Your trees may emerge from winter with a few hidden injuries. If you ignore these small issues now, they can grow into big problems that cost thousands of dollars to fix once summer arrives. Taking time to check on your trees in early spring is a smart way to protect your home and your bank account.
Finding the Hidden Damage Early
To be really thorough about checking your trees, walk slowly around your property, and carefully look at each one. Check for cracks in the bark or branches that look lopsided and are about to snap. A tiny crack can be an invitation for pests to move in or tree rot to take hold. Branches that are vulnerable to breaking can come crashing down on your house. Catching these issues before they get out of control is the best way to keep your maintenance costs low and your stress levels even lower.
The Hidden Cost of Clogged Roots
The area right around the base of the trunk is the most important part of the tree for staying healthy and upright. Over the winter, piles of wet leaves, trash, and old mulch can build up against the bark. This creates a soggy environment that invites fungus to grow. So, you need to remove the debris. Keeping this area clean and dry prevents deep rot that usually necessitates total tree removal, which can cost a significant amount of money.
Smart Pruning for Future Safety
Spring is the perfect time to look up into the canopy to see which branches are struggling to grow their new buds. If you see a limb that looks gray and brittle while the rest of the tree is turning green, that branch is likely dead and needs to be removed immediately. Dead wood is unpredictable because it can snap without warning.
Work with an arborist to prune these branches. Never try to do this job yourself because you can cause serious injury to yourself or someone nearby if you make one wrong move. Arborists have years of training and experience that no DIY video on YouTube or Instagram can replicate.
Watching for Pests Before They Spread
In spring, all sorts of insects start to wake up and look for a place to eat and lay their eggs. Some of these bugs are harmless. However, others can kill a healthy tree in one or two seasons if you don’t stop them early. During your spring cleaning, look for tiny holes in the trunk or sticky sap dripping from the leaves. These are usually the first warnings of a pest problem. If you catch an infestation in the spring, you can usually treat it.
When you give your trees some spring love, you are protecting your home and making sure your backyard remains a safe, beautiful place to relax. Once the work is done, you can sit back and enjoy the shade, knowing that your trees are ready to handle whatever summer brings. If you have concerns or require emergency tree services, contact Willow Tree & Landscaping in Huntingdon Valley, PA.