Maintaining the Beauty of Your Trees
Even in the absence of weather disruptions, certain trees are more vulnerable to disease or pests. Once you know how to properly care for them, you can effectively reduce these risks. It can take several decades for these towering plants to reach maturity, so ideally you want to protect the ones you already have. Here are three tree maintenance tips for the trees on your property.
Mulch around the perimeter
Mulch helps protect tree roots and maintain moisture in the surrounding soil. It also releases useful organic matter (humus) into the soil as it decomposes. To properly apply mulch, spread the mixture to a depth of about 2-4 inches, extending out to the drip line of the branches. Then pull the mulch away from the trunk to create a donut hole shape.
Water regularly
Newly planted trees require watering once a day for the first few weeks after planting, while most mature ones need 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter. The key to maintaining a healthy tree is keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Drip irrigation is ideal for regular watering slow and deep, and mulching helps retain moisture. During the summer, water in the morning or evening to prevent the water from evaporating.
Manage soil conditions
Choose the right mix of soil at the time of planting to put your tree on the path to successful growth. A blend of the original soil and 10-20% compost works well as a backfill when planting a tree or shrub. If you suspect that the soil lacks nutrients, you can perform a soil test to determine the appropriate fertilizer needed.
If you need help with your tree maintenance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Progressive Tree Care San Juan Capistrano. We are based in San Juan Capistrano, CA. You may reach us at (949) 234-7521 for inquiries and more information about us and the quality of our services.