With fall just around the corner we would like to go over some tree care health tips for your pumpkin-spiced season.
1. Trees Need Water, Too! – Before the winter months, be sure your trees are fully hydrated. It is recommended to water your tree once or twice a week. A tree has a “critical root zone” and the hose should be put into different spots of this root zone each time it is watered. The hose should be left on a dribble for two to three hours.
2. Mulching is More than Aesthetics! – The best thing for a young tree’s health is making sure it is mulched properly. This will help the tree retain water over the winter months. The recommended amount is a 2’-3’ radius around the tree with a depth of 3”-4”. It is important to begin at the root flare zone while also being sure to leave the trunk bare. Do not just pile new mulch on top of the old mulch. Remove all old much and leaves before reapplying new. This will help to prevent the spread of disease and insect infestation. Wood chips are typically too acidic to be used for new tree saplings. We do not recommend fertilizing in late fall because promoting new growth during the winter can cause health issues later on.
Trees typically lose most of their moisture through their pores which are located on their leaves and needles. Throughout the winter months this increases, leaving the need for water extremely demanding. Applying ArborJets anti-desiccant can reduce the need for water up to 85% throughout the winter months. This can really help prolong the life of brown and dying evergreens.
3. Trees Need Routine Care and Check-Ups! – Fall is the time borers are looking for a perfect hibernating spot for the winter. If you wait until signs of a problem appear it’s typically too late for treatment to be effective. It is wise to invest in regular maintenance programs throughout the season such as Arborjet ArborPlex and regularly scheduled pruning (Every 2-3 years for younger trees and 3-5 years for older trees). Maintenance pruning can help your trees live healthier, longer lives and minimize hazard risk. It’s important to prune any dead limbs properly in order to prevent disease and infestations and limit damage to your property as well as your neighbors. If any damage does occur and a claim is filed with your insurance, the insurance agent may request information about how you maintained your trees. If the insurance company finds that neglect trees on your property is the cause of the damage, you may be held personally responsible. If a limb falls while a homeowner is pruning the tree alone, without professional help, and property damage of any kind is caused. The insurance agency may deny the claim. This is why it is so important to hire an insured, certifiied, and licensed professional when it comes to tree care.
4. Plant A Tree – Fall is the opportune time to plant a tree. With the cooler temperatures moving in, it allows the tree to create a mass root system while preparing for winter hibernation. Adding Arborjet “NutriRoot” directly to the tree’s critical root zone will help build root development while lowering the amount of stress from lack of watering.
Follow these tips and let us know if you notice a difference in your trees this coming Spring! Maybe take some before & after photos! We wish you and your family a happy Fall!
-B.G. Services
