Gardening isn’t always about flowers and herbs. Sometimes it means nurturing a beautiful and lively tree. And it may seem strange to think that something as formidable as a tree could require a bit of extra TLC. But the truth is, like everything else in your garden, these gentle giants need certain things to flourish. Examine some of these simple yet effective methods for keeping your tall, green friends healthy.
Plant Mindfully
Growing healthy trees entails planting them in a spot that’s conducive to their growth. Like all the wonderous plant life in your garden, trees have specific growing conditions, watering requirements, and even preferred positions in relation to the sun. So you must be mindful of these factors before you plant. It’s also a good idea to evaluate your yard’s soil drainage and be aware of any other plants that might encroach on your saplings’ roots or trunk.
All of these things will play a role in your sapling’s ability to grow. So it’s no wonder that planting mindfully is truly one of the best tips for how to keep your trees healthy.
Keep the Grass Trimmed Back
Once you plant your trees, it’s wise to mitigate the growth of any other plants surrounding them. When weeds and grass grow too close to the trunk and roots of a tree, the tree must compete for the vital nutrients it needs to survive. As a result, the health of your trees may start to decline. So if you notice grass, weeds, or any other plants getting a bit too close to your trees, it’s wise to back the extra plants. Doing this is another small step you can take to ensure that your trees thrive.
Prune Regularly
Seasoned gardeners know that one of the best tips for how to keep your trees healthy is pruning them regularly. Cutting back your saplings’ branches allows the trees to expend energy on new growth rather than waste it on unhealthy or brittle branches. That said, there is a wrong way to prune. And when you prune incorrectly, it can cause a detrimental decline in your trees’ quality of life. Luckily, there are a lot of techniques to correct bad pruning. But bear in mind, it’s always best to call an arborist for this job. They’ll have the expertise required to get your trees back on track.
Use Mulch and Fertilizer as Needed
Sometimes, the best thing you can do for a tree’s health is give it an extra boost. Whether you’re planting trees or flowers, learning how to use mulch and fertilizer is essential. This is especially true for new gardeners looking for a bit of extra help. To start, fertilizers can help you fill in the nutritional gaps your trees might be experiencing. This inherently leads to better health for your trees. Additionally, using mulch around your trees can regulate their roots and soil temperature. This is most beneficial during the height of summer or winter, when temperatures are harsher.
Trees are beautiful features in any yard or garden, and they deserve proper care. Hopefully, some of the methods in this guide have provided new insight into how you can look after the health of your trees.