The health of our trees isn’t usually a high priority at the front of our minds. In fact, most people just assume that their trees can be easily replaced if they die or get sick. However, chopping down a tree on your property isn’t always the best solution.
Large, mature trees are extremely valuable for their ability to shade and cool us during the hot summer months. Furthermore, certified arborists are in high demand to care for them. Failing to properly maintain the trees on your property can result in poor tree health, compromised structural integrity, and ultimately the death of a tree. Only a certified arborist will be able to see the bigger picture of a tree and provide you with a sensible management plan that will prolong the life of your tree while ensuring public safety. This also includes removing dead or broken branches, and corrective pruning from storm damage while increasing light and airflow through the canopy.
That’s why Westcoast Tree Care would like to provide you with the following things a certified arborist considers when inspecting and pruning your trees.
Tree Identification
The biological components of a tree are very complex and only a certified arborist will know how to identify the species of your tree and understand its specific growth habits. For example, eucalyptus trees have their own particular way of forming branches that a certified arborist will able to recognize.
Surrounding Environment
While assessing the health of your tree, a certified arborist will look for any changes in the surrounding environment. This will include whether a tree stands alone or if there are any nearby trees. A tree that stands alone is often more structurally sound compared to trees that stand together because it doesn’t have to compete for necessary resources. Trees that stand together often need more pruning and maintenance to ensure they don’t have competing branches that can tangle and break. Furthermore, trees located together often share compromising diseases and insect infestations.
New Growth Opportunities
Preventative tree care often requires more than one visit by a certified arborist. Why? Instead of trying to fix everything at once, it’s important to consider the future development of a tree in structure and form in order to promote new growth and pruning opportunities. Only a certified arborist will know whether it’s necessary to remove entire limbs or branches which can create large wounds that a tree will need to recover from before additional pruning can take place.
Wound Healing
The condition of a tree’s bark is an extremely important factor that affects its overall health. A certified arborist will ensure the best pruning methods in order to prevent any tearing or stripping of a tree’s bark. This is an important part of preventative tree care which ensures wounds heal faster in a proper manner. Furthermore, a certified arborist practices important hygiene practices for cleaning their tools to prevent the spread of dangerous pathogens and diseases.
Future Management
Before pruning a tree, a certified arborist will consider its natural form and the desired future growth. Some trees require little or more pruning than others. By correcting any defects, structural pruning ensures the health and structural integrity of a tree. Mindful pruning done by a certified arborist on young trees can eliminate costly future pruning on mature trees. Furthermore, pruning is often done over the course of several years to provide clearance and to train young trees.
Whidbey Island Tree Pruning
At Westcoast Tree Care, our certified arborist is proud to provide homeowners with our Whidbey Island tree pruning and preventative services. We offer pruning, windsail reduction, hazardous tree removal, deadwood removal, view enhancement, and more. If you would like more information, contact us today at 1.800.767.8733 (TREE). Our certified arborist would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have while providing you with a no-cost, no-obligation quote.
