After the harsh winter we just had, it’s not a bad idea to go outside and check your trees for signs of damage. Many fragile species, like pine, hemlock, and ornamentals took a beating in the heavy ice storm we had, though it seems most of our trees suffered damage, regardless of type.
Dead or dying trees don’t just pose a threat to the trees’ health, but to your property and your neighbors’ as well. Take a stroll on a sunny day. Look for damage, like hanging limbs (widow-makers) that will eventually fall off. Look for splitting, and even rot between the trunk and branching limbs. Use proper pruning tools, such as pruning saws, loppers, hand pruners for smaller twigs, pole saws for branches high up, and when needed, your trusty chainsaw. Proper pruning is an art and is essential to tree health! Remember to never take more than 30% of the specimen; start with broken, dead, diseased, and dying limbs; and prune to the nearest healthy bud, or to the branch collar. Trees don’t “heal” they “compartmentalize”. Pruning them properly ensures they can continue to grow healthily and fight off insects and disease. Here are the USDA’s tips for proper pruning!
When in doubt, keep everyone safe and have them inspected by a professional arborist. If you need a recommendation, we have several!
Tree maintenance isn’t the only thing that you should consider when it comes to trees. If you have the available space, why not plant one? According to the NH Division of Forests and Lands, “Like electricity and water, an urban tree canopy is part of a community’s infrastructure, providing valuable environmental, economic and social benefits.” Let’s plant our communities future together!
Did you know Catherine is a Horticulturist? If you have questions about plant selection, pruning, or general care, she’s always happy to talk about plants!