Tips for Caring for Mature Trees

Danville Tree Care

Here’s a riddle for you: What do you have in common with that beautiful, old oak tree in your front yard?

The answer: More than you might think!

When you’re in your 20s, your body probably required different maintenance than it does in your 50s. And that oak tree is no different. How you care for mature trees makes a big difference in how long they live and how healthy they look.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at caring for mature trees. We’ll give you some tips to help keep your beautiful old trees alive and well for years to come.

Spread the Love By Spreading Mulch

One of the most effective things you can do to help your mature trees is to spread mulch around their base. Use mulch made from shredded or chipped wood. Spread it out an even layer about 3-4 inches thick all the way around the base of the tree.

The wider the mulch circle, the better. But we suggest spreading mulch at least three feet out in all directions. Mulch offers several key benefits and it looks really good.

Mulch keeps other plants from growing right next to the tree and competing with the tree for resources. As the mulch breaks down, it improves the quality of the soil directly around the tree. It also keeps people from traipsing all over the ground next to the tree which can compact the roots and cause damage.

Looking Dry? Water, Water, Water!

We don’t often think about watering older trees, but it’s incredibly important if you want to keep them alive and well. If you’ve gone a few weeks without rain, it’s time to get the hose out to the trees.

Don’t flood them with water. Put the hose on a slow trickle and allow it to thoroughly soak the area under the tree. Move the hose around to get all of the root area.

How often you water depends on the type of tree and the climate you’re living in. But it’s best to give a tree a good, thorough soaking at least every three to four weeks during dry spells.

Prune It or Lose It

Pruning has a variety of pluses to help mature trees thrive. Removing dead branches helps take weight off the limbs and keep diseased material away from healthy material on the tree.

You can try to prune trees yourself, but it’s better to have a professional do it for you. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you can do serious damage to the structure of the tree. You can also create openings in the bark that allow diseases to creep in.

Plus, pruning a larger tree can be dangerous for a novice. It requires special tools and taller ladders. Get a tree specialist to take on the task for you.

Keep Your Eyes Peeled

Just like you receive an annual wellness checkup for your body, your trees need the same care. Pay attention to changes in the tree. This can include changes in the color and texture of the bark, changes in the shape of the branches, and changes in the leaves.

If you see anything concerning, call your tree specialist to inspect the tree further. In some cases, disease or decay might mean the tree needs to come down. If that’s the case, it’s better to do it earlier rather than later to limit safety hazards around a dying tree.

Love Your Yard by Caring for Mature Trees

We often spend time caring for our lawn, flower beds, and newly-planted trees. But caring for mature trees is also super important for the health and beauty of your yard.

If you’re concerned about the health of the mature trees in your yard, contact Sexy Trees today. We have years of experience caring for trees!