Caring for our trees
In Southern California, the first thing we often think about when it comes to trees is pruning. While proper pruning is critical to maintaining our trees and helping avoid tree failure, there is more to tree care!
Here are some tree care tips that are beneficial for ensuring any tree’s health:
Mulching
A nice 2-4” layer of shredded mulch around the tree all the way out to the drip line is ideal. Often, the landscape design doesn’t allow us to have that large of a mulch detail, but even a smaller, three—to four-foot ring will be very beneficial in providing shade for the roots and conserving water in the soil.
Spacing
Trees do best when their roots aren’t competing with other plants for water and nutrients, so avoid planting directly under trees with other plants and groundcovers. When the landscape design includes mixed plantings, it’s a good practice to provide as much space for the tree roots as possible.
Proper watering
Overwatering is more often a problem for trees than underwatering. Ensuring your trees aren’t standing in water is critical. When planting trees in turf areas, be sure to select trees that can tolerate regular watering.
When trees do become stressed through drought, disease, or other environmental situations, there are things you can do to help encourage their future health.
Vertical mulching
This is an incredibly beneficial process that opens up gaps in the soil around the tree roots. This helps with oxygen exchange and improves the soil structure. It allows the roots to be healthier and avoids issues with fungal pathogens. Improved growth is nearly always achieved after implementing this process.
Fertilization
Healthy trees don’t require fertilizers, but when a tree is showing deficiencies, proper fertilization can be critical. Deep root feeding is an effective way to provide the nutrients right where they are needed. Some very beneficial fertilizers, including mycorrhizae, sea kelp, and microbes, are very effective in reviving stressed trees.
When you have questions about your trees and their health, it is important to consult an expert who can properly diagnose the issues that may be affecting your particular trees. The right treatments can make all the difference in their health and longevity!
For more information about Bemus Landscape Tree Service, click here.
