Trees are important to our environment in many ways. They help to improve air quality, provide shelter and homes for wildlife, and can even help to save energy.
However, trees need our help to stay healthy and thrive. This is especially true for trees that are located in our yards and gardens. By taking care of the trees in our own backyard, we can make a big difference to the environment.
Maintaining trees is not as difficult as it may seem. With a little care and attention, you can keep your trees healthy and looking great. Here are the best ways to maintain the trees you have on your lawn or backyard.
Mulch
Mulching is the act of covering the ground with a layer of material to prevent weeds, conserve moisture, and protect the roots of plants. Mulch is commonly made out of wood chips, bark, straw, grass clippings, composted manure, peat moss, or any other type of organic matter.
If you have a tree stump or large fallen branches, you need a Bobcat mulcher to do the job. Mulch helps to retain water in the soil, keeps the temperature stable, and prevents weeds from germinating. If you have mulched properly, you should not need to use pesticides.
Composting
Composting is the process of breaking down organic materials into a usable fertilizer. You can compost almost anything including food scraps, paper, cardboard, coffee grounds, tea bags, banana peels, egg shells, and even hair!
When you compost, you create a rich environment for your plants and trees. Composting also reduces the amount of trash going into landfills.
Water Wisely
Water is the number one thing that affects the health of your plants and trees. Check the soil around the tree or shrub. If it is moist for six to nine inches, there is no need to water. But if the soil is dry, you need to water the tree or shrub.
Make sure that you water your plants at least once per day, but make sure not to overwater because it causes root rot.
Weed Control
Weeds compete with your trees and plants for nutrients, sunlight, and space. Weeds also spread disease and cause damage to your garden. To get rid of weeds, you can use herbicides, hand weeding, or manual removal.
Herbicides are chemicals that kill weeds without harming your plants. Hand weeding is done by pulling weeds by hand. Manual removal is done by cutting off the top of the weed and removing it.
Fertilize
Fertilizing is the process of adding nutrients to your plants and trees. Fertilizers are generally applied in liquid form using either a sprayer or a hose. The proper way to use fertilizer on trees is to broadcast them near the surrounding soil until they reach the drip of the first branches on the tree’s stem.
Prune
Pruning is the practice of trimming back branches, twigs, and leaves to encourage new growth. Pruning promotes healthier growth and increases air circulation. Pruning also makes trees and shrubs look nicer.
Maintain Healthy Soil
Soil is the foundation of a healthy garden. Without good soil, nothing else matters. Your soil should be well drained, free of rocks, and full of organic matter. Good soil is dark brown, crumbly, and moist. Poor soil is light colored, compacted, and dry.
Having a Bobcat mulcher to create mulch and removing weeds go a long way in maintaining soil health.
Caring for Trees Means Caring for Yourself
Trees can provide much-needed shade on hot days, improve the look of your landscaping, and even increase the value of your home.
But the most important thing about them is that they give us fresh air and provide homes for wildlife. And, as an added bonus, they can help you save on your energy bills by cooling your home in the summer and providing windbreaks in the winter.
If you have a tree, give it the attention and care it needs, because you owe it a lot for the aire you breathe.
