Tree Tips

Mulch Your Tree

Mulches are materials placed on the soil surface to improve soil structure, oxygen levels, temperature and moisture availability.

Mulching is the most beneficial thing a home owner can do for the health of a young tree. Mulches are materials placed on the soil surface to improve soil structure, oxygen levels, temperature and moisture availability. Properly applied, mulch can give landscapes a handsome, well-groomed appearance. Mulch is a valuable for your trees health and care because

  • Mulch insulates the soil helping to provide a buffer from heat and cold temperatures.
  • Mulch retains water helping to keep the roots moist.
  • Mulch keeps weeds out to help prevent root competition.
  • Mulch prevents soil compaction.
  • Mulch reduces lawn mower damage.

Storm Proof Your Tree

A tree is never in greater danger than during a storm. That can mean strong winds, pounding rain and hail, from the scorch of lightning or the weight of ice or snow on branches and leaves.

A tree is never in greater danger than during a storm. That can mean strong winds, pounding rain and hail, from the scorch of lightning or the weight of ice or snow on branches and leaves. You may also have to remove a tree that endangers life and property during or after a storm.

Tree staking is never done with the intention of harming a tree. Staking is usually to promote root and trunk growth and protect a young tree from harm. What some tree planters do not understand is, rather than helping a tree develop root and trunk growth, improper tree staking replaces a supportive trunk and root system with an artificial support that causes the tree to put its resources into growing taller but not growing wider.

Water Your Tree

It can take a new tree up to 3 years to fully redevelop roots lost in transplanting. During this time, trees are particularly vulnerable to drought.

Trees are sometimes lost or stunted because of poor soil conditions and/or lack of water. It can take a new tree up to 3 years to fully redevelop roots lost in transplanting. During this time, trees are particularly vulnerable to drought.

For new trees, water well immediately after you plant a tree. During the first couple growing seasons, your newly planted tree is expending a lot of energy trying to get its roots established in the soil. Especially during the first few summers of your new trees life, it will have a difficult time dealing with heat and drought.