mulch around the trees. Mulch can be made of wood chips, grass cuttings, and bark pieces. Make sure to scatter at least 2 to 4 inches of mulch to increase the effectiveness.
5. Observe regularly
Whether a tree is old or new, it can develop weak branches that can damage properties and hurt people. So if you see a hanging branch, remove it immediately or call an arborist you help you. As for the younger trees, they might grow with slanted bark, so it’s best to guide them while growing.
If the trees are near your garage, make sure to protect the root system while driving. Constant driving over the roots can damage and kill them.
Of course, it’s fine if you’ll just leave your trees sometimes. However, it’s also easier to determine whether something changes or not if you often observe your trees.
6. Plant the right trees
If you’re still planning to plant trees in your area, make you find the perfect spot and plant the right trees. During the planning process, you should also prepare for the maximum height the tree can attain. That way, there will be no problem in terms of vertical clearance.
Aren’t you sure of the right trees you should plant? Then you should ask your arborist. They know the specific type of trees suitable for different locations and weather conditions. So if you experience cold weather during the Christmas season, it’s best to plan the species of trees that can adapt to your climate.
Once you get used to the right ways of taking care of trees, it’s easier to maintain them. But even if you get used to it, you must still let an arborist conduct at least an annual cheque-up. Don’t forget to share some tips on taking care of and decorating trees for Christmas by leaving a comment below!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Aliana Baraquio is a web content writer working for Sydney Tree Solutions, a company that provides tree removal and arborist services throughout Sydney. As a writer, she is passionate about providing good quality articles that help readers make the right choice.
