The Florida environment supports a wide variety of tree species, but Florida homeowners only need to know a few guiding principles when it comes to caring for their trees. New Leaf Arboriculture, a Crestview, FL tree care company, is sharing tips to help people maintain trees so that they can flourish.
Pruning Tips
Property owners want to prune their trees selectively, removing branches that are in danger of breaking or that are crowding. Dead, diseased, or injured branches should be pruned first. To preserve the strength of the tree, remove or shorten stems that are in competition with the leading stem. Pruning is not just for the tree’s health; the homeowner wants to keep in mind any aesthetic considerations. Removing branches that touch or cross each other helps keep the tree’s shape uniform. Property owners should only undertake minor pruning projects. For trees taller than 15 feet, hire a qualified arborist to provide professional pruning services. After pruning is completed, remember to shred the cuttings so that they can be used in a compost pile or as mulch.
Mulching Tips
Mulch moderates the temperature of the soil and helps keep the soil moist. By applying mulch, homeowners can discourage weed growth and reduce soil erosion. The mulch layer should be about 2 to 3 inches deep or, at the most, 4 inches in the case of pine bark nuggets and other coarse materials. Conservative mulch depth is vital since too much mulch can impede rain and irrigation from reaching the tree’s root systems. Avoid “volcano mulching” or piling mulch against the base of a tree. Such a mound holds moisture, which leads to rot in the tree trunk. Volcano mulching also stimulates roots to grow too close to the trunk, which can lead to tree death.
The area of mulch application should have a diameter of at least 8 feet. In a forest setting, the entire root system would naturally be mulched. Every few years, old mulch should be removed so that it does not become matted, thus preventing water and air from reaching the tree. Remove the old mulch before adding new mulch.
Raking Tips
Leaves and pine needles that have been raked from a yard can be used as mulch or added to a compost pile. Leaves can even be left under a tree to create natural mulch that adds organic matter and nutrients to the soil as the leaves decompose. For a more aesthetic solution, plant shrubs under trees to avoid the chore of raking. Choose a shrub species that does not compete with the tree roots for water and nutrients.
Hiring Tips
For property owners that can not commit much time to regular tree care, hiring an arborist may be the right solution. People should seek out a professional certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). According to the ISA website, this certification testifies that an arborist is “trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of arboriculture.” When considering a tree service company for a job, read the reviews of the potential hire online, ask the arborist for references, and consider getting quotes from multiple companies.
Owned by ISA certified arborist and instructor Travis Morales, New Leaf Arboriculture has a five-star rating on Google Reviews. New Leaf Arboriculture is a contract arboricultural firm in Crestview, FL that provides arboricultural solutions to residential and commercial clients. 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 service in Crestview, FL, visit the New Leaf Arboriculture website at https://newleafarboriculture.com. To request a free estimate, call 1 (850) 225-1411.
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