Trees are a lovely addition to a garden for many reasons. They provide shade, improve air quality, support wildlife, and can even increase property value. Whether you have a mighty oak or a garden full of young trees, proper care ensures they’ll stay strong and healthy for years to come.
In this article, we share five tips for taking care of your trees, including when to call in the professionals.
1. Water wisely
Just like any living thing, trees need water. However, one of the most common mistakes when taking care of trees is giving them too much or too little. Young or newly planted trees need consistent moisture as they establish their root systems, while mature trees can usually rely on rainfall.
When deciding whether your trees need watering, keep an eye on the weather forecast and base your schedule around rainy days. If there’s been a long, dry spell, you should consider watering your trees, whereas if there’s been lots of rain, you can leave it a while before watering them again.
2. Consider mulching
Mulching is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support tree health. It helps to:
- Conserve moisture
- Regulate soil temperature
- Reduce weed competition
- Prevent damage from lawn equipment
Spread a two-to-four-inch layer of organic mulch, like wood chips or bark, in a circle around the base of the tree, and extend out to the end of the branches. Be sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk as this can prevent rot and pests.
3. Regular pruning
Pruning isn’t just about making your trees look nice, it’s essential for their health. Regular pruning helps remove dead or diseased branches, encourages strong growth, and prevents branches from growing too close to your home and other structures.
If you’d like to prune low branches yourself when they need a trim, that’s absolutely fine. However, anything more than that should be left to the professionals, as improper pruning can damage a tree or cause a safety risk. A certified arborist can assess your trees and perform proper pruning techniques that protect both your tree and your property.
4. Schedule professional tree inspections
Even if your trees look healthy, it’s smart to schedule regular tree inspections with a professional arborist. A trained eye can spot issues that might not be obvious, such as early signs of disease, pests, weak or damaged branches, and root problems
Professional tree inspections are especially important after storms, heavy rain, or strong winds, or if you notice changes like thinning leaves, unusual growth, or fungus. Early detection can prevent bigger, potentially expensive problems in the future.
An arborist can also offer advice tailored to your specific trees and soil conditions, helping you care for your landscape more effectively.
5. Consider tree surgery when needed
Tree surgery refers to advanced care techniques used to treat damaged, diseased, or structurally unsafe trees. Tree surgery can include:
- Cabling weak branches
- Removing decay or rot
- Treating infections or infestations
- Reshaping trees after storm damage
If a tree is valuable or well-loved, tree surgery can often save it, so it doesn’t need to be removed. Always hire a certified, insured professional for tree surgery. It’s a highly skilled job that requires proper training and equipment.
Caring for your trees doesn’t have to be complicated. With regular attention and help from professionals when required, you can enjoy the beauty, shade, and benefits of healthy trees for generations.
At Tree & Lawn Company, we’re on-hand to help you keep your trees healthy and safe across Essex and Suffolk. From regular tree inspections to tree surgery when needed, you can trust us to take care of the trees in your garden. Contact us today to find out more.