Tree Care

It’s Not What Your Tree can do for You, It’s What You can do for Your Trees

From cleaning and replenishing the air we breathe to providing shelter from sun and wind, the trees of Lincolnshire add so much to the quality of life for Village residents. Yet, for all the benefits that they provide, trees ask very little in return. Here are a few things that your trees may ask of you and some ways that you can oblige them.

I’m SO thirsty, can I have a sip of that? Yup...trees like to drink. A Lot! Since summers around here (and sometimes Spring and Fall) can be pretty dry, your trees would be absolutely smitten with you if you give their root zones a good soaking once a week in the absence of rain. As a tree grows and matures, its extensive root system allows it to tolerate long periods without rain, but young and newly planted trees have relatively few roots, so they should be watered two to three times a week (especially when its hot!).

I really need a new look, whose your stylist? Some trees are happy to just let there crowns grow how ever and where ever they please. That’s just fine for the scruffy and unpredictable trees living in the forest, but, in our yards, most of us would prefer a more civilized and nicely groomed tree that we can show off to our friends. Every four to five years do yourself (and your trees) a favor, have them pruned by an arborist. A well trained arborist will trim out problematic branches and shape the tree’s crown, leaving it strong and reinvigorated. At the very least have somebody trim off the ‘dead ends.’

I love your wood floors, do you think I could get something like that? Trees Love Mulch! It reminds them of living in the forest. It’s also extremely functional. A nice ring of shredded mulch around the base of your trees will hold moisture, regulate root zone temperatures, and protect the sensitive tree trunk from lawn mowers and weed-wackers. Spread mulch loosely, 2- 4 inches is ideal, and make the mulch ring as big as you want. But BEWARE OF VOLCANO MULCHING! Volcano mulching is when mulch gets piled up like a mountain around the trunk of a tree. When mulch is touching the tree trunk, it holds moisture there and doesn’t let the tree bark dry (this allows decay and let’s insects eat away at the tree’s base). So when mulching, be sure to keep it away from the base of the tree.

I think there’s something on my back, can you swat it off? When there’s a bug on your back, you ask a friend to brush it away. So, do the same for your trees. While most bugs that hang out on trees are of no concern, Lincolnshire residents should always be on the lookout for Gypsy Moths. This time of year the next generation of gypsy moths are attached to trees in the form of “egg masses.” These fuzzy tan colored masses, about the size of a quarter, contain up to 800 eggs that will hatch into leaf eating caterpillars in the spring. So when you see them, scrape them into a bucket of soapy water. This will kill the eggs and neither you nor the tree will have to deal with the caterpillars come spring. Another nuisance to trees is clinging vines. While vines do not cause problems when they are small, as they grow they can burden and choke a tree. So do your trees a favor by cutting out any vines that get thicker than your thumb.

I don’t feel so good, could you call the doctor? Just like people, trees can get sick every once in while. So pay attention to signs that your tree may not be feeling well. Discolored leaves, crown dieback, and loose bark are a few things to look for. Most tree disorders are caused by insects, bacteria, or fungi, and many of these problems can be cured. If you think your tree may be sick, call an Arborist or the Village Forester for advice.

With just a little bit of care and attention, you can ensure that your trees will continue to give back to you for years to come. So get to know your trees, and if you have any questions contact Chris Fisher at 847.913.2365.