October 2, 2023 Maintaining healthy trees on your property is essential for both the safety and aesthetics of your landscape. While some tree care tasks can be tackled as DIY projects, there are situations where calling in a professional arborist is the wisest choice. Understanding the difference between DIY tree care and when to enlist the expertise of an arborist can help you make informed decisions for the well-being of your trees. DIY Tree Care If you have a green thumb or enjoy maintaining your landscaping, there are some tree care tasks you can attempt on your own. These include: Pruning Small Branches: Trimming small, dead, or low-hanging branches can typically be done by homeowners with the right tools and knowledge. Pruning for aesthetics and removing minor hazards is manageable for many DIY enthusiasts. Mulching: Applying mulch around the base of trees is a common DIY task. Mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weed growth. It’s a relatively simple task that can benefit your tree’s health. Watering: Regular watering is crucial for tree health, especially during dry spells. DIY homeowners can adequately water their trees using hoses, drip systems, or soaker hoses. Proper watering can help prevent drought stress and promote root growth. Removing Small Weeds and Grass: Keeping the area around the base of the tree free from weeds and grass can be done by homeowners. These weeds compete with the tree for water and nutrients and can hinder its growth. Basic Disease and Pest Management: Identifying and addressing common tree diseases and pests is a task that homeowners can manage. Early detection and appropriate treatment can prevent more significant issues from arising. Year-round tree maintenance is recommended to property owners, but there are instances when you should call an arborist. When to Call an Arborist When your trees are showing signs of distress or need more intricate treatments or maintenance, calling Front Range Arborists to send out a professional tree care expert is an excellent choice. These situations include the following: Large or High Tree Pruning: Pruning large branches or working on tall trees can be dangerous without the proper equipment and training. Arborists have the expertise and equipment needed to safely prune large trees while maintaining their structural integrity. Tree Removal: Removing a tree, especially a large one, is a complex and hazardous task. An arborist can assess the tree’s health, stability, and location to determine if removal is necessary. If removal is warranted, they can safely bring the tree down without causing damage to property or endangering people. Disease Diagnosis and Treatment: If your tree shows signs of disease or infestation, calling an arborist is essential. They can accurately diagnose the issue and recommend appropriate treatment options. This is crucial for preventing the spread of diseases to other trees and mitigating the potential loss of valuable specimens. Emergency Tree Care: After severe weather events or during tree-related emergencies, such as fallen branches or uprooted trees, it’s best to call an arborist. They have the expertise to safely assess and address the situation, ensuring the safety of your property and its occupants. Root Health and Soil Management: Arborists can assess the health of a tree’s roots and recommend soil management practices to promote root growth. They may also use specialized tools like air spades to excavate around the root zone without causing damage. Preservation and Restoration: Arborists can help preserve and restore mature or historic trees, including those affected by construction or other stressors. Their expertise ensures that these trees continue to thrive in challenging environments. Tree Planting and Species Selection: When planting new trees or selecting the right species for your landscape, consulting with an arborist can be invaluable. They can advise on suitable species, planting techniques, and proper care to ensure the long-term health and vitality of your trees. While many routine tree care tasks can be managed as DIY projects, there are instances where the expertise of a tree care professional is essential. Large tree pruning, removal, disease diagnosis, and emergency situations all warrant the involvement of an arborist. Our professional tree experts at Front Range Arborists have the knowledge, training, and specialized equipment that are vital for maintaining the health and safety of your trees and property. If you need an arborist for tree care in the greater Colorado Springs area, contact our team at Front Range Arborists.
