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Editor’s note: The Lexington Tree Board this week is offering the following story on tips for tree owners. The board is also looking for new members, whether they are city or county residents. Contact [email protected] for more information.
The trees on your property are a treasure. They give cooling shade and habitat for birds and wildlife. They filter dirt and toxins from the air, and absorb noise. They break up stark and monotonous landscapes, and add beauty and interest. All good reasons to keep them healthy and ensure their longevity, which doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming. Here are brief trips for doing so: - Water them regularly, especially when first planted and younger than 3 or 4 years. Established trees should also be watered, especially during times of little rain. Water deeply to soak all the roots.
- Mulch them, covering the ground with about 3-5 inches of material, preferably natural matter such as bark or evergreen needles or shredded leaves. Do not let the mulch touch the trunk, as it could harbor and transfer disease and bugs. A distance of 3-5 inches away from the trunk should be good.
- Do not let ivy or other vines grow on them, ever. They will weaken and probably kill your trees. Experts recommend cutting all vines around the bark a few inches above the ground and again at chest height, being careful not to damage the tree bark, using hand pruners.
- Keep them pruned. This removes dead, diseased, and overgrown branches, and lets light and air get to the entire tree for strong and healthy growth. It can also make the trees more attractive.
You can cut a quarter of a tree’s branches off when pruning! Late fall or winter is best, but we all find ourselves trimming in the summer as well. Here are a few tips to make your pruning successful: -Use good sharp tools for clean cuts; - Cut branches back where they meet other branches or the trunk; - Instead of cutting off all the ends, cut multiple branches back a little further to encourage symmetric growth (rather than a puffball effect); Trim branches that cross, or that are growing straight up in the middle of a tree (water sprouts); - As you cut, thin out the branches to let light into the tree for good fullness and flowering; - Step back and assess from a distance every so often. Check out the Virginia Extension’s free publication “Pruning Deciduous Trees.” When in doubt, find a tree enthusiast to ask, or consult the city arborist! -Lastly, keep an eye on your trees, watching for signs of distress, disease, or decline. Some of the signs are: - Early browning and loss of leaves; - Loss of limbs, what you witness and evidence of it; - Accelerating dieback, with 30% of the canopy dead; - Fungal growth on trunk; - Mature trees leaning towards sidewalk/street. For concerns, see a reputable tree professional, Virginia Extension agent, or the city arborist.
