Tips for Protecting the Old Tree in Your Yard

It takes a great many years for trees to grow tall and strong. Once trees reach a point where they become big and beautiful, they offer plenty of value to your life. They produce oxygen and lots of cool shade to sit in. A large tree will also remove heat from your atmosphere through photosynthesis. Large trees are often the most beautiful feature in homes and gardens. It would be a terrible shame to lose an old beautiful tree that took so many years to reach maturity. The right care and tree pruning will enhance the health of your old trees so you and your children can enjoy these gorgeous natural elements for years to come. Here are a couple of great tips to helping to protect your old tree.

Prune Trees Every Year

Pruning is good for plants because it allows us to control growth. When trees are pruned, old dead branches are cleared out which reduces the chance of diseases and pest infestations that could damage your old trees. This helps protect your home because any risky branches that might fall on your roof or vehicle will be removed.

Regular maintenance through professional tree pruning helps ensure older trees remain safe, balanced, and structurally sound.

Cut Back Every Couple of Years

The bigger the tree is, the bigger the risks are. Lightning tends to hit the tallest trees. Those lightning strikes can be deadly to large trees. They can instantly damage or kill a tree that has been growing for decades. Trees with large canopies can be difficult to manage, as the long limbs impose large lateral forces. This can cause branch failure in high winds or during dry spells.

The best way to keep old trees safe from natural elements is by getting your tree pruning attended to every 3–5 years. This will allow for ongoing form pruning, as well as health pruning benefits to the tree.

Spread Mulch

Spreading mulch around the tree trunk is great for the tree because it insulates the soil and protects the roots from extreme heat and cold. Mulch is also a natural product that distributes nutrients into the soil every time you water your garden. The decomposition of mulch provides soil nutrients and keeps your big old tree nourished and healthy.

Using professional mulching services helps ensure mulch is applied correctly, improving moisture retention without damaging the trunk or surface roots.

Protect the Bark

Take care to protect the bark around the tree trunk when you do garden chores like mowing or trimming. The bark is important for protecting the tree stump and too much damage to the bark can damage the cambium layer of the tree. This can allow pests and diseases to enter or it may cause dieback in the trunk. It is also best to avoid hanging swings, hammocks, and rope in an old tree since these items can also damage the bark over time.

Water During Dry Seasons

It is good to offer a bit more water to your tree. Ensuring consistent watering without watering more than once a week will help in droughts. Trees need deep and slow watering so the roots will have plenty of time to absorb the moisture, without becoming waterlogged.

Prevent Soil Compacting

If the soil around your tree becomes too compacted, the water won’t be able to drain and your tree will become dry. Tree roots also rely on air and nutrients for optimal health. Ensure that there is no path or assets built over the root zone, so the soil will stay aerated and water can still drain easily.

With great tree care, you can continue to enjoy your gorgeous trees for longer without any risk of these trees falling over. If you’re unsure about the condition of your tree or the right time of year to prune, you can contact MD Tree Work to discuss the best approach.