Baby it’s hot outside! Summer is here and your trees need a bit of love to keep them happy now, and well into the year. Here is our helpful summer tree care checklist to keep your trees thriving and in tip top shape.
1. Do your trees have enough water?
It’s pretty obvious, but during the hotter months, trees may need supplemental watering. It’s best to water early in the morning or late afternoon, but don’t over do it! You don’t want to waterlog the soil, it should ideally be moist to the touch.
2. Does your tree have dead or damaged branches?
If your tree has limbs that are dead or damaged it’s a good idea to have them removed for a couple of reasons. They may be at risk of falling during storms or high winds, and they also encourage pests and disease if not tended to. Have your local Arborist get rid of any branches and give your tree a general prune if required.
3. Are there any signs of pest and disease?
There can be several tell tale signs of pests and disease in trees. Some of the more obvious are discoloured leaves, holes in the leaves, small borer holes in the trunk or wood shavings around the base of the tree. If you suspect your tree is infested or sick, don’t delay. Have your tree inspected by a professional Arborist who will be able to advise the best course of action to ensure your tree doesn’t become dangerous.
4. Have you checked your soil?
The soil should be moist, not too acidic and high in nutrients. You can do soil testing at most nurseries or you can buy soil testing kits online. Using mulch is great for retaining moisture, providing extra nutrients and regulating temperature.
5. Do your trees need fertiliser?
Depending on the results of your soil test, you may want to look at giving your tree some fertiliser. The amount and type will depend on the tree itself, its age and phase of growth. Newer trees will require more fertilisation than older, established trees for example. There are many different types of fertiliser, some more suited to your tree than others so do some research and ask questions if you’re unsure.
6. Have you had your trees inspected by a professional?
A professional Arborist is basically a doctor for trees. They will be able to inspect the tree, provide an assessment and advise any necessary action that needs to be taken to ensure the health and longevity of your tree. As we all know, prevention is better than cure, so by having your trees regularly checked it may just save you from having to have your precious tree removed down the track if it becomes sick.
Take the guesswork out of looking after your trees. Here at Aussie Tree Solutions, we take the hassle out of summer tree care. Providing expert tree services for over 40 years, we are your team of local Brisbane arborists for any tree job, big or small. From tree lopping and pruning and tree removals to mulch and certified arborist inspections, call (07) 3351 1722 now for a free, no-obligation quote.