Care For Trees

Tree Care

Trees, like other living organisms, have certain basic needs to survive, function, and grow. Understanding what these basic needs are, and providing them to the greatest extent possible, will enable our trees to bestow their optimum benefits.

Soil

Some of the most important activities for a healthy tree are occurring in their roots, in the soil. Good soil has large and small air spaces where water and air can circulate so that roots can absorb water and minerals and exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen. Good soil is also alive with a myriad of organisms which enrich it and improve its structure. Mycorrhizal fungi enhance water and nutrient absorption by roots, earthworms loosen the soil, and other fungi and bacteria decompose organic matter. Maintaining good soil conditions is therefore one of the basic things we need to do for our trees.

Mulch

One of the best things we can do to improve soil conditions is to maintain a layer of organic mulch over the tree's root zone. Mulch protects against soil compaction, adds organic matter to the soil as it decomposes, slows evaporation of water from the soil, and moderates soil temperature. In addition to improving the soil, mulching reduces competition from turf grass and weeds, and protects against damage from mowers and weed whackers

Pest Control

At the other end of the tree, leaves are manufacturing carbohydrates from water and carbon dioxide using chlorophyll and solar energy. These carbohydrates are used in chemical reactions with other nutrients to carry on all of the other functions of the tree. Of course, there are generally animals, insects, and other organisms feasting on the leaves, but as long as they dine in moderation, there will be enough food for them and for the tree. Trees should be regularly monitored so that protective action can be taken before too much defoliation occurs. This action may simply be removing insects by hand or with a spray of water, or it may require some type of pesticide, preferably one that is harmless to non-target life forms. Pest resistant tree species or cultivars, correctly planted in the proper site, and well cared for, are far less likely to ever require such protective measures.

Trunk Protection

Between the roots and the leaves are the trunk and branches containing the tree's vascular system which transports water, dissolves minerals, carbohydrates, and all the other chemicals which are involved in the numerous processes that are carried on in a living tree. The most important thing to remember is that the thin layer of living tissue (phloem) that carries manufactured food from the leaves to the roots lies just inside the bark. Protecting this phloem layer is critical to survival and growth of the tree. The tree trunk must be protected from damage which penetrates the bark and interferes with the phloem layer. Besides affecting the vascular system, openings in the bark provide an entry for harmful insects and diseases. Young trees with thin bark are especially in need of protection.

Remembering and thinking about the basic functions of a tree allows us to provide the care necessary for a healthy, beautiful, and useful tree.