One of the best things about having trees on your property is that they can enhance the appearance of your home or business, provide shade and help improve air quality. However, tree diseases can quickly take away these benefits and cause a lot of damage. That’s why Westcoast Tree Care would like to discuss the following Portland tree care tips to help prevent common tree diseases from affecting your landscape.
Water Your Trees Regularly
One of the best ways to prevent tree diseases is to ensure that your trees get enough water. Depending on the type of tree, it may need as much as 15 gallons per week during the growing season. If you live in an area with little rainfall, you must supplement with irrigation. Be sure to water at the base of the tree rather than from overhead so that the leaves don’t stay wet for long periods of time (which can lead to other problems).
Use Mulch
Mulch is a great way to help trees retain moisture and prevent weeds from competing with the tree for water and nutrients. A layer of mulch around the tree’s base (about 3-4 inches deep) can also help protect the roots from extreme temperatures and lawnmowers or string trimmers.
Prune Trees Regularly
Pruning helps remove diseased or dying branches so that the tree’s energy can be focused on healthy growth. It also allows more air and sunlight to reach the inside of the tree, which can help prevent certain diseases. Sterilize your pruning tools between each cut to avoid spreading disease. You can do this by dipping them into one part bleach solution to nine parts water.
Choose the Right Tree for the Site
When choosing a tree for your landscape, be sure to pick one suited for the site conditions. This includes considering the amount of sun or shade, the type of soil, and the amount of space you have. A tree that is not well-suited for the site is more likely to experience stress, making it more susceptible to disease.
Monitor Trees Closely
If you notice any changes in the appearance of your trees, such as wilting leaves, discoloration, or dieback, be sure to monitor them closely. These could be early signs of disease and should be addressed quickly. You can also have your trees inspected annually by a certified arborist at Westcoast Tree Care to help catch problems early.
Treat Tree Diseases Quickly
If you notice any disease signs, it is important to treat them quickly. Depending on the type of disease, this may involve pruning away affected branches, applying a fungicide, or even removing the tree entirely.
Avoid Mechanical Damage
One of the leading causes of tree stress and disease is mechanical damage. This can include wounds from lawnmowers or string trimmers, compaction of the soil around the roots, and construction damage. To help prevent this, mark the location of underground utilities before beginning any digging projects. You should also avoid driving over roots and compacting the soil around your trees.
Keep Your Yard Clean
Another way to prevent tree diseases is to keep your yard clean and debris-free. This includes leaves, branches, and even fruit that has fallen from the tree. Diseases can often spread through infected plant material, so removing this from the area around your trees is important.
Prioritize Tree Nutrition and Soil Care
Monitoring the health of your trees starts with the soil they are growing in. Be sure to test the soil pH and nutrient levels so that you can provide any necessary amendments. It is also important to choose the right fertilizer for your trees. Over-fertilizing can do more harm than good, so follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully.
Hire a Portland Tree Care Company for Assistance
If you are concerned about the health of your trees, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Portland tree care company like Westcoast Tree Care. We can help you diagnose problems and develop a care plan to keep your trees healthy and disease-free.
Westcoast Tree Care
The team at Westcoast Tree Care is passionate about helping our clients keep their trees healthy and beautiful. We offer a full range of Portland tree care services, including pruning, fertilization, and disease control. Contact us by filling out our online form or give us a call at 1.800.767.8733 for a no-cost, no-obligation quote today.
