Learn procedures specific to a routine maintenance program
for mature tree care, including tree inspection, mulching,
fertilization, pruning, and tree removal.
Trees serve many purposes in your local community;
therefore, homeowners should think of tree care as an
investment. A healthy tree increases in value with age
and pays big dividends by increasing property values,
beautifying surroundings, purifying air, and saving energy by
providing cooling shade from summer’s heat and protection
from winter’s wind.
Trees in the city or near houses need regular maintenance
to promote health and structural integrity. An effective
maintenance program, including regular inspections
and necessary follow-up care—mulching, fertilizing, and
additional soil management—can identify problems and
correct them before they become damaging or fatal.
Tree Inspection
Regular tree inspections can detect changes in a tree’s
health before a disease, insect, or environmental problem
becomes too serious. Mature trees should be inspected
at least once a year to assess four characteristics of tree
vitality: new leaf or bud formation, leaf size, twig growth,
and absence of crown dieback (gradual death of the upper
part of the tree).
Growth reduction is a fairly reliable cue that the tree’s
health has recently changed. An experienced arborist can
look at twig growth from past years to determine whether
there is a reduction in the tree’s typical growth pattern.
In addition to tree health, tree stability is a major concern.
There are some tree characteristics you can look for that
can indicate structural weakness. These include cavity
opening, extensive twig dieback, and the presence of fungal
conks (mushrooms or brackets on the trunk).
Any abnormalities found during these inspections should be
noted and monitored closely. Report your findings to your
local tree care professional for advice on treatment options.
Pruning
• Pruning is often desirable or necessary to remove dead,
diseased, or insect-infested branches and to improve tree
structure, enhance vitality, or reduce risk.
• The removal of live branches creates a lasting wound;
therefore, no branch should be removed without a reason.
• Pruning large trees requires special equipment, training,
and experience.
• If pruning requires climbing, the use of a chain or hand
saw, or the removal of large limbs, personal safety
equipment is a must.
Arborists can assist in performing the job safely and
reducing the risk of personal injury and damage to your
property. They can also determine which type of pruning is
necessary to maintain or improve the health, appearance,
and safety of your trees.
Soil Management
• Soil tests are generally required before fertilizing or
adjusting pH.
• Urban landscape trees often exist in soils that lack the
nutrients, pH (acidity or alkalinity), drainage, or pore
space (air and water space) needed for growth and
development.
• Fertilization based on plant needs can correct many
deficiencies that limit growth. Sometimes soil nutrients
may be sufficient, but soil pH levels may prevent plant
uptake. In this case, soil amendments, such as sulfur, lime,
and even some mulches, can alter soil chemistry and help
alleviate plant stress.
• Drainage systems or grading can help correct saturated
soil conditions.
• Trenching or earthmoving within the tree’s root zone may
cause more harm than good.
• Compacted soils can be tilled mechanically or with
compressed air to increase porosity and encourage root
growth.
• When dealing with a mature tree, have the soil tested for
nutrient content and texture. An arborist can arrange
to have your soil tested at a soil testing laboratory and
recommend treatments based on the results.
Mulching
• Mulching can reduce environmental stress by providing
trees with a root environment that has fewer temperature
and moisture extremes than the surrounding soil.
• Mulch reduces competition from weeds and grass and
prevents mechanical damage by keeping lawn care
equipment away from the tree’s base.
• Mulches made from plant matter will add nutrients to the
soil as they decompose and help improve soil biology.
• Mulch should be placed 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) deep. It
should be placed near, but not touching, the trunk and
extend to the dripline (furthest extent of the branches).
Removal
Although tree removal is a last resort, there are
circumstances when it is necessary. Arborists can help
decide whether or not a tree should be removed and they
possess the skills and equipment to safely and efficiently
remove trees. Removal is recommended when a tree:
• 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.
With maintenance, trees can add aesthetic and economic
value to your property. Poorly maintained trees can be a
significant liability.
