Mature trees benefit your home in so many ways. They lower your energy bills by shading your roof from the sun, prevent soil erosion, minimize pollution, and more.
Since it takes a long time to grow mature trees, and since they offer so many benefits, they often increase your home’s value.
But when a tree dies prematurely, many homeowners wonder what they could have done differently. To enjoy your backyard foliage for many years or decades to come, follow these quick tips for keeping your trees healthy.
Fertilize the tree
No matter how magnificent your tree looks, it still needs nutrients. And you can help your tree out by giving it fertilizer.
Most homeowners have a manicured lawn free of leaves, clippings, and limb droppings. But in the wild, decomposing biomatter gives trees nutrients they can consume over a long time.
To help your tree thrive, apply a slow-release fertilizer to the soil near the trunk.
Water it adequately
The next quick tip for keeping your trees healthy is to make sure they get enough water. Your tree’s necessary water levels depend on its age. Newly planted trees will require water around one to three times per week.
Depending on your area, you can water mature trees once a month. During extended periods without rain, give your trees extra water. And as a bonus, if you install an irrigation system, consider irrigating your trees below the surface to encourage deeper root growth.
Prune it periodically
Finally, examine your tree’s branches periodically. Removing dead branches helps your tree by stopping the spread of fungus and disease. If the limbs are low or a simple cut, you can consider doing this job yourself. But if you don’t have the right materials, the job is extensive, or you have safety concerns, hire a professional.
You should have dying or dead branches removed immediately. You should also cut down branches that cross other branches to encourage healthy growth and a rich canopy. Prune branches located near roofs, power lines, or other structures to eliminate safety hazards.
