Keeping your trees healthy can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Tree Scouts Tree Service has put together a list of things you can do as a homeowner to protect your trees and keep them healthy for a very long time.
So how do you maintain your trees in Austin, TX? Here are a few simple steps you can take.
1. Trim Your Trees
Keeping your trees trimmed has many benefits besides just making your trees look amazing. Pruning helps remove diseased, dead, or overgrown branches that may be hindering the growth of your tree. Proper pruning keeps your tree growing healthy and strong while protecting it from unwanted diseases.
Did you know that younger trees require more trimming than older, more mature trees? You should plan to have your younger trees trimmed by a professional company every two to three years and at least every three to five years for more mature trees. You want to ensure a professional that adheres to ANSI standards trims them to avoid over-trimming or leaving open wounds that can lead to disease or pests.
2. Fertilize Your Trees
Just like plants, your trees need the proper nutrients to grow and stay strong! Here’s a few types of nutrients your tree needs to stay healthy.
- Potassium
- Nitrogen
- Phosophorus
- Magnesium
- Calcium
You want to avoid fertilizing during the hot summer months because your trees get more stressed with the drought and heat. The ideal time is spring or when Austin is expecting a nice rain, which will help wash the nutrients into the root system.
If you have no experience in this field (most don’t) we recommend consulting with an arborist to evaluate your trees and create a treatment plan specific for your trees’ unique needs.
3. Water Your Trees
Now this one seems pretty obvious, right? However, there is still a science behind when and how frequently to water your trees in the Central Texas climate. Proper watering will encourage root growth and give your trees the love they deserve.
Younger trees need more frequent watering because their branches and trunk are thinner and can’t hold as much water as mature trees. The older the tree gets, the longer it can go in-between waterings because their branches and trunk can hold more water.
When it’s hot and dry out, we recommend deep watering a few times a month to keep them satiated. A deep watering is much more effective than more frequent light watering because it gives the roots a chance to absorb as much water as possible.
4. Mulch Your Trees
Mulching your trees keeps them protected from pests, weeds, and during severe weather. You should mulch your trees once a year about two to four inches high. You don’t want to mulch any higher than that, especially around the trunk, as it can cause problems for your tree.
5. Monitor Your Trees For Diseases
Lastly, here’s a list of common diseases that can affect your trees in this region of the world.
- Oak Wilt – This is a big one. If left untreated your precious Oak can die. Common symptoms to watch out for include: Leaf discoloration, dead branches in the upper canopy that progress downward and trees showing sudden canopy loss over a period of months.
- Hypoxylon Canker Fungus – This causes severe decay of the tree’s structure, leading to branch failure or complete tree death. Symptoms include: Peeling bark with gray or black fungus patches underneath and leaves turning brown and dropping.
- Fire Blight – This can cause the branches to weaken and the health of your tree to decay rapidly if left untreated. Symptoms include: Leaves and blossoms turning brown or black, twigs and branches’ tips curling, discolored lesions, and damaged fruit that remains on the tree.
If you think any of your trees are affected by disease, it’s imperative you call an arborist to diagnose the tree and come up with a plan to treat your tree. Leaving the tree alone can cause permanent damage and possible loss of life!
For more information, and to keep your trees thriving, click here to reach out to Tree Scouts.
