Proactive Tree Care: Essential Tips for Preparing Trees for El Niño's Dry Period
With El Niño occurring this year, homeowners must take proactive measures to protect their trees from the dry weather conditions ahead. Trees offer numerous benefits to our community and in times of water scarcity it’s vital we pay them more care and attention. The fear of limb or tree failure is a scary prospect and in our experience seems to be the primary motivator behind private tree removal. The purpose of this article is to help local residents make well-informed decisions about maintaining the health of their private trees and ultimately having peace of mind living around them.
Trees in good health don’t need an arborist’s attention. Getting proactive in your garden can minimize the likelihood of your trees becoming stressed, weak and subject to pests and disease. Maintaining a healthy soil ultimately creates healthy trees. There’s a real science to soil management but here’s three essentials:
Mulch to increase soil moisture, minimize erosion and reduce soil compaction.
Adopt a watering strategy if you notice dieback or sparse foliage. Multiple solutions available such as sprinkler systems, drip irrigation and diverting downpipes.
Examine the tree at ground level. The soil around the trunk should be higher than the surrounding ground level. Watertight ground coverings can hinder water and air movement into the soil below, thus suffocating the tree.
When a tree starts to show signs of decline or areas of concern it’s time to choose the right service provider. Entrusting the care of your tree to a certified arborist ensures accurate assessment, diagnosis, and development of an effective tree care plan. In an industry that lacks proper regulation, making the right choice is crucial to avoid costly mistakes, such as improper tree pruning techniques, illegal tree removal or further damage to your trees health.
