Tree Care techniques. Our certified arborists are trained in the art and science of planting and maintaining your trees. Here are 4 techniques!
Tree care tip 1 : Make space for your tree
The roots of most trees grow sideways instead of down. Ensure room for growth by considering carefully the fully grown size of the tree. Root pruning can be an option for already-planted-trees. However, bear in mind that this exposes the inner wood to fungi which may manifest into decay in the long run.
Tree care tip 2 : Let your tree adapt
Flowering, fruiting and seeding are all part of a tree’s natural processes. You should not disrupt these processes in order not to bring stress to the tree. Our gardening professionals can help with the pruning techniques if you are unsure. We can also assist with removing the dried flowers to ensure the fruiting process is uninterrupted.
Tree care tip 3 : Water with care
Each plant species has their own water requirements. Besides this, it is important to know the condition of your current soil. Poor soil quality may result in withered plants no matter how well watered they are.
Tree care tip 4 : Fix your soil condition
It is time to do a simple soil test if your trees are not flourishing. Roots cant absorb nutrients if soil is too acidic or alkaline. Some simple fixes includes: using compost, manure or gypsum for clayey soils and adding in bone meal, wood chips, newspaper or organic scraps for over-fertilized soils.
Ensuring your tree has the right soil and fertilizer goes a long way into encouraging healthy growth.
Soil:
- Sand: Preventing soil compaction by allowing roots to breathe underground. Does not retain water.
- Clay: Retains excess water which may water-log the roots.
- Compost: Excessive application will cause burns to roots and trunk due to high nutrients found.
Fertilizers:
- Chemical: The main nutrients found are nitrogen and potassium. Releases nutrients quickly. Apply away from tree base to prevent wood burning.
- Organic: Recommended for edible plants due to organic nature. Releases nutrients slower.
Do regular tree inspections to make sure the trees are growing healthily. You can obtain a copy of our free tree inspection checklist by clicking here.
For more info, do visit NParks