Keep Your Yard Safe With These Hazard Prevention Tips
Tree emergencies can be costly, inconvenient, and even dangerous. They can happen to any homeowner, no matter how careful you are. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to avoid these emergencies before they happen. Additionally, there are things to look for to stop an emergency from getting worse should it already exist. Read below for our list of ways to protect a tree’s health and prevent tree-related hazards.
What You Can Do To Prevent Tree Emergencies
The most effective way to deal with tree emergencies is to avoid them in the first place by taking proper precautions. By giving trees the attention they need, you’ll limit the chances that you will need to call a professional arborist for emergency removal.
READ MORE: Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Tree Removal Service
Be Careful Where You Plant Trees
Emergency prevention begins before you dig the initial hole. When you plant trees, it’s important to consider the layout of your yard. Some areas are more ideal for tree planting, while others will increase the risk of emergencies. Consider the overhead utility lines as well as anything that may be underground. You should avoid planting trees too close to your home, your neighbour’s home, or any utility lines – these areas spell trouble.
Inspect Trees Regularly
Many tree owners know how to recognize a tree in danger, but there’s no point in knowing these signs if you aren’t properly checking your trees.
We recommend checking up on your trees as often as possible, though the start of a new season is the best time to check. Certain types of pests thrive during different seasons, and a freshly changed climate will allow you to check any damage caused during the past season.
Later on in this article, we’ll tell you what to look for when inspecting trees.
Irrigation
Watering trees is an essential way to prevent problems. In order to prevent dryness and disease, you’ll want to irrigate your trees properly. Here are a few tips:
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Water trees slowly, over a long stretch of time – this is preferred over short bursts of water
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Your watering frequency may depend on the season and climate – trees require more water during dry summer months
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New trees usually have roots that are balled together, and these need to be watered to encourage healthy growth
Mulching
Like watering, mulching is an important step to protect tree roots and encourage healthy growth. Mulch regulates the condition of soil, ensuring that it has moisture and is kept at the right temperature.
There are plenty of types of mulch, and they vary by texture and format. You may choose a specific type of mulch based on tree type, size, season, or climate.
Make sure you don’t pile mulch excessively in the centre of the ground. Instead, spread the mulch out to keep the whole tree healthy.
Pruning
Removing certain branches won’t just improve the appearance of your trees. It can protect their health, too. Pruning usually refers to the removal of branches, though the term technically indicates the removal of any part of a tree that is causing problems.
Branches that are dead, dying, diseased or broken should be swiftly removed. This process should be done whenever possible, but it is especially necessary following winter.
Bracing
This process involves supporting trees that are susceptible to damage. A professional arborist installs cables that help the tree withstand weather and wind damage. An arborist can also determine which trees or individual parts of a tree would benefit from this process.
Watch Out For Signs of Disease and Death
Dying trees can lead to emergency tree felling if they are not promptly removed. There are plenty of things to look out for, and we’ve listed them below.
READ MORE: Tree Fell on Your Home? Don’t Panic & Follow This Guide
Signs That A Tree Is Dying
These strategies can help you catch dying trees before it’s too late, though consulting with a professional arborist is always advised, as they are keenly trained in finding and resolving these problems.
Visible Disease Symptoms
Sometimes, it is not obvious when a tree is facing a disease. Fortunately, the tree will usually show at least one of these signs:
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Leaves will not grow
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Dead leaves will not fall off branches
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Tree leans
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Cracks form on the trunk
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Bark disappears
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Leaves are discoloured
Broken Branches
The branches of a healthy tree should be able to handle a fair amount of tough conditions. If you notice that branches are falling off and breaking, you might have a problem. For example, pests are attracted to diseased trees and broken branches. Tree Pruning regularly is the best way to stop this.
Tree is Leaning
It’s normal for a tree to lean slightly in one direction. If you notice that a tree’s angle has changed rapidly, you should inspect it immediately. Leaning is usually a sign of dead roots, though it could also be a sign of uneven branch distribution, which can be helped by pruning.
Trees that lean may fall over, leading to damage to your home, injury, or even fatality.
Surface Roots are Visible
The roots are arguably one of the most important parts of a tree: they transport water, oxygen, and nutrients that keep the tree alive. Often, a tree’s death begins at the roots.
Large roots above ground don’t automatically indicate that your tree is dying, but that is often the case. The issue is usually caused by poor soil conditions.
Do not attempt to cut surface roots. Instead, seek the help of a tree care professional
READ MORE: The Dangers of Encroaching Tree Roots and How to Take Action
How a Professional Arborist Can Help
At Green Thumb, our tree care professionals are experts on tree emergency prevention. They can detect signs of disease early, and can easily remove a tree if necessary. Contact us at Green Thumb today.
We take pride in offering our professional Tree Care services in Ottawa. Feel free to reach out to Green Thumb Tree Specialist for any of the following Tree Services: