The Tree Garage: DIY Maintenance 101

One of the major benefits of having a tree-dotted landscape is that it increases the market value of residential property. The value of a healthy tree appreciates as the tree continues to grow. This underlines the importance of preventive maintenance for the sustained growth and continued development of trees. Here are a few tips on mature tree maintenance for the DIY homeowner.

Management Of Soil

Soil management is an integral part of DIY tree maintenance. In many urban areas, mature trees will have grown in soils that were deficient in mineral salts and nutrients. Therefore, it is the urban homeowner's responsibility to provide the most favorable growth environment for the tree during its mature stage of life.

A favorable growth environment means that soil pH requirements for the specific tree species are met, the soil drains or retains water as is required for healthy growth of the species and so on. Altering soil properties so as to create a favorable growth environment for mature trees will often involve the introduction of chemical treatments into the soil.

Inspecting A Mature Tree

Monitoring the health of mature trees is done by undertaking a physical inspection of the trees on a regular basis. During this inspection, a homeowner should look out for signs of decay along the trunk of the tree among other problems. These include loosening of the bark, dieback and the growth of mushrooms. Dieback refers to the progressive death of the tree's crown.

Vitality in a mature tree is determined by monitoring various aspects of the tree's health and making a comparison during subsequent inspections. These factors include the rate of formation of leaves and buds, the growth of twigs and the average size of the leaves. A significant decline in any of the mentioned aspects should be a warning sign that a tree is not in good health.

The Occasional Removal

Sad as it may be, tree removal is also an integral part of tree maintenance. Removal of a mature tree becomes necessary when a residential mature tree is dying or is already dead, when it stands in the way of a construction project or when it becomes a threat to residential security or safety. At times, tree removal is done so as to create room for the introduction of better or more suitable tree species. Tree lopping is sometimes needed instead of complete removal.

Homeowners shouldn't hesitate to involve the tree service specialists in tree maintenance efforts in case of doubt.

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