Tree Care and Tree Services

1. TREE CARE INFORMATION ABOUT TREE CARE Tree care is basically taking care of your tree to increase its life expectancy. There are many ways to go about this and it usually depends on the condition of the tree. You must evaluate the tree and figure out if it's sick with disease, has bugs, has too many dead or has excess branches, as well as many other things. Once you determine what you need to do to help the tree, you can either apply home made care or call an arborist to help you (assuming the job gets too much for you). From there you can expect your tree to live many extra years. BENEFITS OF TREE CARE Tree care does wonders for your tree. It helps to increase the life expectancy by many years. It also makes your tree more appealing to the eye. By taking care of the tree early you can ensure that it will survive for many years making your lawn have a much more homely look. Tree care is generally very simple especially when the tree is young. HOW IT'S DONE Tree care is most important when the tree is young. It is much easier to prune and take care of the tree while it is smaller. Tree care is important for all trees and this guide will help you determine the correct steps to take from birth to maturity. When planting your tree it is important to find and select the right tree for you. You want to survey the area and depending on which tree you are purchasing you don't want to plant it near other trees, in the shade, close to household pipes or foundation, and away from power lines. Choose a tree that has abundant root growth with good color, if the tree is balled up make sure there is firm soil and the roots aren't circling, also if the tree was put in a pot, make sure that the roots are not circling the pot. If the tree you are purchasing is mature make sure to pick a tree that has a strong, well-developed leader, bright healthy bark, branches that are well-distributed, a good trunk taper, and low branches. Also check for insect or disease damage so the tree is sure to survive for a long time. When planting your tree you must make sure that you dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the trees roots. Make sure that the soil is moist and good for tree growth. Remove the tree from the pot or the ball and cut any circling roots if necessary. Make sure the roots are fanning outward and put the tree into the hole. Fill the hole making sure that the soil is tight. If the tree is matured you are going to need wire to hold the tree upright. Mulching is a necessity and helps your tree take to the ground and start growing. Cut the grass away from the trunk about 3 feet. Pour mulch 3 to 4 inches deep withing the circle while keeping the mulch from touching the tree. Mulch is important because it insulates

2. the soil and helps retain water and keep away weeds so the tree can grow properly. Watering the tree should be done immediately after you plant it. For the first two years you should be watering it so that the soil is moist, not soggy. Too much watering can hurt the tree greatly. After the first two years your tree should be established enough to survive on its own and you shouldn't need to do any consistent watering. Pruning should be done late in the winter after the coldest parts. You should never prune during the fall because fungi could get in and harm your tree. Never remove 1/4th of a trees crown in a season and don't prune up from the bottom any more than 1/3 of the tree's total height. If you are unsure about pruning contact an arborist for help. Make sure to prune broken branches, branches competing with the leader, tree tags, and swollen branches from insect eggs. After 3 to 4 years reduce, excessive branches, branches that grow in undesirable directions, as well as narrow angles branches. If your tree develops pest problems or is sick with a disease call your local cooperative extension agent.They will be able to properly assist and help you find ways to take care of your problem. For any serious tree problems make sure to contact your local tree service company to help you properly take care of your tree.