FRIENDS OF THE LAKE
Trees Are the Best Neighbors
Trees don’ t ask for much, but they quietly work for us every day. They can add value to our property, help cool our houses and neighborhood in the summer, block winds to lower heating costs in the winter, and provide food and shelter for wildlife. They beautify streets and roads. They improve water and air quality. Some studies even indicate that people who live near trees are healthier than people who don’ t. And for all this, they do not ask for much in return.
People seldom realize the harmful effects of wrapping cord, rope, or chain around trees. That topping trees reduces their health and the hope for a long life. That piling mulch too thickly around the base can lead to disease. This is no way to repay our beautiful trees! Starting today, vow to help the trees in your life and repay them for all the good they do.
How can you help trees on or near your property?
1. USE POSTS OR STAKES TO SECURE YOUR DOCK OR MOOR YOUR BOAT. REFRAIN FROM USING TREES!
Using a tree to anchor your dock or boat will kill the tree over time. Properly secure your dock or moor your boat with posts or stakes.
Fungus is a sure sign that a tree is dying.
This tree is slowly choking to death.
2. MULCH WISELY
Mulching is one of the most beneficial things you can do for the health of a tree. Mulch can reduce water loss from the soil, reduce weed competition, and improve soil.
However, mulch must be applied properly. If it is too deep or if the wrong material is used, it can actually cause harm to trees and other landscape plants.
Correct! Mulch wide, not deep.
Incorrect! Mulch Volcanoes like this cause many problems for trees.
Proper Mulching Techniques
• If mulch is piled against the stems or tree trunks, pull it back several inches so that the base of the trunk and the root crown is exposed.
• If mulch is already present, check the depth. Mulch should be 2 to 4 inches thick. Do not add mulch if there is a sufficient layer in place. Rake the old mulch to break up any matted layers and to refresh the appearance. If the site has drainage problems, use less mulch.
• Use mulches made from natural materials, such as wood chips, pine needles, hardwood and softwood bark, cocoa hulls, leaves, compost mixes, and other products that come from plants. Avoid sour-smelling mulch.
Some mulch, especially mulch containing cut grass, can affect soil pH. Continued use of these mulches over long periods can lead to micronutrient deficiencies or toxicities.
• Place mulch to the tree’ s drip line or beyond. The drip line refers to the edge of the tree’ s canopy.
Adapted from: © 2007 International Society of Arboriculture. http:// www. treesaregood. com / treecare / mulching. aspx
3. PRUNE WISELY
As beneficial as trees are, sometimes they can get a little suffocating. If trees on your property are crowding your personal space, think about pruning lower branches, rather than removing the entire tree. Pruning lower branches can create a more open feeling while maintaining the vital tree canopy. The following tips will help you safely prune limbs. If you aren’ t comfortable doing it yourself, hire a certified arborist.
12 LakeTalk March 2017