Maintaining the health and beauty of your trees is an essential part of landscaping, but it’s important to know when you can handle tree care yourself and when you should call in a professional. Some tasks, such as watering and basic pruning, are manageable for homeowners, while others, such as tree removal or disease management, require specialized knowledge and equipment. In this post, we’ll explore the differences between DIY tree care and professional tree care services to help you make informed decisions about how to maintain your trees.
Common DIY Tree Care Tasks
As a homeowner, there are several tree care tasks you can safely handle on your own. These tasks don’t typically require professional training or specialized equipment, and they can help keep your trees healthy in between professional services. Some of the most common DIY tasks include:
- Watering
Proper watering is essential for tree health. Overwatering or underwatering can both harm trees. Depending on the tree species, you should aim to water deeply and infrequently, ensuring that water reaches the root zone. To avoid water stress:- Water trees in the early morning or late evening to prevent excessive evaporation.
- Adjust watering based on the weather; trees may need more water during dry spells.
- Mulching
Mulch is an excellent way to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weeds around your trees. Apply a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, but keep it away from the trunk to avoid rot. Use organic mulch such as wood chips, bark, or leaves to enhance soil fertility as it breaks down. - Basic Pruning
Pruning helps maintain a tree’s structure and encourages healthy growth. While extensive pruning or trimming of large branches is best left to professionals, light pruning of small branches, deadwood, and minor growth can be done yourself:- Use clean, sharp pruning shears for smaller branches.
- Remove dead or diseased branches to improve airflow and overall tree health.
- Always make clean cuts to minimize stress on the tree.
- Fertilizing
Trees, especially young ones, may benefit from fertilization to promote strong growth. Use a slow-release fertilizer that is appropriate for the specific type of tree you have. Fertilization should be done in early spring or late fall when the tree is not in its growing phase. - Inspecting for Pests
Keep an eye out for signs of pest infestations. Common tree pests, such as aphids, beetles, or caterpillars, can damage your tree if left untreated. If you notice any unusual signs—such as wilting leaves, holes in the bark, or sticky residue—take action by removing pests manually, using natural remedies like neem oil, or consulting a professional for treatment.
When to Call a Professional Arborist or Tree Service
While there are many tree care tasks you can handle yourself, some situations require the expertise of a professional arborist or tree care company. Here are some instances when it’s best to call in the experts:
- Tree Removal
Removing a tree, especially a large or hazardous one, is a dangerous and complex job that requires specialized knowledge and equipment. Even if a tree is only partially damaged, attempting to remove it yourself can lead to serious injury or property damage. A professional tree removal service has the experience and proper equipment (e.g., cranes, ropes, and chainsaws) to safely and efficiently remove trees, even in tricky locations.Additionally, removing a tree isn’t always straightforward. A tree may be leaning or positioned near power lines, buildings, or roads, which adds complexity. A certified arborist can assess the situation and determine the best course of action for safe tree removal. - Tree Pruning for Large or High Branches
Pruning large branches, especially those located at significant heights or near power lines, is not a task for amateurs. The risk of falling limbs or accidents increases when you attempt to prune branches that are too high or difficult to access. Professionals use climbing gear and aerial lifts to safely prune trees at height, ensuring the branches are removed carefully without causing injury to the tree or surrounding property.Furthermore, certain pruning cuts can have a significant impact on the tree’s health. Arborists understand the proper techniques to prune trees without causing damage, ensuring that the tree continues to grow healthily and without the risk of disease. - Tree Health Diagnosis and Disease Treatment
Identifying tree diseases and pests requires a trained eye. Many tree diseases start with subtle signs, such as yellowing leaves, spots, or unusual growth patterns. A professional arborist can diagnose the issue and recommend the appropriate treatment, which might involve pruning, fertilization, or applying a specific pesticide.Certain diseases, like Oak Wilt or Dutch Elm Disease, require immediate attention to prevent the infection from spreading to nearby trees. Without proper treatment, a tree may become more susceptible to pests or fungi, further damaging the tree and its surroundings. - Storm-Damaged Trees
Storms often leave behind trees that are leaning, have broken limbs, or are otherwise damaged. Assessing the safety of storm-damaged trees is best left to a professional. Not all storm-damaged trees need to be removed, but determining whether a tree is stable or at risk of falling requires specialized knowledge.A professional arborist will inspect the tree for hidden damage, assess its root system, and recommend whether the tree can be saved with pruning or if removal is necessary. Attempting to assess or remove storm-damaged trees without expertise can be dangerous, especially if the tree is near power lines or buildings. - Soil Issues and Deep Root Fertilization
Sometimes, a tree may show signs of distress due to poor soil conditions, such as compacted soil or a lack of nutrients. Professional arborists can conduct soil tests to assess the health of the soil around the tree and recommend soil amendments to improve its fertility.Deep root fertilization is a technique used to deliver nutrients directly to the tree’s roots using specialized equipment. This process is particularly useful for older or established trees, which may have deep roots that are difficult to reach. Deep root fertilization can help improve the tree’s health and ensure it continues to thrive. - Tree Cabling and Bracing
Trees that have structural weaknesses or are at risk of breaking under wind pressure may benefit from cabling or bracing. This technique involves installing cables or braces to support the tree and prevent further damage. This service is especially helpful for trees with multiple trunks, weak branch attachments, or trees in areas with high winds.An arborist can assess the tree’s structure and determine if cabling or bracing is needed. This specialized service requires experience and expertise to ensure the tree is properly supported without causing harm.
The Benefits of Hiring a Certified Arborist
A certified arborist is a trained tree care professional who has earned certification through organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Hiring a certified arborist has several advantages:
- Expert Knowledge
Certified arborists have in-depth knowledge of tree biology, disease management, pruning techniques, and safe tree removal practices. Their training ensures that they can identify and address tree issues accurately and efficiently. - Safety
Tree care is a hazardous job, especially when dealing with large trees or dangerous conditions. Arborists are trained to handle trees safely, using the proper tools and techniques to minimize the risk of injury. - Proper Equipment
Professional arborists have access to specialized equipment, including climbing gear, aerial lifts, chainsaws, and stump grinders. This equipment allows them to handle even the most challenging tree care tasks. - Long-Term Tree Health
An arborist can provide ongoing care and advice to ensure your trees remain healthy for years to come. Whether it’s regular pruning, disease prevention, or soil management, a certified arborist can help maintain the beauty and stability of your trees.
Conclusion: Knowing When to DIY and When to Hire Professionals
In many cases, DIY tree care can be a rewarding and manageable task for homeowners. Watering, mulching, light pruning, and pest control are great ways to keep your trees healthy without professional help. However, when it comes to more complex or risky tasks, such as tree removal, pruning large branches, diagnosing diseases, or addressing storm damage, hiring a professional arborist or tree care service is essential for ensuring safety, tree health, and the longevity of your landscape.
By understanding the difference between tasks you can handle yourself and those that require expert care, you’ll be able to maintain a beautiful, safe, and healthy landscape while making the best use of professional tree care services when necessary.