How to Make a Tree Healthy: Professional Arborist Tips & Tricks

Does the towering oak in your backyard bring back memories of childhood tire swings, lazy summer afternoons reading in its shade, or watching leaves drift down in autumn? Thanks to these memories, the tree has become a large part of your family history, and if you want to preserve it for generations to come, you need to invest in proper tree care.

The ISA-certified arborists at All About Trees have been growing healthy trees with everything from deep root fertilization and soil injections to precise pruning and specialized rootwork for decades, and we’re ready to help your trees thrive, too.

If you’re wondering how to grow healthy trees, these arborist tips and tricks will guide you in the right direction.

Provide the Right Amount of Water

Just like any other plant, trees need the right amount of water to grow strong and healthy. Established trees often require deep, infrequent watering rather than daily surface watering. The key is to saturate the entire root zone so the tree can access moisture even during dry spells.

During dry periods, especially in the summer months, mature trees in Springfield, MO, benefit from deep watering every few weeks. Use a slow-drip irrigation system or a soaker hose to ensure that water penetrates deeply into the soil. 

For younger, newly planted trees, make sure to water the base of the tree every few weeks during the first two years. This will encourage strong root development.

While getting the soil saturated is important, overwatering can be just as harmful as underwatering. Make sure the soil has enough time to partially dry before watering again. This will help you avoid root rot and other health issues.

Prune Your Tree With Care

Pruning is essential to maintaining tree health, as it gets rid of dead, diseased, or overcrowded branches. With that said, you can’t make cuts here and there at a whim — pruning must be done correctly. Improper pruning can cause significant damage, leading to weak branch structures and vulnerability to disease.

If you ask our certified arborists when you should have your tree pruned, we would say it should be done during its dormant season, typically late fall or winter. This reduces stress on the tree and prevents diseases from spreading through open wounds.

Nourish the Soil With Proper Fertilization

A tree’s health is only as good as the soil it’s rooted in. After all, poor soil conditions can lead to weak, stunted growth and make the tree more vulnerable to disease and pests. For this reason, one of the best arborist tips you can follow is to nourish the soil around the trunk with essential nutrients.

In many cases, trees in urban settings will need potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus, but some may also benefit from magnesium, calcium, or sulphur. You will want to have your trees fertilized in the spring, at which time the temperature isn’t too severe and there’s usually plenty of rain to carry the nutrients to the root system.

For the best results, you should invest in deep root fertilization. This technique injects nutrients directly into the root zone and promotes robust growth and resilience against environmental stressors.

Prevent Pests and Disease Before They Take Over

A tree’s worst enemies are pests and diseases that can weaken or kill it if left unchecked. Common tree diseases like oak wilt, Dutch elm disease, and root rot are threats to trees in Springfield, MO. And since many of these problems start at the roots, it’s important to focus on soil health.

Consider applying disease-resistant treatments, maintaining proper soil pH, and using soil injections to fortify the tree’s immune system to properly prevent insects and diseases. If you notice unusual leaf discoloration, bark damage, or signs of insect infestations, consult a certified arborist immediately to diagnose and treat the issue before it worsens.

Keep Grass Away From the Trunk

The little blades of grass around your tree may seem harmless, but when they grow too close to a tree’s trunk, the grass competes with the tree for water and nutrients. Plus, it traps excess moisture against the trunk, creating a breeding ground for fungi and pests.

To promote a healthy tree, create a mulch ring around the base to keep it free of grass and weeds. This simple tree maintenance step reduces competition and even protects the bark from mechanical damage caused by lawnmowers and trimmers.

Mulch Wisely for Extra Protection

Mulching is an easy yet effective way to protect and nourish trees. For example, a well-applied layer of mulch conserves moisture, regulates soil temperature, and reduces weed competition.

Of course, you need to keep a few things in mind when mulching. Be sure to consider these arborist tips and tricks for growing healthy trees:

• Only spread a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch around the tree, extending out to the drip line.
• Avoid piling mulch against the trunk, as this can cause rot and attract pests.
• Be sure to add mulch around young trees because the organic materials help the trees establish strong roots in the early stages of growth.

Strengthen Your Tree’s Root System

Don’t forget about the parts of your tree that you can’t see aboveground. The tree’s roots are the foundation on which the entire tree depends, so it’s necessary to perform a bit of rootwork from time to time.

If your tree has compacted soil, root girdling, or other underground issues, it may struggle to absorb water and nutrients. Professional rootwork can help alleviate these problems. For example, our ISA-certified arborists use techniques such as root collar excavation and air spading to relieve compaction and improve root health. In this way, the mature tree can withstand harsh weather conditions, resist diseases, and continue growing strong for years to come.

Protect the Tree’s Trunk

Damage to the trunk, whether from landscaping equipment, harsh weather, or wildlife, can leave the tree vulnerable to disease and decay. Using tree guards or protective wraps can help safeguard young trees from physical damage, while handling mature trees carefully can be beneficial.

Contact Us to Learn More About Growing Healthy Trees

Do you want to grow trees that remain strong and healthy for future generations? Trust your tree’s care to the experts at All About Trees! Our certified arborists have extensive training in tree biology, disease management, and proper pruning techniques and can quickly diagnose and treat issues before they become major problems. We can also provide additional arborist tips that allow you to preserve the beauty and sentimental value of your trees for years to come.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the guesswork out of tree care in Springfield, MO!