6 Steps for Healthy Trees Through Fall

When it comes to Frederick Md. tree services, you could say we know a few things about keeping trees healthy. A healthy tree is something every homeowner wants for his or her property. Trees that are diseased are weaker and can come crashing down during a severe storm and damage your property.

How can you keep your trees healthy though when there are so many pests and diseases that can harm your trees? There are multiple steps you can take as a homeowner, some of which include mulching, watering correctly, and raking your leaves if you notice insects, as dead leaves give them a perfect hiding spot through the fall and winter to attack your trees.

Continue reading to learn six easy steps you can take to keep your trees healthy through the fall season.

Mulch

One of the best and easiest ways to keep your trees healthy and happy is to mulch. Mulch entails placing an organic compound down in a ring around your tree. You want to make sure it is not up next to the base or the trunk as it can cause wood rot and suffocate the roots. Mulch assists the tree in retaining moisture, and as it decomposes over the year, it feeds the tree added nutrients it needs to stay healthy and active.

Water Properly

Watering your trees is essential to keep them healthy and thriving. You want to ensure the tree is getting enough water. If it is a new sapling, water it daily for the first two weeks. Do this by watering it slowly so the moisture seeps into the ground and the tree’s roots can take it up. Too much water can stress a tree out and cause the leaves to change colors or fall off.

Fertilize

Another critical concept in keeping your trees from being stressed and sick is to fertilize as needed. If you have an area that has good topsoil with the nutrients a growing tree needs, then you do not have to feed. However, if you do not know the quality of the soil or if you live in an urban area, there could be a lack of nutrients in the land. Your tree will not thrive with nothing to eat. Make sure to investigate appropriate fertilizer and get one that does not burn your new sapling.

Monthly Inspections

Do you check the health of your trees when you are outside? Unless there has been a severe storm in the area, most people do not give a second thought to looking up at their trees. However, they should. Trees can become weak from insects and diseases. These will cause your leaves to fall too soon or change colors before they should. Your tree may start to lean or branches may become hollow and weak, which is dangerous in high winds. Perform monthly inspections on your trees to evaluate if there are any issues. If so, you will have caught it before it spreads to all your trees.

Clean Up Flora Debris

Another crucial fact when keeping your trees healthy through the year is to rake up dead leaves, twigs, and other foliage as well as debris in the fall. Insects and other pests love to live in the natural mulch of the earth over the winter. They can they burrow into your tree in the spring and cause an infestation or disease that can make your tree, new or old, very sick. Ensure you are performing fall clean up to prevent pests.

Check The Soil

One of the last things you want to do to verify your trees are healthy into the fall is to check the ground. You want to dig down approximately two inches to monitor the temperature of the soil as well as the moisture content. A dry tree needs to be watered. A soggy tree has had too much water. You want a delicate balance between the two where the soil is moist, and the temperature is warm.

Why Do I Need To Inspect My Trees During The Year?

It is of the utmost importance to check your trees often and especially after severe storms. Not only do you want to make sure winds or hail did not damage your tree, but also you want to make sure your branches are not weak and will come crashing down. Diseases and pests love to live in foliage debris in the fall so make sure you are cleaning up properly.

Regulating the temperature of the soil and monitoring the wetness are also vital keys to keeping a healthy tree. Fertilizing is a crucial process if you live in an urban area where topsoil was brought in. It does not contain any nutrients that trees need to thrive. Watering is always essential for a tree as is mulching. Properly mulching your trees and performing the above suggestions will keep your trees healthy and happy for years to come!