HOW TO KEEP YOUR BEAUTIFUL OLD TREESProtect the bark. Prevent power tools, such as lawn mowers and string trimmers, from hitting the tree and damaging its bark. The method that Canopy recommends is to remove as much ivy as possible by hand, including roots. Ivy that is climbing a tree must first be cleaned from the base of the trunk.
Then, the ivy should be cut 2 to 3 feet around the base of the tree. Lowering the ivy upwards can damage the bark of the tree. Once detached from the roots, the ivy will die and can be removed. Most likely, you won't kill all the ivy in this way and part of it will come back.
You'll often have an 80% success rate the first time and 20% will return. Keep it up, in the end you'll triumph. The area within 10 feet (or more) of the trunk of a native oak must remain intact and free of any vegetation and irrigation. Ideally, no watering or grass be installed in the area extending from the base of the trunk to the drip line of the tree.
It is better to remove the existing grass inside the drip line - this will reduce competition from other plants and help to remove excess moisture. Do not water or allow water to build up around the root flare. Do not allow sprinklers to spray in the trunk. A layer of mulch around the trees helps protect them from the mower blades and prevents the soil from drying out.
But stacking it like a volcano around the tree traps moisture against the trunk, which can lead to rotting. In addition, when the mulch is too deep, it prevents tree roots from getting the oxygen they need. Always mulch and not top, says Daniel S. Bauer, arborist and president of Arbor Equity Inc.
He recommends using a hardwood mulch, which will slowly break down and provide some nutrients to the soil. Simply keep the mulch layer at a depth of 2 to 3 inches. Often homeowners end up over-watering their mature trees. Mature trees have well-established root systems that easily absorb water and nutrients.
When you overwater them, their root system risks rotting. Unlike young trees that require weekly watering, mature trees should only be watered once a month. If you have had heavy rains during the month, you can skip watering your mature tree that month. If you are caring for an older tree, prune it annually by cutting off unwanted shoots and branches.
If you are caring for a tree that is between 2 and 3 years old, water it with a garden hose for 30 seconds whenever the soil appears dry. The better a tree is cared for throughout its lifespan, the longer it will live in healthy conditions and be able to protect us. With regular watering, careful pruning, and taking measures to prevent insect damage, your trees will thrive for decades. It is important to take care of your tree during its first few years so that it has strong roots and grows green and healthy.
Both also require extra care and attention to stay healthy and enjoy a dignified old age. The towering oaks and majestic maples that provide shade and offer branches sturdy enough to support a swing require special care. Often, the best way to care for trees is to do less, not more, especially when it comes to these common mistakes. Periodic and judicious removal of weak branches and careful and clean cutting of wounds where branches have broken will prevent future problems.
A certified arborist can help assess the health and potential lifespan of your tree and offer you additional care tips.
