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Trees play an essential role in our communities. They clean the air, slow water runoff, provide a buffer for noise pollution, prevent soil erosion, and much more. They are more than just an aesthetically pleasing addition to your property.
However, some homeowners may decide that tree removal is an option they would like to consider. They might have struck a problem, don’t understand tree maintenance, or believe their tree is diseased and beyond saving.
Before you get stuck into what could potentially be an unnecessary tree removal, consider whether the following information may change your mind.
Look Out for Signs of Disease
Like us, trees get sick. Human actions and environmental factors can both play a part in tree disease. Even though a tree may not look healthy enough to survive, early intervention can stop tree removal from being the only option left.
Look out for signs of bacteria and fungi. These often present as brown-grey wilting leaves, cankers, root rot, and decay. In the absence of these, see if you can spot waterlogging around the tree, exposed or damaged roots, dry soil, or new construction and recent earthworks near your tree. Any of these could be a contributing factor to your tree’s illness.
Trees can even be impacted by changes in water, poisoning or contamination, sun scorch, and root damage and disturbance.
Fortunately, not all tree disease has to end in tree removal. The sooner you contact tree care experts, the earlier you can learn about your potential treatment options.
Be Strategic with Planting
The average homeowner can benefit significantly from planting trees. Not only do local wildlife have somewhere to call home, but you also get to enjoy a form of privacy and shade. However, to avoid potential tree removal in the future, consider your tree placement carefully.
Identify obstacles in your yard that could be impacted by a large tree’s growth. Ensure you plant them away from power lines, underground utility lines, and structures. Even something as simple as foliage landing in your spouting can cause a great deal of stress.
Rather than guess about tree placement, do your homework. Contact an expert who can identify potential hazards and risk factors you may not have considered.
Water Them
While you might know about the importance of watering your vegetable and flower patches, what about your trees? As strong and healthy as your trees may appear without your help, they need regular access to water.
In the absence of rain, mature trees require around an inch of water each week. However, there are best practices for the watering process.
New trees need about 20 litres of water every 2-3 days, with the amount adjusted for very dry or very wet conditions.
Mature trees, while a little more self-sufficient, may still require a helping hand. Water around the outer half of the area that sits under the canopy and beyond it. Refrain from watering directly next to the trunk, for this could put your tree at risk of disease.
Water deeply, rather than frequently, down to around 30cm every 10 days to four weeks. If you notice water starting to run off, stop watering until it drains and begin again.
How much you water can depend on your tree’s age, weather, root and soil condition, and species. If you’re unsure about your tree’s watering requirements, consult a tree care expert.
Prune Them
Tree pruning and tree trimming can be a significant undertaking for people who lack the know-how or heights equipment for large trees. However, rather than go down the removal route, there are other options at your disposal.
Education can be a crucial component of ensuring your trees remain looking at their best. This can involve removing deadwood and trimming to improve the tree’s structure.
The best time to take care of major pruning tasks is when the tree is active in summer and in leaf In winter, you can focus on the smaller jobs, such as removing dead, damaged, or small twigs.
If you’re the proud owner of large trees, certified arborists can carry out all manner of tree maintenance tasks at height.
Bring in the Experts
Many people consider tree removal when they are not sure how to resolve their tree-related problems, or their tree impacts neighbouring properties. While tree felling is a possibility in many circumstances, it doesn’t have to be the only option.
If you’re unsure how to solve your tree troubles, bring in experts for an assessment. They can identify any causes of disease, identify risky branches, and even be the expert voice necessary for taking care of a problem between neighbours.
Consider the Reason for Removal
Finally, consider why you want to remove the tree in the first place. Are you not receiving enough sunlight? Is it an obstacle? Is it in poor health? For as many tree-related problems, there are tree-related solutions.
All that’s left to do now is phone a tree care expert, communicate your problem, and rely on an expert team to come up with a suitable solution for all involved.