The first thing you need to understand is that all trees are made to flourish out in the open environment and not in a human controlled landscape. However, that does not mean that they cannot adapt to surviving in a suburban or urban landscape. The best way to maximize your tree’s chance of survival, is to get into the routine of maintenance. Though even there, you have the right and wrong kind of maintenance. Too often, mistakes in maintenance have led to the death of an otherwise healthy tree.
Avoid Amateur Pruning
While it can be greatly beneficial to the longevity and growth pattern of a tree, pruning can also cause great damage if done wrong. An amateur pruning can lead to a permanently injured tree vulnerable to infestation and disease. It can also put your tree at risk of dropping branches which could cause damage to property and person.In order to properly execute a pruning, you will need to know when and how to prune, and which limbs to remove. The rough standard is that no more than 25% of all limbs should be removed during a thorough pruning.
Avoid Deep Planting
While a tree shouldn’t be planted too shallow, it also shouldn’t be planted too deep. If the roots are buried too deep, they won’t be able to take in the warmth, oxygen, and water they need. As a result, roots may start to grow back up and wrap around the trunk. This is referred to as a girdling root, and will further stop the roots from taking in enough nutrients and water. Tree Care in San Jose ensure that the uppermost roots are level to the soil surface, and remove girdling roots, if necessary, to avoid this problem.
Avoid Over-mulching
Mulch piled too high around the trunk will lock in moisture which can lead to an infestation of insects, fungi, and even bark decay. The ideal amount of mulch is an even coating of about three to four inches in thickness, all the way from the trunk to the drip-line. Wood chip mulch has the best qualities to support tree health.
Avoid Trunk Damage
Mulch can also be a great way to stop machinery and equipment, i.e. lawnmowers, from getting too close and damaging the trunk which could lead to the infestation and death for a previously healthy tree.
Avoid False Irrigation
While irrigation can be a great way to keep track of watering one’s lawn, they can also cause great damage to trees and shrub due to the disregard for each plant’s specific needs. Accounting for needs while planting can help.