Having trees in a garden can be an absolute blessing. They provide a wonderful focal point and add to the beauty of any garden no matter how big or small. They provide a wide range of benefits to the local wildlife and fauna, as well as to the household.
Trees give oxygen to the world, and they provide shelter for the garden and the home. They can block out some of the sun’s rays on the hottest days, and keep a home cooler.
If you are planning to add more plants to your garden, then understanding the best trees to plant in a backyard is the right starting point. If you have mature trees already then you will need to know how to look after them.
What maintenance do trees need?
Typically your main maintenance responsibilities will be water, soil, and trimming. Mulching can improve the quality of the soil easily. New trees will need watering carefully, and pruning or trimming will be needed sometimes.
Some trees do require more maintenance than others, and events out of your control can occur too. Storms for instance can lead to tree damage and toppling. Disease can occur, and old trees will eventually die.
Some experts recommend that you also have an inspection once a year to check on the health of your trees, and to catch any issues early on.
When it comes to watering and mulching, you can happily do this yourself, but what about the trimming?
Can you trim trees yourself?
Yes, you can trim your own trees. But only sometimes.
If you want to learn to prune and trim a tree that is perfectly ok, but generally only if it is a small or young one. Ideally, if you are pruning a tree it will be at eye level and with lightweight branches.
There are many benefits to planting trees, but as they get bigger, the maintenance gets more difficult. Once you need to start considering climbing a tree to trim it, you should definitely look for professional help.
What are the dangers when it comes to trimming trees?
Many people in the world pride themselves on their ability to mend their vehicles without the need for a professional. Many individuals can plan, design, and build onto their property with no problems. Others can use their woodworking skills to make their own furniture.
When it comes to certain activities though, only professional help should be used. Sadly, hundreds of people die each year while trimming trees. This is one activity that should be done by professionals as it involves dangerous equipment such as chainsaws, working at heights, and heavy branches. There are also power lines to consider in some instances.
Should you use a professional tree surgeon?
If you have a young tree or a very small one, then you should be able to learn how to prune the tree yourself. In fact, this can be a rewarding part of your gardening activities.
When it comes to inspections, diagnosis of problems, treating diseases, and other more intensive work, a tree surgeon will be needed. Performing tree trimming safely and correctly when high up a tree with heavy equipment requires professional skills. This expertise plus experience are what tree surgeons have.
Tree surgeons can advise on what needs to be done when trimming a tree, including when there are problems with power lines. You should absolutely not go near a tree that is touching or close to a power line. This needs experienced professional assistance.
Professional tree surgeons will also avoid many of the mistakes amateurs make. Badly pruned trees may not grow back properly, and this can lead to disease and vulnerabilities. They may also end up not only unpleasing to the eye but also be structurally unsafe.
How to find a professional tree trimmer
When searching for a tree surgeon, the internet is always a good place to start unless you can get a neighbor’s recommendation.
Once you have found some local companies search for reviews from previous customers. Areas that shouldn’t be looked over are insurance, guarantees, experience, and accreditation.
To become a certified ISA arborist takes years of practical full-time work in the field of arboriculture. They will also have to hold a relevant degree in horticulture, forestry, or something similar.
Finding a tree surgeon who is fully certified means that you will be employing a highly experienced and trained professional.
Summary
The way to trim trees properly is most likely to be by using a professional arborist. Tree surgeons are properly trained to handle heavy, dangerous equipment, while high up a tree.
They understand how to trim a tree properly so that it remains healthy and strong, and will grow back properly. Trying to trim a mature tree yourself could lead to a vulnerable tree that is an eyesore. At worst, it could lead to a bad accident or even a fatality.