Tree Care Experts in Vancouver, BC, Canada, Share Tips For Summer Tree Care
Essentials for Proper Summer Tree Care
Each season brings with it a unique set of problems for tree care. The high temperatures of summer can affect trees much like they can affect humans. Too much heat can make them sick and put them in danger. When combined with limited water, the problems can only grow. So it’s so important to practice proper tree care in the hot summer months! Read on to find out how.
The Magic of Mulch
Strategic mulching does a lot for a tree’s health and it’s an essential part of summer tree care. But there are certain places where mulch should not be placed, like directly around the base of the tree. Instead, the ring of organic mulch around a tree should start a couple of inches from the trunk and extend out a bit from the tree. Usually, a couple of feet is ideal. This creates a nice donut of mulch around the tree that helps to protect the roots and provides key nutrients for soil maintenance.
Watering and Irrigation are Key
Trees can pull a lot of water from the soil in the summer. The hotter it gets, the more water trees need. This proper watering is so important for summer tree care. Many people water trees with a simple garden hose set to dribble for a couple of hours. Others have irrigation systems set up that water trees automatically on a timer. Either way is fine, but those with irrigation systems should make sure to check them for leaks, clogs, and other issues that could affect proper watering. Those who use hoses should set a time so they don’t overwater the trees.
The soil should never be muddy. In fact, it’s okay for some areas of the soil around the tree to be dry while others are moist. Watering should be kept to the area under the tree branches and a little bit further out. Watering the foliage and the tree trunk can be detrimental.
Inspecting Trees for Pests
One vital aspect of tree health care is a pest inspection. Early summer is a great time for pest inspections performed by an arborist. Of course, it’s possible for homeowners to do some research and inspect their trees themselves, but a professional tree service company will often catch things that homeowners won’t. These inspections can keep trees happy and healthy for many seasons to come.
How to Handle Weak Limbs
During the heat of summer, previously struggling limbs can become weak. These limbs are often discoloured, their leaves a darker colour than those around them. Luckily, when caught early, a tree service company can often do cabling or bracing to prevent the branch from dying or posing a falling hazard.
Of course, weak branches can become dead branches if they’re not caught early on. If this happens, tree trimming is often required. Removing dead branches in the summer is a last resort, and should only be done when absolutely necessary for the health of the tree.
Pruning and Tree Removal
Sometimes the only course of action to keep a tree healthy is by pruning it. Tree pruning, especially in the summer, is best done by a professional. Removing branches from a tree can stress it during the hot summer months. This is why pruning is best done in the fall when most trees are dormant. An arborist can perform a tree risk assessment to determine if pruning should be done immediately or if there’s another course of action to take.
Many homeowners call for tree removal services in the summer, as well. It’s the time of year when yard work and home projects are in full swing, and getting rid of that old tree stump is often on the list. So whether there’s a dead tree that needs to be removed or a stump that needs to be taken out, it’s always a good idea to let a professional company handle it. This prevents both safety hazards, and the headaches involved with tree removal!
About VI Tree Service
VI Tree Service has been serving Vancouver, BC, Canada, since 1990. They offer fantastic client care and affordable pricing. They also provide free estimates and always guarantee their work.