Community Corner
Prioritize in the Garden: How to Save Trees in 10 Minutes or Less
As we ring in the New Year, now is the time to prepare trees for the winter months ahead and get them ready for a happy, healthy spring.
“The world of trees is deceptive,” says Guy Pardee, a certified arborist with The Care of Trees. “Even the strongest, heftiest trees can fall victim to severe winter weather, disease or infestation.”
Pardee says, when it comes to trees, being proactive is key. “By the time you notice a tree is sick or in danger, it’s usually too late and broken limbs or rotten trunks will have you wishing you had checked your trees earlier.”
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Pardee recommends following these guidelines to save countless trees. It only takes 10 minutes.
Inspect Trees
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Inspecting trees is particularly important during this time of the year. Take time to inspect trees following large amounts of snow, ice or wind. New damage may have occurred and old damage may have worsened.
Any structural damage can be made worse by the wear and tear of Mother Nature, particularly when snow and ice are concerned. Inspect trees from the bottom up by checking for the following signs:
· Hollow trunks
· Small holes in trunk
· Decay, such as cankers, cracks, soft or crumbling bark, and fungal activity
· Shallow pits in the bark
· Dead twigs and branches
Look for Specific Problems
Inclement weather may damage trees in its path, yet disease or infestation is particular. Diseases and bug infestations can wipe out entire lots and species of trees. The emerald ash borer (EAB), for example, rampant in 21 states, is attacking thousands of ash trees across the U.S.
These sparkly green bugs, approximately an inch long, emerge from ash trees in the spring. D-shaped holes or shallow S-shaped trails under the bark are telltale signs that EAB has made your tree its home. If signs of an invasive infestation are present, take note and notify a certified arborist immediately.
“Remember that these inspections don’t have to be limited to trees on your property,” says Pardee. “When taking a walk or playing at the park, take a few minutes to look at the trees there as well. You may just be saving a life!”
Schedule a Tree Check-Up
Notice something that worries you?
When in doubt, schedule a tree check-up. By hiring a certified arborist, you are getting the best care for your trees. Arborists will acknowledge current hazards, explain potential concerns and may find something you missed.
Now is the time to have a professional come by to check things out. Remember, saving trees can be done quickly and will save money in the long run, since in most cases treating trees is far cheaper than removing and replacing them.
If you have any questions or concerns about the health or safety of your trees, your local The Care of Trees arborist is only a phone call away.
The Care of Trees, a Davey company, provides a full range of tree care services and has offices throughout Illinois, New York, Connecticut and Washington, D.C. The Care of Trees is proud to be accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association, and has International Society of Arboriculture certified arborists on staff. For more information, please visit www.thecareoftrees.com.