The Ideal Time to Groom Your Trees
Trees go through a cycle over the course of the year in the same way that the seasons change. You may have noticed that the trees living in your outdoor space are in need of some maintenance and wondering when would be the best time to do this.
The optimal time of year to operate on your trees depends on what you’d like to do to them. Here’s a little guide to help you figure out the best time to maintain your trees.
Pruning Your Trees
The best time of year to prune your trees is between late autumn and early spring. This is because the growth of the tree has stopped for the winter and so pruning at this time won’t affect the trees ability to grow in the upcoming year.
Pruning your trees offers many benefits, including the improved health of your trees, better adjustment to the sunlight, enhanced appearance of the trees, and reduces the risks that accompany hanging branches.
Treating Wounds
Wounds that require treatment can occur year-round and should be dealt with in a timely manner to ensure the continued health of the tree. There are many instances in which a tree can become wounded, such as:
- Animal damage
- Abrasions and scrapes
- Insect attacks
- Broken branches
- Fire
Such wounds prevent the tree from receiving the necessary water and food because the bark is damaged. The inside of the tree will also be exposed to all manner of organisms, bacteria, and fungi that can cause severe and permanent rot and poor health.
Tree wounds can be sufficiently healed when treated properly and within a reasonable amount of time.
Cabling, Bracing, and Rodding
You can employ cabling, bracing, and rodding when your trees become old or damaged and struggle to take care of themselves anymore. These features can work to aid the tree and ultimately prevent any harm it may cause people or property in the surrounding area. Cabling, bracing, and rodding should be conducted as soon as it is deemed necessary for the tree, and this can happen any time of year.
Root Management
Trees receive their nutrients in much the same way as plants do, and so it’s crucial to ensure that their roots are being taken care of. Root maintenance should be carried out year-round to ensure that any problems are not ignored and left to get worse. Maintenance can be performed through the use of mulch and fertilizer which both work to insulate the roots, retain water, and block out the weeds, among other things.
Tree roots can become diseased and you might not even be aware of it without exposing the roots and checking every so often. Unhealthy or diseased roots will stunt the growth of the tree and so they need to be treated quickly. The roots can be easily treated to regain the health of the tree if found in a timely manner.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation for your trees, don’t hesitate to call us here at Empire Tree!