Trees are an invaluable addition to the landscaping design of any property. Not only can they increase the value of your property due to their aesthetic appeal, but they can also provide shade – giving you a comfortable place to relax outside as well keeping your energy costs down during the hot summer months.
Everyone enjoys the benefits a tree can bring to their outdoor landscape, but most do not know the first thing about caring for newly planted foliage, and few have the time. Maintaining healthy trees on your property requires time, effort, and a depth of knowledge. Regular care maintenance of the trees on your property is essential if you wish your trees to grow strong and healthy for many years to come. A little routine maintenance will help your trees to thrive.
If you’re prepared to put the time and energy into maintaining your trees yourself, let this article be your beginners’ guide.
Choose The Appropriate Tree Varieties
Set yourself up for success by choosing the right varieties of trees for your environment. Obviously, a palm tree isn’t going to grow well in Alaska. Do your research to determine which types of trees are best for your specific situation.
When deciding which tree varieties are best for you, there are a few factors that you will want to consider. You will need to keep in mind the type of soil in your area, available sunlight, amount of available space, and of course, the local climate. If you plan your tree planting around all of these variables, you will likely have luscious foliage growing in no time at all!
When choosing a tree to plant in the North Idaho you will want to be sure you choose a variety of tree that likes a lot of water due to the high annual rainfall in our local area. Once you settle on a tree variety and are ready to plant, it would behoove you to choose a well draining soil in order to avoid issues with overwatering and potential root rot.
Determine A Suitable Watering Schedule
All plants need water, and here in the Inland Northwest, that is a resource that is not too difficult to come by.
As a general rule of thumb, new planting and saplings require much more frequent watering than older, more well established trees. This is because trees that have been growing for a long time have a robust root system that reaches deep into the ground, allowing it to access deep water reservoirs. Do your due diligence to determine the watering needs of different types of trees on your property.
Your watering schedule may not be the same year round. You may not need to irrigate your trees at all during the temperate winter months when we are receiving plenty of rain. However, keep your eye on the temperatures during the summer and stay aware of any incoming heat waves. Young trees will need extra watering during periods of intense heat.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer is sometimes required to help trees stay strong and healthy. A proper application of fertilizer provides the nutrients trees need to grow a robust root system and fight off pests and disease. Young trees that are rapidly growing should be fertilized every year, while older, more well established trees may only need to be fertilized every 2-3 years.
Mulch
Mulch is an important element to the health of any garden or grove. In addition to being pleasing to the eye, mulch locks in moisture, controls the growth of weeds, and returns nutrients to the soil. Mulch is one of the simplest ways to keep your trees healthy while adding aesthetic value. Mulch should be applied 1-2 inches deep a few feet from the base of the tree extending out to edges of the canopy.
Trimming And Pruning
Annual or semi-annual trimming and pruning of your trees is essential to maintaining optimal health. By this process you can encourage new growth every year while sculpting your trees into a desirable shape.
Trimming and pruning is important so that you can remove dead, diseased, or unsightly branches. Additionally, you will want to prune your trees to protect your property in the event of heavy snows or high winds.
Regularly Inspect For Signs Of Pests And Disease
A routine inspection of the health of your trees can be critical for catching the onset of pests and diseases at the onset. Early detection of potential issues with your trees is the key to treatment. Keep an eye for any signs of pests or disease such as falling, discolored or misshapen leaves.
Employ The Help Of A Professional Arborist
We hope this guide can be a good resource for homeowners to take better care of their trees, but it is certainly no substitute for the expertise of a professional arborist. To ensure your trees get the best possible care and attention, call Kootenai Tree Service.