You could hear the desperation in the request: “Isn’t there something you can do? Isn’t there something to give the tree to make it better?”
A client whose favorite tree was suffering hoped that by calling an arborist they would get the “magic cure” to make their tree all better. What our client didn’t realize was… they’ve always had the “magic cure” but had to learn it for themselves.
Whether your tree is infested with pests or is stunted and just not growing well, the common “cure” in all cases is to provide the tree with “good cultural care.” But what does that mean? Here are three questions Traverso Tree Service asks you to consider:
Is the Tree Getting Enough Water?
Many times, water is the magic cure the tree needs. The photosynthesis process needs water in order to produce the foliage that in turn provides food to keep the tree strong and healthy to fend off insect attacks or disease. If the tree appears stressed and there has been a substantial change in its usually watering pattern, increasing the amount and/or frequency of watering may be the simple fix.
Has the Tree Suffered Any Damage?
A big part of “good cultural care” is that the tree is properly pruned. Trees naturally develop the right amount of foliage to keep its branches, trunk, and root system healthy. If someone indiscriminately lops off a significant amount of foliage or allows branches that are being removed to rip down the trunk, then the tree has suffered damage. The same applies to the root system. If the roots have been cut for a new driveway, irrigation system, or drainage, the root loss can adversely affect the health of the tree and you may get corresponding branch die back.
Has the Soil Around the Tree Changed?
While it may appear messy, leaf litter helps to keep the soil viable by decomposing and returning nitrogen to the soil. Is there soil piled up against the trunk of the tree? Does the trunk look like a telephone pole going into the ground or can you see the buttress roots flare out from the tree? Is the area under the tree devoid of leaf litter and/or mulch? If there is excess soil piled up against the base of the tree, especially due to grade changes, this soil can provide the perfect environment for decay fungi to infect the tree. Constant blowing of the area under the tree can compact the soil, making it difficult for the roots to survive.
Good cultural care is the “magic cure” every tree owner can provide for their trees and it’s been in you all along! All it takes is a little bit of education. Traverso arborists can provide you with a health evaluation of your trees and teach you what you can do enact the “magic cure.”