How to do it right:

• Pruning is a science or art. A properly pruned tree will look balanced and beautiful. It will not have much dead branches or ones that crisscross.

• If you’re looking for the best pruning techniques you need to understand that there’s no one formula to fit all types of trees. The techniques are specific to each species of tree. So before you make your first cut, it is best to consult with a professional tree service company.

• If you really decide to do ion your own, just ensure your saws, loppers, and shears are clean and sharp to help prevent diseases.

Mulching Mayhem

Mulch helps protect your trees, particularly the young ones, from stress. Likewise, it provides your yard great curb appeal. But having more mulch is not necessarily better, and too little might be insufficient to protect your tree.

Signs of improper mulching:

• Mulch piled up against the tree trunk, which could cause trunk rot and promote infestation and diseases.

• Mulch covering the tree’s root collar.

• Exposed roots.

How to do it right:

Begin mulching about 6 inches from the tree base. Then extend the mulch to the end of the drip line just beneath the end of the canopy. Start with 1 inch of mulch toward the base. Build no more than four inches at the end of the mulch circle. Also, make sure to use mulch from reputable sources. If pruning still scares you, that’s okay, we can handle all of your tree pruning needs for you.

Fertilizer

If your tree is planted in a sunny location with good soil and covered with organic matter, you don’t  have to give it extra fertilizer. Your tree makes its own food through photosynthesis.

Still, many homeowners feel that their trees need an extra dose of fertilizer that adds minerals and nutrients to the soil. But this is a mistake. There is such thing as over-fertilizing, and it can poison your tree’s root system.

Signs of over-fertilizing:

• Small or yellow foliage

• Dead branches

• Reduced growth

• Salt on soil surface

How to do it right:

Infestations and nutrient deficiency can cause a tree to show the same symptoms of over-fertilizing. So before you add any fertilizer, it is recommended to test your soil to determine if it really lacks nutrients. A good time to do a soil test is either before you plant, or every 3 years or so after planting.

If you really need to use fertilizer, then just add the nutrients your tree needs, usually nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Importantly, fertilize in early spring and fall, and not during drought season.

For reliable tree services in Raleigh, get in touch with us here at Tree Service Raleigh! We offer a wide range of tree services – from removal, pruning and stump grinding. Call us!