Like everything else, trees need regular checkups to stay healthy. That's why tree maintenance services are crucial. What are the types of services and benefits?
Tips and planting
When it comes time to plant a tree, arboriculture companies offer consultation to help you select the right one according to your needs. Professionals know the pros and cons, as well as the risk of disease for each tree species. Plus, they can provide you with advice about aesthetics: if there's a particular "look" that appeals, they'll make suggestions. Moreover, they can plant the tree for you or give you guidelines if you plan to do it yourself.
Preventative care
Nothing beats a regular maintenance routine to ensure the health of your trees. Professionals will inspect the overall condition of the tree and will detect disease or infestation before it becomes problematic and potentially harmful for your tree. It also reduces the risk of the disease, or any harmful insects, from moving to adjacent trees.
Fertilizing
The soil contains all the nutrients a tree needs to grow. You can have your soil analyzed, seeded, fertilized and aerated. By treating the soil both before and after the tree is planted, you will ensure it gets off to a healthy start.
Trimming, pruning, and thinning
This consists of cutting away parts of the tree that may actually hinder its growth and well being. Trimming removes dead or damaged branches and prevents them from coming into contact with utility wires or buildings. What's more, it can also help prevent the further spread of disease to nearby trees.
If desired, trees can also be pruned to give them a specific shape or in the case of fruit trees, to maximize their crop.
Rigging
Rigging is a technique used to anchor and strengthen a branch or tree trunk to avoid breakage. It can also be used to restore the beauty of a tree that has been over pruned. The technique consists of wrapping cables around different parts of the tree to secure the branches or stabilize the trunk.
Treating diseases
If you have a diseased or infested tree, an arborist can find ways to avoid chopping it down. They will accurately diagnose the problem and use the most environmentally friendly means of treatment, while observing the bylaws of your area. Certain municipalities have restrictions regarding trimming and treating trees on your property. A reputable arborist will know them.
Emergency services
Following a storm, freezing rain or high winds, tree branches or even entire trees can break and fall on your property, car or in your swimming pool. Arborists offer a fast and efficient cleanup service and ensure the existing trees on your property are safe and secure.
*Note: In an emergency, whenever power or telephone lines are at risk from a tree, call the utility company first to let them know. They may have tree maintenance teams on call for just such an event.
Uprooting
Professionals can completely remove tree stumps on your property, whether it's because you simply want the stump gone or to eliminate the hole left in your lawn by a rotting stump. They can remove the stump with or without the roots.
Chopping a tree down
When a tree is sick or dead, it can pose a threat to other trees. In this case, chopping it down may be unavoidable. A professional will not only bring the tree down safely, but will also safely dispose of it by cutting it into pieces and hauling it away.
This is a fairly expensive service, but chopping down a tree on your own can be very dangerous if it isn’t done properly: it can pose a physical risk to you, your home, and your neighbour's property. A certified arborist should be insured.
Final word
Both beautiful and functional, trees provide shade, oxygen and a home for wildlife. Like all living things, they need regular tending. That's why scheduled tree maintenance services are crucial, whether you do it yourself or hire an arborist. They will help your trees stay healthy for years to come.
