New Leaf Arboriculture is sharing tips to help homeowners maintain their trees. Over the years, the tree service company has identified several guiding principles to follow when caring for Florida trees.
Pruning Tips
Property owners should prune their trees selectively, removing only the branches that are in danger of breaking or are crowding other limbs. Dead, diseased, or injured branches should always be removed first. By removing or shortening limbs that are competing with the leading limb, the strength of the tree is preserved. Not only is pruning necessary for the tree’s health, but it is also important to consider the tree’s aesthetic features. Where branches cross or touch one another, they should be removed in order to keep the tree’s uniform shape. When a tree is taller than 15 feet, homeowners should hire a qualified arborist to provide professional pruning. Pruned limbs can be shredded to be used for mulch or in a compost pile.
Mulching Tips
Mulch helps keep the soil moist during dry conditions and moderates the temperature of the soil. Mulch also discourages weed growth and reduces soil erosion. A layer of mulch should be 2 to 3 inches deep and no more than 4 inches when using course mulch materials such as pine bark nuggets. Too much mulch can interfere with water penetrating the mulch layer and reaching the root system. Avoid piling much around the base of the tree, a practice known as volcano mulching. Volcano mulching can cause tree trunk rot due to too much moisture collecting in the soil. The diameter of the mulch around trees should be approximately 8 feet. To prevent old mulch from becoming matted and to keep water flowing to the tree roots, mulch should be replaced every few years.
Raking Tips
Raked leaves from the yard can be left beneath trees, providing nutrients, natural mulch, and organic matter as the leaves decompose. Shrubs also offer a more aesthetic presentation planted beneath trees, although fallen leaves should be removed from the shrubs. Shrubs should be chosen that will not compete with the tree’s root system and are compatible with the tree species. For example, azaleas are acid-loving shrubs and would grow well with an acid-loving tree such as an oak tree. Azaleas would also benefit from the shade provided by an oak tree. Ground covers also provide a lovely aesthetic appeal under trees. Consider ground covers suitable for the type of tree and its tolerance of leaf build-up that could kill the ground cover if not raked every couple of years.
Hiring Tips
Trees do require regular care. When a homeowner does not have time to provide the necessary care for their trees, they should consider hiring an arborist to keep their trees healthy and strong. Property owners should look for an arborist who is certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). According to the ISA website, this certification verifies that the arborist is “trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of arboriculture.” Before choosing a tree service, read each company’s online reviews, then ask them for references. It is helpful to get quotes for multiple tree service companies to compare services and costs.
New Leaf Arboriculture is owned and operated by Travis Morales, a certified Arborist and nationally recognized trainer. The company serves Destin, FL and surrounding areas by providing arboricultural solutions to both residential and commercial customers. Services include consulting, planting, tree removal, seasonal tree care, pruning, trimming, mulching, organic fertilizing, and vegetation management.
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For more information about tree care in Destin, FL, visit the New Leaf Arboriculture website at https://newleafarboriculture.com. Staff can be contacted by phone at 1 (850) 225-1411.
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