If you have a home just about anywhere in Canada you have trees and hedges. While they are lovely to look at there are some things you need to know about how to care for them. In this article, we are going to go over some of the simple things you can do to care for trees and hedges.
Root Feeding And Aeration
Most tree roots are found in the top foot of the soil where water and oxygen are most abundant. The key nutrients your tree needs are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. When you feed your trees it makes little sense to put them deeper than one foot.
Nitrogen moves quickly in the soil. This is a good thing, because it is the most needed nutrient. Nitrogen can be added just under the topsoil. Phosphorous, on the other hand, moves through the soil more slowly. Adding it deeper, say six inches, makes the most sense. Potassium moves in soil relatively quickly and most healthy clay soils generally have plenty of potassium.
Aerating the soil around your tree is fairly simple. Perforate the soil with small holes to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots. Aeration helps tree roots grow deep and strong. It also promotes a more vigorous lawn.
Storm Damage
It is fairly common for trees to suffer damage in storms. The amount of damage depends on several factors. Damaging weather conditions include lightning strikes, wind, and hail. The first thing to do, though, is visually assess any damage. An initial inspection can usually indicate if the tree is healthy or in need of care. If there is no major structural damage minor first aid measures may fix any problems. If you have broken limbs, especially bigger limbs or main branches, the tree’s survival may be small. If you are not sure what steps to take, get professional help to evaluate the tree’s condition.
Pest Control
Many people are surprised that most trees are killed because of sickness or disease brought on by insects or pests. If uncontrolled, these pests can pose a danger not only to your trees but also the surroundings. The list of pests is long — if you think you have an infestation, call an expert for help.
Maintaining Your Hedges
Hedge maintenance is much simpler than that of trees. However, many neighbourhood hedges are poorly maintained; yours don’t have to be. Here are some tips to make your hedge the talk of the block.
Basically, your hedge needs regular watering, feeding and pruning to look the very best.
Feeding and watering are the same as with trees (see above) so we will focus on pruning. Many people are intimidated by pruning but it’s really not that difficult. First, take off the branch tips to keep yor hedge neat and tidy. This will also stimulate bud production and as the buds multiply try to use bypass hand pruners to create space in the hedge for the light and sun to get in. Don’t forget to do your pruning in the late winter when you plant is dormant.
Keeping your trees healthy improves the enjoyment of your outdoor space and keeps people and surrounding property safe. Hedges, if left unkempt, can adversely affect people’s impressions of your home or business.
If you would like some help or a question answered about a problem you are having please call us at 1-800-363-0511.