At one time or another, we’ve likely all been struck by an impressive sight — a tree that has stood the test of time. These trees come in many forms. They might be particularly large or appear old and wizened. Some may be relics of the time before settlers, some may be remnants of groves that arose with the beginning of fire suppression in the late 1800s. Some may be the result of developing suburbs in the mid-1900s. All provide several important benefits to our neighborhoods but also require a certain amount of care to maintain. Managing the health and safety of mature trees is where our ISA Certified Arborists and Board-Certified Master Arborists come in. This post will provide an understanding of the steps we can take to preserve these important assets.
Our largest trees provide shade to our yards and homes, helping to cool our living spaces and reduce energy usage. They soak up rainwater, reducing run-off and erosion that can damage our waterways. They also absorb large amounts of carbon and other pollution. This helps to reduce the effects of climate change and clean the air we breathe. Research has shown that being around trees improves our health in multiple ways. An improvement in mood, quality of life, recovery from illness and injury, and lifespan have all been linked to time spent outdoors. Prolonging the lives of these trees allows them to continue to provide benefits for future generations.
Veteran trees are an essential part of our broader ecosystem, serving as hubs for many other forms of life. This goes beyond the more visible examples of animals using trees for homes and food. These trees provide shelter and food within the soil and the wood itself. Fungi in the soil form connections with tree roots, greatly extending the underground network of the tree and allowing it to make connections and share resources with other trees nearby. As branches die and wood decays, insects will begin to feed below the bark attracting woodpeckers and other animals. The depiction of an old mother tree at the heart of the forest often seen in stories and films is more than just a trope — these trees are crucial to how forests function.
Arborists must balance several factors when making decisions about how to care for these trees. Our main goal is to preserve the vigor and character of mature trees, but we also recognize that trees do not exist in a vacuum. Ensuring the safety of people, pets, homes, and vehicles as well as improving aesthetics are also reasons for us to act. Every tree and property is different — our arborists work with clients to address their concerns in ways that center around the beauty and health of their trees.
One of the main things we can do to manage mature trees is pruning. Pruning is different than trimming in that pruning is the technique of removing both living and dead tissue with precisely made cuts, for specific reasons. We take out dead branches for safety and to improve appearances. We prune to clear buildings and roadways and to preserve structures and vehicles. Pruning can also be used to improve sightlines. We also use selective tip reduction pruning as the first step to address limbs that have structural defects or are at higher risk of failing.
Although the canopy of a tree often gets all the attention, we also work to address issues with the soil and root system. While traditional fertilizing techniques have their benefits, as a tree ages it can become more sensitive to dramatic swings in soil fertility. When caring for veteran trees, begin with a soil analysis and develop a comprehensive soil improvement plan. This can entail amending the soil to improve fertility, addressing nutrient deficiencies, and mitigating compaction and other disturbances. To accomplish this, we use air tools to excavate around the root system without damaging roots, add granular organic fertilizers and other soil amendments, and liquid fertilizers injected into the soil as needed.
Mature and veteran trees not only improve our property values, but they’re also assets to our community and environment. It falls on of all of us to manage these assets responsibly, using the most up-to-date scientific techniques. This is where our ISA Certified Arborists and Board-Certified Master Arborists come in. Our staff regularly participates in continuing education to stay on top of the latest research. We conduct in-house training to teach and refine modern mature shade tree pruning techniques.
If you are responsible for managing these centerpieces of our landscape and would like guidance, our experts are standing by. To set up an appointment with an arborist, contact us today.
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