When is the best time to prune your trees?
Most trees can be pruned anytime! There are exceptions of course and BLC’s certified arborist is happy to advise the best course of action. Generally, flowering trees should be pruned either right after flowering or during dormancy. Disease prone trees should not be pruned during disease activity. Just about all of our native shade trees and evergreens can be pruned at your convenience.
Do your trees need nutrients?
Yes! Most trees have evolved in a forest environment where organic matter falls and decomposes on the forest floor creating a nutrient-rich soil. On most properties, this organic material is removed before it decomposes. Also, trees on your property likely need to compete with grasses or plants which absorb nutrients quickly, often before they can reach a trees root system.
That’s why a slow-release fertilizer, sometimes applied in with deep-root delivery method is one of the best ways to assure the health of your trees.
When do trees need to be removed?
Dead or dying trees should be removed to prevent potential hazardous conditions on your property, to reduce habitat for pests, or curb the spread of diseases or insects which may infect other trees on your property.
Hazardous trees should also be removed. This can include unstable trees, leaning, too close to your home or other buildings, not structurally sound, or have significant unrepairable damage.
Trees may also need to be removed if their root systems are creating problems for your foundation, driveway, or other features of your property.
Finally, the strategic removal of select trees can reduce overcrowding and encourage the health of other trees on your property.
We strongly encourage property owners to enlist the help of a professional for the removal of trees. Tree removal is inherently dangerous, and should only be undertaken by someone with the training and equipment to do it safely.
Are my trees safe and healthy?
Checking on the health of your trees should occur every year. While some conditions which illustrate the health of a tree are easy to see and understand such as; missing foliage, cracks or damage to the trunk or limbs, missing bark, or some types of diseases, others may be subtle. Check out our tips here https://belknaplandscape.com/treetips/ for tips on checking on the health of your trees.
Why hire a certified arborist?
Trees are some of the largest, most complex, and potentially hazardous plants on our properties. They also provide significant benefits to the comfort, beauty, and ecosystem of our properties. They represent a significant asset, and in most cases investment which is best cared for with professional assistance.
A certified arborist is someone who is specifically trained in tree science, care, and health. Similarly to how a medical doctor received training to care for humans, or veterinarians receive training for animals, certified arborists are the best-equipped professionals to care for trees.
It is important to ensure the arborist you hire is certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). This is the best way to ensure they have received the appropriate training, and have a demonstrated knowledge of the science. It is not uncommon for individuals to claim they are arborists, yet not possess the training or skills to care for trees correctly. Hiring an ISA certified arborist is your best assurance of hiring an appropriately skilled professional.
