There are numerous advantages to having a few shady trees growing in your backyard. Apart from giving your home a more serene ambience –and a potentially increased value – scientific tests have shown that trees can have a distinctive calming effect. Tree views have been known to lower blood pressure and even promote greater concentration in younger children!
However, though green and vibrant trees are great for completing that zen feel, having a diseased or damaged tree can be a real thorn in your side.
We’ve listed a few tips to help you avoid tree troubles. For your convenience, we’ve also added a couple of top Cassowary Coast arborists who will assess the health of your trees and remove (or transplant) them if necessary.
1. Regular Mulching
To promote healthy tree growth, mulching is a must. Chopped up tree prunings, (woodchips, shredded bark, pine needles, etc.).are particularly effective. Starting around 5 centimetres away from the tree base, and extending at least 3 feet away from the base of the trunk, you should spread a layer of mulch 5-10 centimetres thick.
In addition to helping your trees retain more moisture, mulching will keep weeds at bay as well as keep the soil at the optimum temperature.
2. Horticultural Oil Treatments
To ensure your foliage is thriving, it’s important to keep harmful creepy crawlies away. Using horticultural oil is a great way to achieve this. Though you can buy a variety of oils for particular types of trees, making your own oil for broad-leaved trees is a snap.
All you need to do is combine 2 cups of vegetable oil with half a cup of regular washing up liquid. Pour these into a container, put on a lid and shake well. After this, the oil should be ready to apply. Though this concoction is effective against aphids and a range of other pests, do not apply it to soft leaved plants or fruits.
3. Avoid Impact Damage
Many tree problems stem from the steady build-up of bumps, chips and bruises. When using your lawn mower or whipper-snipper, make sure you don’t clip the bark of the trees in the garden. The loss of bark can leave your trees vulnerable to an array of diseases and harmful bugs.
If you are undertaking construction work at your property that involves digging, it’s very important to ensure the roots are not undisturbed. Because the root system supplies the tree with the vital nutrients it needs to survive, you should always keep in mind how far the root system extends (the critical root zone) from the base of the tree before you start earthmoving.
4. Ensure Adequate Watering & The Right Fertilisation
It’s essential to get the watering balance just right if you want to keep your trees in the best condition possible. New trees should be watered on a regular basis for 3 years after having first been planted. Older, larger trees don’t need as much attention. However, giving them the odd deep watering will help them look their best.
Using organic fertiliser (manures, bone meal, etc.) is a great way to keep your roots in the best condition. However, it’s important to note that different trees respond better to certain fertilisers. Your local arborist will be able to recommend the most appropriate fertiliser for your needs.
5. Deadwood Pruning
Getting rid of dead tree limbs is vital to ensure your tree retains a healthy structure. It’s also essential for keeping your property (and its immediate surroundings) safe in the event of a storm or falling branches. Apart from being an eyesore, a tree laden with deadwood will spread rot to healthy limbs.
Deadwood occurs naturally and is sure to affect your trees at some point. To make sure it is removed safely and efficiently, you should contact your local tree care professional.
Does your tree need a health check? Maybe you need to rid your property of an unsightly stump or overhanging branches? If so, be sure to give one of these Cassowary Coast arborists and tree removal experts a call.
In addition to Cassowary Coast tree lopping and stump grinding, the professionals at Gough Tree Services can provide efficient landscaping services. Their services include:
- Wood chipping
- Mulching
- Paving, fencing & much more!
Call Gough Tree Services today. You can find them on LocalSearch.
