How to Care for Your Trees at Home

In the Southeast U.S., the changing seasons bring unique challenges to tree care. Trees are a vital part of any landscape, offering beauty, shade, and a host of environmental benefits. So keeping your trees safe requires regular inspection and maintenance. 

Addressing issues from storms, drought, and damage promptly with the help of a tree service expert can prevent accidents and ensure your trees remain healthy and stable.

Protect Young Trees from Wind Damage

A windstorm can cause significant damage to any new trees that you may have planted around your yard. One of the most effective ways to keep young trees safe in the wind is to stake them. Sturdy stakes will provide additional stability and structural support to the growing trunk. A tree cover can also be used to prevent high winds from damaging newly planted trees. As your trees grow, you should also make sure to set up regular tree pruning services. Proper tree trimming will encourage healthy growth, and will also prevent bulky branches from breaking off in the wind.

Make the Trees on Your Property Safe

During large storms, it is not uncommon to see a tree fall over and cause extensive damage to anything in its path. Believe it or not, you can actually protect yourself against events like this simply by ensuring that the trees on your property are safe. Whether you need to remove a tree or you just need some pruning, it’s a good idea to make sure that your plant life isn’t a potential danger to your home or anyone else. The following are general tips to keep the trees on your property safe and healthy:

1. Watch out for utility lines.

Power lines often run along the street, so if you’ve got large trees in the same area, they could become a problem during windy nights. In these cases, tree trimming is done by professional tree service experts so that the power line will not be affected by moving branches. However, depending on the overall health of the tree itself, tree removal might be a better option. Keep on the lookout for broken or dying branches, and remove foliage that shows signs of decay.

2. Look for signs of damaged trees.

Damaged trees don’t always present themselves in an obvious way, but there are clues that can help you determine their health. Loose or dying branches are a pretty clear sign that there is a problem, and you should do your best to at least remove those branches so that they do not fall and cause unnecessary damage to anything. If the trunk of the tree is beginning to lean in one direction, that could also be another sign of a problem. Keep an eye out for cracks in the trunk as well.

3. Take care of problematic trees.

If you’ve discovered a tree that might be a problem, manage the risk by either removing the tree or protecting your property. It’s obviously impossible to move your house, but if other property is being threatened by fallen trees, you should probably move it out of harm’s way. A combination of tree pruning and bracing can also help avoid any potential damage by removing weak branches and increasing the stability of the foliage.

What Do Yellow Leaves in Summer Mean for My Trees?

During the fall season, your tree’s leaves may develop gorgeous shades of red, orange, or yellow. However, if your tree develops yellow leaves before the start of fall, this discoloration could indicate disease or another type of growth problem. With services from a tree service company that offers tree removal in Atlanta, GA, you can figure out the cause of your tree’s discolored leaves.

When a tree develops yellow leaves in the summer, this change in leaf color could indicate several different issues. If your tree is not receiving enough water, its leaves may turn yellow as it dries out. Yellow leaves may also indicate certain tree diseases, such as chlorosis. Finally, your tree’s leaves may become yellow in response to a pest infestation. To receive help with diagnosing your tree’s leaf discoloration problem, hire an arborist to provide you with tailored tree healthcare services.

Are Your Trees in Danger of Falling?

While trees provide shade and beauty to any yard, they can also pose a danger to your property if they are not structurally stable. A company that offers tree removal in Atlanta, GA can help you identify which of your trees are perfectly safe, and which ones may be candidates for tree removal services. With routine tree cutting from an ISA arborist, you can make sure that your trees are healthy and stable enough to withstand the next storm. 

To help you decide whether it is time to contact your local tree company, follow these tips:

1. Look for dangerous leaning.

When a tree is healthy and mature, it will typically grow straight out of the ground. As you get to know the trees in your yard, you can evaluate their growth patterns and angles. If you start to notice that one of your trees is leaning significantly to one side or the other, this may indicate that it is on its way to falling over. You can contact a tree removal service to see what steps to take next.

2. Assess for split trunks.

Depending on the species, a mature tree will typically have one solid trunk that forms the base for the rest of its branches and growth. When trees are diseased or otherwise damaged, they may split into multiple trunks. Split trunks do not have the structural stability required to support the full weight of a mature tree, and may be an indication that your tree is in danger of falling.

3. Evaluate signs of diseases.

Certain diseases can compromise the health and stability of even the most mature trees. To check if your trees are in danger of toppling over, you can look for the warning signs of diseases. If a tree is diseased, it may have discolored bark, yellow leaves, or no leaves at all. 

A certified arborist can diagnose your tree’s disease and recommend the safest course of treatment or removal.

Steps to Take After Your Trees Suffer Storm Damage

High winds and heavy rain can cause broken branches and soil erosion, so it’s no surprise that many homeowners need the help of an emergency tree service at some point during the storm season. If your property has suffered storm damage and requires tree service, then consider the following steps:

1. Assess the damage.

Safety is a significant concern when it comes to managing tree damage after a storm. While you may feel the need to begin the cleanup process right away, it’s important that you first assess the condition of your trees and structures. If you notice downed power lines or trees that are hanging on or leaning against power lines, then contact the power company.

2. Work with caution.

After assessing the damage to and safety of your property, you can begin the cleanup process. The Georgia Forestry Commission advises homeowners to clean up only minor debris caused by damaged trees. Leaning, falling, and severely damaged trees are significant safety hazards and need to be handled by tree service professionals. 

As you work, take caution and wear protective equipment because damaged trees and branches can be under extreme tension and may snap and present a safety risk when handled. Keep in mind that more people are injured when operating a chainsaw after a storm than during the storm itself. Do not operate a chainsaw if you are alone, inexperienced with this type of equipment, or without the proper personal safety equipment.

3. Call a professional.

Working with an emergency tree service that employs certified arborists is an excellent way to manage damage to your trees following a storm. An arborist can provide you with advice for tree trimming and treatments that can help ensure the recovery of your trees and prevent diseases from taking hold while they are healing.

Ensuring Healthy Trees Year-Round

By taking proactive steps to care for your trees through each season, you can maintain a beautiful and safe landscape. Regular maintenance, timely watering, and professional inspections are key to promoting the health and longevity of your trees.

Ready to give your trees the best care? Contact us today to schedule a professional tree assessment and keep your landscape thriving year-round!