In Northwest Indiana, summer tree care in Valparaiso is essential to maintaining a gorgeous, healthy, and safe property. The Midwest summer heat, humidity, and storms all can have a negative impact on your property. Without routine care, you can face drastic concerns such as tree pests, diseases, storm damage, and many other problems. Fortunately, proactive measures can help protect your property.
In this article, we’ll discuss 5 vital tips to taking care of your trees this summer. From watering your trees strategically to utilizing the proper fertilizers, there are many ways you can care for your trees. Then, we’ll help you learn how to tell if you need the help of a professional tree company for your tree care in Valpo. Let’s get started.
5 Essential Summer Tree Care Tips
It’s important to care for your trees on your own. While tree service companies are an excellent resource for routine services such as tree trimming and inspections, tree maintenance on your part can help you avoid costly concerns and save money over time. We’ve compiled several tips to help you with your tree care in Valparaiso. Learn more about how you can maintain your trees below, and feel free to reach out to our experts at T&T Tree Service if you have any further questions.
1.Water Strategically
While Northwest Indiana has various storms, the area also has several dry spells. This can present an issue for your property, as dry spells can negatively impact your trees. With watering strategies, you can help your trees while ensuring a healthy and prosperous property.
For young trees, you will want to water them weekly if you find yourself in a dry spell. You can water older trees every two to three weeks. Additionally, there are signs that you are overwatering or underwatering your trees. Underwatering can be identified by finding leaves that are crunchy. Overwatering signs include gummy or wilted brown leaves.
2. Mulch for Moisture & Protection
Not only does mulch keep your trees healthy through moisture retention, but it also provides benefits such as root insulation and weed control. The best types of mulch for your tree care in Valparaiso include natural hardwood mulch, cedar mulch, black brown, or red mulch, and many more options.
To place your mulch, simply apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch over your tree’s soil. It’s important to make sure that each area is covered, and that you have a 3-5 foot radius around the stem of your tree. In addition, you will need to apply fresh mulch at least once a year to maintain the proper thickness and appearance of your property.
3. Inspect for Pests & Diseases
There are many pests and diseases in Northwest Indiana. You’ll want to keep an eye out for the spotted lanternfly, bagworms, emerald ash borer, and more pests. You can identify them through exit patterns in your trees, large nests on tree trunks or in leaves, and more. Many NWI tree diseases include Dutch Elm Disease, Phytophthora Root Rot, Oak Wilt, Anthracnose, and more. If your tree appears to be dying or you see dark spots or other fungal indicators on your trees, you may be dealing with a disease.
While some pests and diseases can be handled by the property owner, it’s important to know exactly what you’re dealing with. That’s why you’ll want to book an inspection with a reliable tree contractor, so you know the direct cause of your tree’s declining health. Not only can a tree company help identify a pest, but they can also help you find a dependable solution, such as tree trimming, tree removal, or other tree care solutions.
4. Prune for Safety & Health
Did you know that tree trimming is very healthy for your trees? It’s true! Tree pruning can help your tree heal from any storm damage, diseases, or pests. In addition, this care method encourages fruit and flower-bearing trees to grow more. In turn, you’ll see an increased curb appeal and overall health of your property.
If you are trained and experienced in tree trimming, you can complete this task yourself. However, if you don’t have the skills or equipment, you can risk injury or damage to your tree and your property. You will want to contact a trusted tree company to help you with your tree trimming services, so you don’t have to worry.
5. Fertilize Wisely
Fertilizing your tree is essential to your tree care in Valparaiso. Fertilization ensures your tree gets the nutrients it needs, and it helps promote growth for your trees and the rest of your property. However, this tree care method needs to be done carefully, so you don’t risk oversaturating your tree and cause various issues, such as harm to tree roots and soil balance.
Tree fertilization should be done once a year, either in the spring or in the fall. You’ll want to ensure that your fertilizer is spread evenly across your soil so your entire property will have the proper nutrients. If your trees turn yellow, brown, or are wilting prematurely, then you may have oversaturated your tree. You can flush your soil with water to remove the excess nutrients.
Signs Your Tree May Need Professional Help
Now that you know everything you can do to care for your tree this summer, it’s time to learn about the times where you may need the help of a professional tree care company. When it comes to your tree care in Valparaiso, you should never have to face your tree concerns alone. It’s important to know when it’s time to reach out for expert help. Learn more about the signs you need a tree contractor below.
Leaning, splitting, or large dead branches: Not only is this a major concern that can be caused by pests, storm damage, or a tree disease, but it is also not a situation you can handle without the proper training or equipment. Fortunately, many tree service companies, such as our team at T&T Tree Service, can help you find the proper solutions. We may even have a solution that can save your tree!
Unusual leaf drop, discoloration, or trunk damage: There are many factors that can cause this concern. From overfertilization to overwatering, it’s important to know the exact situation. You will want to book an inspection with a professional, so you know precisely what is going on with your tree.
Insect infestations and tree diseases that spread quickly: Sometimes, pest infestations will spread so fast you won’t know it’s happening until it’s too late. The same is true for tree diseases, and both of these factors can spread to other trees across your property, causing you various problems. Fortunately, tree service companies can find a rapid solution that will save your property and keep your home or business protected.
Summary: How to Maintain Your Trees
All in all, there are many things you can do to care for your trees this summer. With watering strategies, pest and disease inspections, routine trimming and pruning, and fertilization methods, you can ensure quality tree care in Valparaiso. Maintaining your property will result in gorgeous trees that you’ll love for many years.
In addition, it’s important to note that some situations may be outside of your expertise. If you’re dealing with severe storm damage, leaning trees, unusual leaf drop, or fast-spreading pests, you’ll want to reach out to a professional tree service company. Then, you can determine exactly what is going on and how to fix these massive issues.
Ready to Get Started with Your Summer Tree Care? Call T&T Tree Service Today!
Looking for a dependable team to assist you with your tree care in Valparaiso, Indiana? T&T Tree Service is here to help. Our team is dedicated to excellence at every corner, and we’re ready to take your call. With our reliable tree trimming, tree removal, stump grinding, and other services, we can help you maintain your property for many years. Whether you simply need a tree inspection or you need help with a tree leaning over your power lines, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s care for your property today! Call T&T Tree Service to book a FREE estimate and inspection. We’re ready to help you with your tree care in Valparaiso