How Do You Keep Trees Healthy?

At Marshall Tree Saw, we know that not all trees should be removed from a property, and many of our customers still enjoy a variety of trees. When a tree’s health begins to decline, the owner needs to determine its problem quickly. In many cases, the tree roots should be the first observation point to determine if enough nutrients are being absorbed through the soil or if the roots have already been compromised. But what other steps can be taken to keep trees healthy?

Like humans, animals and other living things, trees have an immune system that helps them stay healthy and ward off sickness. The tree has to receive enough water and nutrients through its vascular system and root system to maintain optimal health. As nutrients become unavailable, the tree will no longer rely on its immune system – making it more susceptible to unwanted problems like insect infestation, bacterial growth, infection risk or fungal growth.

What Does a Tree Need to Be Healthy?

To successfully grow and heal, a tree will need a healthy amount of nutrients and water. But when insects become a problem, or other signs of decay and rot occur, it is important to start addressing these issues as soon as possible. While working with an arborist may be required to ensure optimal health for a tree, a few standard things should be a priority when trying to keep trees healthy. These are some of the top things to keep in mind:

• Tree Trimming – Diseased, decaying or dead limbs should permanently be removed from a tree as soon as possible. When a tree is diseased, the immune response will be diverted from healthy areas to target the dying or dead spots and stall the spread. When the damaged limb is removed, the tree can create a seal with sap and return to a healthy immune response.
• Nutrients – Trees draw in nutrients through the roots and vascular system. These nutrients then travel through the tree and out of the upper canopy. When a tree becomes sick, the outside bark of the tree will begin to die first – a problem that will eventually progress to the inside of the tree’s base. Deep root feeding can often address this problem by giving the tree essential nutrients.
• Water – One of the most common causes of tree decline is drought, especially in dry climates. If a tree is struggling to retain or source water, it may be beneficial to provide supplemental watering. Often this is required when planting a sapling to ensure the roots develop strong. Just make sure that the temperature is above 40 degrees to avoid the risk of the roots freezing.

Healthy trees that are not creating a hazard can help improve the aesthetics of an area while increasing environmental safety. If a wanted tree is becoming discolored or shows signs of sickness, it is crucial to act quickly to avoid overloading the immune response from the tree and causing more problems. In most cases, meeting these basic needs will help a tree become strong and healthy once again.

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