Hardwood Tree Maintenance
June 25 2022
Hardwood Tree Maintenance
Trees add to the ambiance of our neighborhood and contribute to our property values. Our by-laws also require that each front yard include at least two hardwood trees. Trees do, however, require some occasional maintenance.
- Lift the canopy of the tree upwards from the ground. Trim no more than about 1/3 of the limbs at a cutting. This will allow light to filter through the tree and help with fungus and other disease management.
- Remove “sucker” branches from the structure of the tree. These are small branches that intersect larger branches. They may also be growing straight up from the tree instead of with the aesthetics of the tree structure.
- DO NOT mulch around the tree trunk. This promotes trunk rot and introduces insects and disease to the tree trunk. Mulch can extend up to 8 feet from the tree - just don’t smother the tree with a “volcano” shaped mulch bed. Every 3 or 4 years remove the old mulch and any roots that have grown in the mulch and replace it with fresh mulch. The old mulch can harbor many different types of disease and fungus.
- REMOVE USELESS TREE STAKES from the trees! After one year they serve no real purpose and can become imbedded in the tree trunk. (Deed Restrictions stipulate that tree stakes must be removed after trees are one year old.) Check with the HOA (281-232-7659) for free use of a “stake jack” to make removal of the stakes easier.
- Young trees (1 – 4 years old) benefit from fertilizer the most. Composting and natural types of fertilizer are the safest for these young trees. All trees can benefit from fertilizer every 3 or 4 years. Check application rates for your type and size of trees.
These simple steps can lead to healthier and more beautiful trees.
