Having healthy trees is an investment. While there are investments that are a waste of time, there are also investments that prosper and reap benefits. Having healthy trees are a good investment in that they increase in value as they age… you don’t hear that too often! They also increase your property value, purify our air, save energy with the shade they provide and of course make our surroundings more beautiful. To ensure mature tree care on your property are in good health here are five procedures you should get in the habit of performing:
Tree Inspections
A regular tree inspection could stop a tree disease, insect or other environmental problems before they become too serious. Tree vitality can be assessed through four characteristics: new leaf or bud formation, leaf size, twig growth, and absence of crown dieback (gradual death of the upper part of the tree).
Other things that can be inspected on a tree are growth reduction, trunk decay or crown dieback. Some of these symptoms can signify that problems have been occurring for several years before. When performing a tree inspection, if you find any abnormalities such as loose bark, deformed growths, or mushrooms then be sure to contact your local ISA Certified Arborist for different options on how to treat your trees.
Mulching 
Mulch is made from different plant matters such as shredded leaves, pine straw, peat moss, or composted wood chips. These ingredients contain nutrients that can help with the overall soil biology. Not only do they add nutrients to a tree’s soil, but also protect it from competing weeds or grass. For best results, mulch should be placed 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) deep and cover as much of the root system as possible. When placing mulch, be careful not to cover the actual trunk of the tree. There should be about 1-2 inches around the base that are mulch-free. Mulching is important because it can reduce environmental stress by providing trees with a more moderate root environment that has fewer temperature and moisture extremes than the surrounding soil.
Soil Management
Urban landscape trees often exist in soil that lacks important nutrients, pH, drainage or pore space. All of these things are important to a mature tree’s growth and development. When the pH levels in a tree’s soil is off, adding elements such as sulfur, lime, and even some mulches can alter soil chemistry and help alleviate plant stress. Adding drainage systems or grading can help with correcting saturated soil conditions. Compacted soils can be tilled mechanically or with compressed air to increase porosity and encourage root growth. Use caution when managing the soil of a mature tree. If done carelessly or incorrectly could cause root damage. Although soil management takes time, it is worth the investment for the benefit of your own property.
Pruning
Tree pruning is beneficial in order to remove dying branches, or branches that are diseased or insect infected. Removing branches like so will improve the overall tree structure. While pruning dying branches is beneficial to a tree, pruning live branches could be harmful to a tree in that it could leave a lasting open wound. Before pruning, be sure to contact your local arborist to make sure the branches you are wanting to prune won’t harm your tree. Also, if pruning requires the use of heavy machinery or climbing be sure to use caution.
Removal 
Removing a tree should be viewed as a last resort. Before deciding to remove a tree contact your local arborist to ensure that the tree you are wanting removed should undergo removal. It is beneficial to remove a tree when the tree is
- is dead, dying, or considered irreparably hazardous
- is causing an obstruction or is crowding and causing harm to other trees and the situation is impossible to correct through pruning
- is to be replaced by a more suitable specimen
- should be removed to allow for construction
Contact Anglin Brothers For Mature Tree Care!
With the proper and regular maintenance trees can add a lovely aesthetic and value to your property. Trees with poor healthcare on the other hand, can become a dangerous liability. If you have any questions about mature tree care or need help with inspections, mulching, soil management, pruning or removal call us today! We are local and ISA Certified Arborist ready to help you have healthy beautiful trees!
