If you live in the Dandenong Ranges, you’ll likely already know the value big old trees bring in terms of beauty and ambience. When mature trees are well-cared for, not only do they look magnificent, but they can also add value to your property, provide habitat for native animals, improve air quality, improve your mental well-being and can even help to reduce your home’s air conditioning costs.
Caring for your mature trees doesn’t need to be costly or time-consuming. Here are a few ways you can ensure your trees continue to be a valuable asset in your life, environment, and the lives of future generations.
Protect the root zone
The most important part of the tree to protect is hidden away underground. Healthy root systems transport essential water and nutrients throughout the tree. To identify the root zone of a tree, notice where the canopy of the tree extends out to (the drip-line). The area of ground directly below this is the most critical area to protect. Root systems often extend even further out than this, but this is a good rule-of-thumb to keep in mind.
Avoid digging or trenching near the roots as this is a sure-fire way to cause damage that can eventually lead to the tree dying. Even cutting a single 100mm root is all that it takes to significantly damage a tree. Soil compaction can also create a barrier for water and oxygen transfer, so avoid parking or driving vehicles over the root zone.
Mulch, and then mulch some more
Laying down a thick layer of mulch over the root zone helps to retain soil moisture during our dry summers. A layer of around 7 to 10mm should be about right. Mulch also help to insulate the root zone against temperature extremes. By adding layers of mulch over many years, soil health and structure is greatly improved.
Keep a close eye on the health of the tree’s canopy
If you notice the leaves becoming more sparse than usual or the tree looks a bit like it has been munched on, this could be a sign of something causing damage to the canopy which could potentially lead to a decline in the health of the tree.
Some common causes of damage to the canopy include excessive possum grazing (possum guards can be installed to deter them) or insects such as elm leaf beetle (only affects elm species).
If you’re unsure, a professional arborist can check the health of your trees and recommend a course of action.
Maintain your trees
Regular maintenance by a professional arborist improves the safety and form of a mature tree and will prolong its life. Selectively reducing the weight of over-extended limbs and removing dead, damaged or faulty branches will reduce the likelihood of falling branches and improves the overall safety of the tree. Plus, it’s amazing how impressive a tree can look after it’s had a professional prune – like a good haircut!
Enjoy and appreciate your trees!
Look up into the canopy regularly and appreciate the magnificence such a long-lived and massive asset contributes to our environment.
If you’d like to have the best tree care team in the Dandenong Ranges looking after your trees, contact us for a free quote!
