| Trees Die, It Happens, But Why? |
I tell clients all the time, "Trees die in the forest all the time." Not because there are trees falling around them, but they get very upset when one of their trees starts to decline.
More often than not, it looks like the tree was affected by just one storm or just one heavy just of wind. Usually it takes years to get to that point. They've been fertilized for fast growth. Short shallow root system don't allow for strong growth above. They've been pruned too much to provide a canopy for a seating area, to create a shaded seating area. This leaves a tree way too topheavy over time and the limbs start to break.
There are ways to prevent this from happening. First, when you plant trees, plant them in groups as they would normally grow and choose plants off your local Natural Resources list. Grouping them helps buffer them from wind and storms and they will have a better chance of survival. Nuture them with the appropriate amount fo water and fertilizer, not too much, not too little.
When dealing with established trees, be sure to not overprune them. Keep the growth balanced. If in pruning the tree you think it will be topheavy, then it will and it will be more susceptible to damage. Keep low growth, don't prune it all. Remove dead branches when you can to prevent them from falling on healthy branches.
Remember, trees have a lifespan. Find out what that is and replace trees when they reach that point and start to appear in decline. This way, in a few years, you'll be enjoying a beautiful lush tree again.
|
|
