Proper Tree Care to Keep Your Property Safe and Beautiful

When you have trees on your property, it certainly adds a beautiful element to your lawn. However, trees require periodic care and maintenance for their health and to limit any potential harm they might do to your property. 

And if you’re planting new saplings, there are certain things you’ll have to do to make sure they grow healthy. 

To help, we will give you tips on pruning your trees and properly planting a containerized tree onto your lawn. 

The Best Time of Year to Prune Trees

Tree pruning is highly recommended to help it stay healthy. Disease pathogens often grow on your tree during certain parts of the year, mainly fall. Therefore, it’s suggested that you do not prune in that season, as those pathogens tend to be most active in the cooler months. The best time to prune is usually in the winter, and for some trees, such as spring-flowering trees, the summer.

Pruning is also effective when trees might be blocking a walkway, or the branches are dangerously close to their homes. 

Equipment You Should Use to Prune  

Hand Shears 

Hand shears are great for small twigs and branches. You’ll generally use them on small trees or, of course, shrubs. However, as your tree ages, you’ll use them less and less, especially after your branches have grown over 1 ½ inches.

Lopping Shears 

You’ll use lopping shears (‘loppers’) on branches 1 ½ inches or less in diameter. Loppers will come in handy every once in and while. However, if your branches are over 2 inches, you’ll want to avoid using lopping shears. Doing so will lead to damage. 

Pruning Saw 

You’ll only use a pruning saw on branches 6 inches or less in diameter. If you use a pruning saw on branches larger than 6 inches, you risk damaging them. 

Chainsaw

You can use a chainsaw of any tree limb larger than 3 inches. You want to be careful when you use this tool. Improper use can lead to injury.

Pruning Your Tree 

How you prune your tree will largely depend on its size. However, you’ll want to use this technique when dealing with large branches. 

First, you’ll want to make a partial cut at the branch’s underside about 4 inches from the trunk. Then, you’ll go up 2 to 3 inches and cut from the topside completely. You can cut the stub that remains. 

This method will prevent trunk damage, usually caused by the branch’s weight separating from the tree. 

One final recommendation. Do not cover the stub with paint or wound dressing. That could negatively affect the tree’s healing process. 

Planting Containerized Trees 

Planting a containerized tree is not that difficult. You’ll want to dig a hole 2-3 times wider than the tree. The depth of the hole will have to be proportionate to the length of the container your tree is in. Afterward, you’ll want to loosen the container’s grip around your tree (don’t cut it out). You could do this by pressing on the sides of the plastic container and lightly shaking your tree out of the container.

You could alternatively cut into the side of the container. Still, you risk losing much of the soil your tree sits on (something you’ll need to plant the tree properly).

From there, you’ll want to slice an x across the bottom of the root and secure the sides of the soil. You’ll set the tree into the middle of the hole, then fill the hole.

If you’re using mulch, you want to fill the area of the tree. Do not stack the mulch right onto the tree. If you do, the mulch will cause suffocation of the roots, and that will negatively impact the growth of your tree.

You’ll want to water your tree right after you plant it.

Watering Your Newly-Planted Trees

The first two years of your tree’s development are the most crucial. It’s going to require periodic watering during that time. That way, your tree’s root establishment will be sped up.

You’ll want to water your tree daily during the first two weeks. During three to twelve weeks, you’ll water it every two to three days. After twelve weeks, you’ll only need to water it weekly. 

After the roots have established themselves in your yard, all you’ll have to do from here on is the occasional pruning. 

Proper Technique = Proper Results 

When it comes to yard work, remember that proper technique yields proper results. And when it comes to gardening and planting trees, it’s all about having a lot of care for the tree or plant that you’re looking after. As a homeowner, you’ll benefit from energy savings, increased property value and contributing to the local ecosystem for years.