Tree service experts shed light on the most environmentally friendly ways to care for your trees.
The Importance of Sustainability When Caring for Landscaping Trees
While it may seem that because trees are necessary for a healthy environment any sort of care that makes them healthy is good for the environment. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Well-meaning homeowners may use things that are bad for the rest of the ecosystem in order to try and improve the health of their trees. This article will discuss the right and wrong ways to take care of trees and why it matters.
Why Worry about Sustainability
Obviously, sustainability is something that everyone needs to be concerned about because of climate change and the growing human population. The impact of what people do now can last for generations. Forests are being depleted, and bees are disappearing and dying by the hive.
Though these things seem like overwhelming problems, even little steps can help. Trees are good for the environment, and taking care of them properly will do nothing but help the environment and create a beautiful landscape for future generations.
What Not To Do To Your Trees
There are tasks that may seem like a good idea for your trees or your yard, but they can leave a detrimental legacy. Some of these things are listed below.
- Topping: This means cutting a large portion from the crown of the tree. This sort of extreme tree trimming can actually kill the tree. At the very least, it can make the tree more vulnerable to tree disease and pest infestation.
- Chemical Fertilizers: Using fertilizer is not a bad thing, but chemical fertilizers can harm tree roots, especially young trees. It can also upset soil balance and cause problems for other plants.
- Chemical Pesticides: Chemical pesticides may kill more than just the targeted pest. Insects like bees and other pollinators can be harmed by this sort of chemical meant for harmful bugs.
- Herbicides: Using herbicides to kill weeds can have collateral plants and animals that are not intended targets.
What To Do For Your Trees
Tree health care and plant health care are very important, especially in an urban area such as Pittsburgh. Tree health means that the air in urban and suburban areas is healthier, because, of course, trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen.
What is the best practice for tree care? See the list below.
- Trim and prune your trees in the late winter or early spring.
- Water trees slowly and conservatively.
- Use organic fertilizer if necessary after testing the soil.
- Place organic mulch around tree roots to protect against moisture loss and extreme temperatures.
- Use mulch as a slow-release fertilizer; its decay replenishes nutrients.
- Consult an arborist about tree pruning and other services.
A reputable tree service company can help you with all of the tasks above, including tree risk assessment and tree removal if that is necessary. If you are wanting to have trees and care for them in a sustainable way, it is best to start with an expert consultation.
About Greater Pitt Tree Service
Greater Pitt Tree Service has been caring for trees in Pittsburgh, PA for more than 27 years. Call today for a free quote in the Greater Pittsburgh area.