4 Tree Care Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Did you know that the red maple is the most common tree in America today? You might even have one in your yard—though this pretty tree is mainly limited to the eastern part of the USA.

Other common trees include the coastal loblolly pine, Sweetgum (an aggressive grower), the enormous Douglas fir, the sugar maple (yes, where maple syrup comes from), and flowering dogwood—an urban favorite.

While some tree species need specialist care, every homeowner needs to have a basic level of tree care. Read on to learn how to care for the mini forest in your backyard.

  1. Choose the Right Trees

Don’t just head to your nearest garden center and pick out the first tree that looks good.

Do you want a tree that flowers? Are you hoping to harvest some fruit? Do you want to avoid having to sweep up fallen leaves in the fall?

You need to research which trees are most likely to thrive in your area. One of our first tree care tips is becoming intimately familiar with the Department of Agriculture’s Plant Hardiness Zone chart.

Once you know your zone, you can look for trees and bushes that will do well in that climate.

  1. Don’t Leave Dead Trees Standing

Before planting any new trees, you must first clear your property of any dead or diseased trees, including old stumps. This will give your new trees the best chance of putting down roots and staying healthy.

Removing trees isn’t an easy job, and unless you have arborist experience, it’s best left to a professional tree care company.

Keep in mind the species of tree you’re removing. Tree care service companies typically specialize in trees common to your area. For example, there are buckthorn removal companies in Minnesota.

  1. Embrace Fertilizer and Mulch

Unless you have a veritable forest in your backyard, your trees will rely on you to supply their nutrients.

If you want to go the natural route and avoid liquid fertilizers, start a compost pile at home or buy compost. You can mix this with mulch to create hearty tree food. Apply the mix around the base of your tree, piled one to two inches deep.

  1. Make Watering Part of Your Yardwork Routine

Pretty much everyone is aware that trees and plants need regular watering, but when it comes to tree maintenance, consistency is crucial.

If you water too often and don’t allow the water to penetrate deep into the soil, your tree’s roots will increase on the surface of your yard. Instead, you want to water less frequently and allow the water to soak into the soil for a long time. This will encourage strong, deep-rooted trees.

Good Tree Care Makes for Safe Yards

When it comes to responsible tree care, you must be honest about your capabilities. While some things, like fertilizing and pruning, you can do yourself, other jobs might be better left to a professional arborist. Making that call could mean the difference between having healthy or diseased trees in your yard.

For more helpful homeowner tips and tricks, browse the other articles on our blog.

 

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