As a responsible homeowner you understand your Duty of Care and how regularly inspecting and caring for your trees will protect surrounding property from damage.
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But sometimes a tree gets stressed from environmental factors such as poor soil and care techniques. Here are 5 things that could be killing your tree without you knowing:
Poor Pruning Techniques
Poor pruning techniques such as tree topping can do harm to your trees and leave them vulnerable to pests and disease.
At Hansen’s Tree Service, we always employ the correct and best pruning techniques to ensure that your trees remain healthy and strong.
Over Fertilization
Fertilization can be a boon to your trees, especially if the soil is poor. But beware of using too much!
Over fertilizing your trees can lead to unhealthy growth, burning, brown or rotting roots, and other symptoms and that can damage your tree. Get professional advice about fertilization needs and the right types of fertilizer to use. Soil-injected slow-release fertilizers that are tailored to your needs are best.
Root Damage
Construction on your property, digging in the garden, or soil compaction can take a toll on the health of your tree’s roots.
When damaged, the roots cannot supply the tree with the water and nutrients they need to stay healthy. Even putting too much soil and mulch can suffocate the roots. Utilizing the correct mulching techniques, using the right mulch, taking care of newly transplanted trees, and providing the right nutrients and water when needed will keep roots healthy and strong.
Boring Insects
Boring insects such as the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and bark beetle can devastate your trees if not caught and controlled in time. Symptoms of borers include:
- Exit holes
- Frass (small piles of sawdust looking material)
- Splitting bark
- Canopy dieback
You can either remove a tree with EAB or attempt to treat it. A certified arborist from Hansen’s Tree Service will consult with you about the best course of action for you and the health of your trees. Borers often attack weakened or stressed trees, so treatments that improve tree vitality (proper watering and nutrition) are needed along with treating the borer.
Tree Wounds
The bark of a tree is designed to protect it from the outside world and consists of several layers, including the inner and outer bark. The outer bark is what we typically see and it prevents the tree from losing moisture, while the inner layer helps move sugars from the leaves to the tree other parts of the tree.
Tree wounds can cause a tree a great deal of stress when the trunk is damaged by equipment like weed eaters and lawn mowers. Disease and fungi can enter through the wound increasing chances of wood decay, and the reduction in flow of sugar reduces the tree’s energy and health.
Get Your Trees Inspected
To protect the health and vitality of your trees, get them regularly inspected by a professional ISA Certified arborist from Hansen’s Tree Service. Inspections will help catch potential problems early so they can be addressed.