Tree service professionals of Vancouver, British Columbia, explain the do’s and don’ts of tree health care.
What To Do About A Tree That Isn’t Growing As You Expected
Experts say that trees can improve the value of your home, add curb appeal, and provide natural insulation through shade and acting as a windbreak. All of these things are true, but what happens if you purchase a tree and it doesn’t seem to be living up to all those promises? It certainly leads to frustration and may leave you scratching your head in confusion. Many questions may come to mind such as, Is it just a bad tree? Or Am I doing something wrong? Well, worry no more, that is exactly what a tree service company and a certified arborist are there for. This article will discuss what can be done for your tree and why it is important to hire a pro.
Why Your Tree May Not Be Growing
There are several reasons that a tree may not be growing as quickly as you were expecting. Some of these are within the control of the homeowner, and some are not.
- Tree Age: If a tree has already been in one place for several years, then its growth may be slowing due to age. Just as people and animals grow quickly in their youth and slow as they reach adulthood, trees also grow quickly early and then slow down.
- Tree Choice: If you chose a tree for aesthetics without thinking about whether or not it is a good fit for the climate in your area or its growth rate, you may have chosen a slower growing tree or one that will not do well in your yard.
- Planting Too Deep: If you plant the tree too deeply, so that the root crown is covered, it will hinder growth.
- Soil: While there are ways to make soil more hospitable for certain trees, it cannot be completely changed into something it is not.
- Over-Watering: Too much water can drown roots and hinder growth.
- Over-Pruning: Cutting back too much new growth can keep the tree from being able to create enough food for itself because too many leaves were removed.
- Overcrowded Branches(under-pruning): Branches that grow too close together can cause damage to each other and can leave a tree open for tree disease or pest infestation.
What Can Be Done About It, or Proper Tree Care
With tree care, it is all about moderation and timing. With watering, tree pruning, and fertilizing, it is all about when and how much. These are all necessary things, but, as previously stated, when too much is given or too soon, it can cause problems. Some of the basics of proper tree care include the following list:
- Water every two weeks with a soaker hose. Trees need a lot of water, but they need it slowly.
- Pruning should be done by a professional, mostly in the late fall and early winter when the tree is dormant.
- Mulching should be done in a donut around the base of the tree, but should not be heaped up on the root crown. It should only be 2-4 inches deep.
Consult a Certified Arborist
No matter what your tree needs, an arborist can help. They can perform a tree risk assessment and give advice on the next steps. If a tree is a hazard, they can perform tree removal, but their primary concern is to preserve the tree and give you the yard that you want..
About VI Tree Service
Serving Vancouver and the surrounding areas, VI Tree Service has provided excellent tree care for more than 30 years.They offer 24/7 storm and emergency response. Call today for top quality tools and affordable pricing.