NATURAL CARE FOR TREES
The biggest threats to most trees are soil compaction, physical damage, and competition from other trees or turf. Of course if you are planting a new tree, make certain you have made the right choice for the location and soil type. Test your soil and amend it as necessary before you put the tree in the ground.
But for most established trees there a few simple measures that give them a boost.
Have an arborist trim their canopy and competing canopies when it is needed. Then they get enough light and air, and they will be more resilient during a storm.
Consider having a professional aerate around the tree with an air spade. Don’t do this on your own because you don’t want to damage the trees roots.
Then add four or five inches of compost topped with leaf mulch to a distance of about 1/3 of the canopy. Together this will allow oxygen to penetrate to the roots and the soil structure and biome to develop.
Have the soil tested every three to five years or if new growth is less than about two inches or the leaves are yellow. Trees need micronutrients including calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, magnesium, and iron as well as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. They are also sensitive to pH, and the pH affects how the nutrients are absorbed by the tree.
Fall or spring? Some people suggest fertilizing in spring when there is a growth flush and others in fall when root growth is strong and then the tree is going dormant.
Too much fertilizer is also bad for the tree, so have your arborist help you pick a natural fertilizer in the right amount, only when it is needed.
Your trees are supposed to have some insects, that is part of the web of life. If you have an infestation there are good natural ways to deal with it. Neem spray as a dormant oil early in the spring (some people even use soy oil) is very effective. Spinsoad, a product of fermentation of the bacteria S. Spinosa is a very effective pesticide, but it also kills good bugs and bees. So only use it when necessary and early in the morning or late in the evening when bees are in their hives.
Remember, the best defense against plant disease is good soil culture and strong populations of beneficial insects.
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