Trees bring shade, provide a place to relax, and add to a property’s beauty. But your trees cannot take care of themselves. They require upkeep to stay healthy so that they do not fall victim to pests and diseases. This should include regular visits from an arborist.
Defeating the Insects
Bugs are opportunists who search for trees to provide them with food and shelter. Some unhealthy trees become a beacon because they release chemical distress signals that attract certain bugs when the trees become weak or sick.
Healthier trees can fight back. For example, a well-hydrated pine tree can trap and kill bark beetles using a sticky sap. Make sure you provide your trees with adequate water during dry periods so that they can have the water and nutrients that they need to put up a strong defense.
Fighting the Fungus
Fungus is another threat to trees that can damage them quickly if you do not provide them with proper care. This type of infection can grow quickly in dark and damp environments that lack good airflow, which is why it is so important to have an arborist remove branches that are crowded or crossing. These branches block the light and prevent adequate air circulation.
Letting this problem go unchecked can allow fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and anthracnose, to spread like wildfire and make your yard look ugly in a matter of weeks. An arborist may remove these branches during winter because some insects and disease-causing organisms are not active. The structure of the tree will also be much easier to see because the leaves will not be there to block the view.
Keep Underground Pathogens From Attacking the Roots
The branches and the trunk are not the only parts of the tree that are vulnerable to attacks from pests and diseases. When the soil is depleted of nutrients, drainage is poor, or the roots are injured, trees cannot get what they need to stay healthy. Then, underground pathogens can launch an attack. The roots can rot, which can make the tree vulnerable to toppling. People nearby can get injured, and property damage can occur.
An arborist can work with you to make sure your soil has enough nutrients to support the trees on your property. They may add a layer of mulch around the base of the trees and apply fertilizer treatments as necessary.
Get a cup of coffee and walk around your property one day a week to inspect all your trees. You can catch trouble and call an arborist for help before it really has a chance to get out of control. Signs of trouble include leaves that turn yellow long before autumn, tiny holes in the bark that leak sawdust, and white fuzzy spots. Spotting a small problem before it has a chance to turn into a full-scale disaster can keep your trees from being ravaged by diseases and pests. If you live in Holliston, MA or a surrounding area and need pest management services, make your first call to Tree Specialists.
