Even an experienced landscaper can make the mistake of thinking that their trees will pretty much ‘take care of themselves’. After all, we usually think of shrubs and trees as being hearty, sturdy plants, so most gardeners spend their time caring for flowers and grass. However, trees need attention too if they are going to thrive over the long run, so don’t make the mistake of ignoring this part of your landscape.
For help in providing the right kind of care for your trees, please review the frequently asked questions below.
Is Mulch a Good Idea for Trees?
Absolutely! There are a couple of benefits to be enjoyed when you mulch around your trees. For starters, a few inches of good quality mulch will help to keep the roots cool during the hot summer months, which is great for the tree’s health. Also, the mulch should help to prevent other growth from developing around the base of the tree, such as grass and weeds. Weeds are particularly unsightly when they grow up around your trees, and they can also steal water which would have otherwise ended up in the roots of the tree itself. Mulching is an easy task and it can work wonders for the health of the trees on your property.
How Much Water Do Trees Need?
An inch of water, applied by a sprinkler, is a great place to start. However, the needs of your trees will vary based on soil conditions, the size of the tree, the weather, and more. It is important to understand that you will be better served to water deeply on a periodic basis, rather than watering shallowly every day. You likely don’t need to water your trees every day (unless the weather is particularly hot), but when you do water make sure to apply enough to soak all the way down to the roots.
Will the Irrigation of My Lawn Water Trees As Well?
You shouldn’t count on the irrigation system you have in place for you lawn to provide enough water to keep your trees healthy as well. Most likely, the irrigation of your lawn is going to be frequent and shallow – a small amount of water each morning, for example. That kind of watering simply isn’t beneficial to most trees. Instead, it is a deep soak that will get down to the roots and hydrate the tree. Plan on watering your trees separately from the water which is already being applied to your grass.
In general, your trees are not going to need as much care as the rest of your landscape. With that said, you still can’t expect to ignore your trees altogether and have them thrive well into the future. Carefully plan out your watering schedule, and also provide your trees with periodic fertilization as well. With just a little bit of attention, trees can become one of the key components of a great landscape design.