Your arborist can help keep your property safe and secure during harsh winter months.

Trees can fall at any time, heavy snow and strong winds and rain can easily cause them to fall. Extreme weather, such as a hurricane, can certainly cause an otherwise healthy tree to fall, but in most cases, red flags are evident only to an arborist.

In many cases, unhealthy root systems are the problem. Roots that move and slip when branches are trying to stand up to heavy winds can cause even huge trees to fall. Poor roots are often the cause of poor planting, and a crowded infrastructure and hidden root damage can exacerbate it.

Healthy roots are the key to a healthy tree, but unfortunately, since roots are hidden, it can be tough for the average homeowner to gauge root health.

Arborists Recommend Starting with the Soil

If you’re planting saplings, know that roots require three years to get established. Roots are where nutrients are stored, and during the early years, a widespread root base is the tree’s top concern. Soil shouldn’t be compacted, and new trees need a hole about 4 feet in diameter to spread out. Plant root balls 1½ inches above the soil level, and grade the soil down and away from the tree to prevent water pools.

Poor root ball planting can lead to roots growing from the top (which means unsupported future roots).

Choosing the right place to plant a sapling is also important, and a decision arborists can help you with. Big trees (around 45 feet tall) need to be planted at least 15 feet from buildings, 30 feet from other big trees, and 8 feet from concrete to grow uninterrupted.

Trees require root and canopy space. If it comes down to your foundation, sidewalk, or other structure and a healthy root system, the tree always wins (and will happily move your structure in the process).

Tree Services to Prevent Falls

Overwatering leads to oversaturation, which can kill roots. Trees also need regular pruning, especially in their first decade, but too much pruning can cause decay and weakening. Avoid topping trees, which gets rid of chlorophyll-minded leaves, causing branch weakness. Topped trees mean heavy growth, and this sometimes causes falls. Trunk and bark damage can also cause surprisingly intense weakening.

Tree maintenance, particularly for younger trees, can be a delicate process. Many homeowners prefer to have an arborist take charge to ensure happy, hazard-free trees. Signs of damage that can lead to weak root systems are often obvious only to an arborist and other tree professionals who have the experience and tools to take care of the problem. Schedule your winter tree check now and call a local arborist at Reliable Tree Care.