What is Tree Care?
Tree care aims to maintain or improve the structure, appearance, and vitality of your trees and shrubs. Good health is a plant’s first, strongest line against issues.
At its best, tree care begins before the plants are installed.
Proper species selection for the given site and proper installation are critical to ongoing vitality. Many health issues can be avoided if these steps are completed well.
Once the plants are established, the focus shifts to keeping your trees and shrubs healthy so as to minimize the probability of future trouble. It also shifts to proactively identifying and preventing potential problems before they happen. It is much like human health; an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
This approach is especially important when it comes to trees for the following reasons:
- Trees provide a whole host of benefits that improve our quality of life and our planet (clean air, soak up storm water runoff, clean water, reduce asthma, increase hospital recovery times, reduce heat island effect, and about 1,000 other benefits).
- Mature healthy trees increase your property value, often by as much as 20%.
- Having to remove a tree is costly (typically more costly than tree care services) and you lose the benefits mentioned above.
If a plant is already in decline or has other issues, a tree care program looks for solutions that can
- solve the immediate problem and
- uncover the underlying health issues that led to the immediate problem.
A tree care expert needs extensive knowledge to identify, assess, and remedy plant issues.
He or she must have a complete understanding of plant biology, nutrients, soil, insects, diseases, fungi, and a variety of other living and non-living factors.
Here are some tree care services an expert will often prescribe:
- Disease and insect control
- Target a href="/right-tree-right-place-what-to-plant-and-where-to-plant-it/" title="Right Tree, Right Place: What to Plant and Where to Plant it">pruning
- Mulch volcano removal/root collar excavation
- Soil improvement program (must have a focus on rejuvenating the soil food web)
- Fertilization
- Regular inspections
- Aeration and alleviating soil compaction issues
- Mulching
- Cabling and bracing
- Lightning protection systems
- Construction management
A good care program should result in trees and shrubs that are able to live healthy lives without requiring constant help. Some ongoing care and maintenance will certainly be necessary. But if your tree care provider has to treat for the same issues year after year, he has missed something important.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is professional tree care?
Tree care includes pruning, disease prevention, pest management, soil improvement, and long-term tree health planning by ISA Certified Arborists.
Why is tree care important?
It protects tree health, reduces risks, and helps trees live longer, increasing your property value and safety.
When should I schedule a tree care consultation?
Anytime you notice decline, pests, or pruning needs—or as a proactive step to prevent bigger issues and ensure the long term health of your trees.
What should I look for in a tree care company?
Tree care companies that truly care for trees can show that they are insured, have ISA Certified Arborists on staff and do not engage in out-dated and harmful practices such as topping trees or using climbing spikes to prune trees.
Who is the best tree care company in the Triangle?
Leaf & Limb is a top-rated, B Corp, ISA Certified tree care company serving the Triangle region.
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