Tree Maintenance That Actually Prevents Problems

Typically, property owners do nothing about trees until they create a problem. A branch falls, a storm does damage to the tree, or the tree leans towards the home. At this point, property owners feel they have no choice but to pay emergency prices to deal with the situation that has developed.

Instead, property owners should take a proactive approach to tree care by maintaining their trees so problems are identified early and dealt with before becoming emergencies.

Regular Inspections By Professionals

Having a property owner’s trees inspected by a qualified arborist every two to three years allows the arborist to find developing problems in the trees before they become serious. An arborist can find problems that may not be apparent to the homeowner such as decay in trees, structural weakness in trees, insects or diseases in trees, or root problems that may not be evident to the homeowner.

An inspection of a tree is relatively inexpensive as opposed to emergency tree work. For example, a professional inspection of a tree may cost between $100-$200. However, an inspector can discover a $5,000 problem with a tree when it could be repaired at a cost of $500. Identifying problems with trees early in their development provides the opportunity to correct them at a lower cost to the homeowner.

Companies like GTS Trees provide complete assessments of trees beyond just viewing trees from the ground level. Assessments look for signs of stress, disease, or structural defects in trees that can lead to future problems.

Homeowners with numerous trees on their property or trees located near structures, require inspections more frequently than homeowners with fewer trees. The cost of having a tree inspected is far less expensive than the cost of a tree falling onto a home.

Proper Tree Pruning Techniques

Pruning a tree is not merely for aesthetic purposes. Properly performed pruning techniques remove dead wood, improve the structure of the tree, reduce wind resistance, and promote healthy growth. Improperly performed pruning techniques can damage trees and result in costly repairs.

Dead branches should be removed immediately. Dead branches are essentially an accident waiting to happen; they can fall at any time, whether there is a storm present or not. Removing dead branches when they are small and easily accessible will cost the homeowner less than repairing any damage caused by a fallen branch, or removing the branch once it has grown into a larger section.

Young trees should receive structural pruning techniques early in their development to establish healthy growth habits. Young trees are subject to structural weaknesses such as branches growing together in a dominant manner, weak branch attachments, and poor overall form. If these issues are addressed early in a tree’s development, the likelihood of significant structural failures in the tree decreases dramatically.

Older mature trees require periodic pruning to remove any branches that are detrimental to the tree. Pruning can help restore air flow through the tree’s canopy, and reduce the load placed on branches that are extended past their natural position. Regular pruning will extend the lifespan of the tree and decrease the probability of failure due to a weakened structure.

Timing Of Pruning

The timing of pruning a tree is very important. Most trees respond best to pruning during periods of dormancy, which include late fall through early spring before new growth begins. Pruning a tree during its period of active growth causes additional stress to the tree and can potentially result in the tree producing excessive new growth.

However, there are some exceptions to the rule. Deadwood can be removed at any time since deadwood is no longer contributing to the health of the tree. There are also specific pruning windows for certain species of trees depending on the tree’s growth pattern, or sensitivity to disease.

Professional tree services recognize these timing factors and are able to properly prune trees according to their requirements.

Root Zone Damage Due To Property Development

A healthy root system is essential for the survival and stability of trees. Unfortunately, many property owners unknowingly damage tree roots with their actions. Construction, trenching, grading, or soil compaction all negatively impact tree roots and can ultimately destabilize or weaken trees.

Any property development activities should avoid damaging the root zone of trees. The area directly under the tree’s canopy is known as the “drip line,” and contains the majority of the tree’s actively growing roots. All heavy equipment, soil changes, or trenching within this area will damage tree roots.

Mulching Around Trees

Mulching around trees maintains soil moisture and temperature levels, while protecting tree trunks from lawn mower and string trimmer damage. However, mulch should never be piled up against tree trunks. Mulching “against” a tree trunk creates a “volcano effect” that traps moisture in the trunk, causing decay.

Early Detection Of Pests and Diseases

If detected early, many tree pests and diseases can be managed and controlled. However, if left untreated, these conditions can destroy trees or weaken them to the point of being hazardous.

Property owners should keep a close eye on their trees for signs of distress such as:

• Excessive dead leaves
• Discoloration
• Holes in the bark
• Fungal growth
• Excessive dead branches

If any of these symptoms appear, a professional evaluation of the tree is warranted to determine the extent of the problem and whether control measures are required.

In addition, some pests and diseases can rapidly spread. If caught early, a single infected tree can be saved and further spread prevented.

Water Management

Newly planted trees typically require supplemental watering during dry spells, as do established trees during extreme drought. Stressed trees due to lack of adequate water make them susceptible to pests and diseases.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, over-watering a tree, poor drainage around a tree, or grading changes that collect water can all harm tree roots and create environments conducive to decay.

Each tree has its own unique watering requirements, and by providing proper drainage around trees, property owners can eliminate the threat of water-related stress and subsequent problems.

Protection Of Trees During Construction

While it is often difficult to anticipate how trees will react to construction activities, it is estimated that construction and landscaping damage more trees than most property owners realize. Heavy equipment used in construction activities can compact the soil surrounding the tree’s roots, creating conditions that lead to reduced root function and increased decay. Trenching for underground utilities can sever a tree’s main roots, and grading changes can either bury or expose roots, creating conditions that lead to stress in the tree.

Fortunately, trees that are damaged during construction activities can sometimes decline over a number of years. Therefore, taking steps to protect valuable trees during construction activities will ultimately save the trees and preserve their long-term health.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Tree maintenance is expensive. Regular inspections, routine pruning, and addressing minor problems all cost money. However, the costs associated with preventative maintenance are predictable and affordable.

Emergency tree work – removing dead or dying trees, repairing storm damage, and removing trees that pose a hazard – is expensive and often occurs at inconvenient times. Spending $300 every couple of years to prune trees is a fraction of the cost to remove a tree in an emergency situation ($5,000).

Additionally, mature trees add value to properties, provide shade, and contribute to the character of neighborhoods. Preserving the health of these trees through routine maintenance will preserve the benefits provided by them. If the trees are allowed to decline and eventually removed, the value added by the trees will be lost.

Implementing Routine Tree Maintenance In A Way That Is Manageable For Homeowners

Not all trees require the same amount of routine maintenance. Focus on maintaining high-value trees – those near homes, large specimen trees, or trees that provide a significant contribution to the property. Small trees located in non-hazardous locations may require only periodic maintenance.

Find a local tree company that you trust to perform the routine tree maintenance and develop a relationship with them. Having a consistent tree company will provide better ongoing care for your trees.

Document all of the tree maintenance activity. Document what type of maintenance was performed, when it was performed, and why it was performed. Documenting tree maintenance activity will allow you to monitor the progress of your trees over time and assist you in determining future tree maintenance needs.

Routine tree maintenance is not exciting. Routine tree maintenance is simply routine care that will help prevent problems, increase the life of your trees, and eliminate emergency situations. But, routine maintenance will save you money, preserve the value of your property, and keep trees healthy.