Caring
for Trees
For customers unaware of the types of trees
in their yards, Sawyer's Trees & Landscapes has provided brief
descriptions of the 12 most common species found in the Saskatoon
and Saskatchewan area. Proper identification is the first step
to caring for your large trees.
+ Click here for
the full tree species information
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Taking Care of Your Trees
To maintain your trees health Sawyer's recommends that you care
for your trees on a routine basis. Based on our extensive knowledge
on large trees and for your benefit, we have compiled the following
tree care tips.
Minimizing Environmental Stress and Insect
Infestations
Many environmental stresses exists that can have a negative impact
on the health of your trees and shrubs, such as disturbed soil,
drought, soil compaction, and air pollution. As a result, your
yard may become more susceptible to disease and insect infestations,
which can cause serious damage to your plants.
Noticing abnormalities in your trees and shrubs
is one step closer to being able to diagnose the situation.
STEP 1: Properly identify the type of
plant infected, as many plants are insect or disease specific.
STEP 2: Look for a pattern of abnormalities.
Compare the color and growth of one plant to the next (same species)
for clues. Non-uniform patterns may be a clue of insect infestation,
whereas uniform patterns may be caused by physical injury, poor
drainage or weather. Uniform patterns include blotches, leaf blisters,
shot holes, anthracnose, spots, and mildew.
STEP 3: Carefully examine the entire
landscape for similar cases in other plants, as the abnormality
may not be plant specific and therefore chemical or environmental
factors may come into play.
STEP 4: Carefully examine the roots for
changes in color. Brown roots indicate lack of moisture in the
soil or the presence of toxins, whereas black roots indicate an
excess of moisture or root-rotting organisms.
STEP 5: Check the trunk and branches
for wounds or entry points for wood rotten organisms.
STEP 6: Note the position and appearance
of affected leaves, as it can be an indication of environmental
or root stress, viral infections, insect feedings or exposure
to herbicides.
If you do detect abnormalities in your trees
or shrubs call one of our experienced arborists. We can provide
a thorough analysis of your situation, and provide a remedy or
recommendation to your problem.
Routine Pruning
It is important to do routine pruning to maintain or improve the
health of your trees by removing dead, diseased, weakened or infected
branches. Other times that pruning is necessary is when:
- Branches interfere with wires, building facades,
gutters, roofs and chimneys, windows or obstruct streets or
sidewalks.
- Branches are removed to reduce wind resistance
and potential storm damage
- Customers are wanting to train young trees
or improve the overall shape or silhouette of the tree
Watering
The frequency of watering depends on the type of soil and the
amount of rainfall. Water must be allowed to soak deep into the
ground. The most beneficial time to water trees is in the early
morning. Do not allow water to puddle or accumulate and run off.
This is wasteful and can be detrimental to root growth and function.
Soil Compaction
Reducing soil compaction ensures that soil can be easily penetrated
by air and water. Therefore refrain from using heavy equipment
or pouring concrete near trees.
Refrain from Topping your Trees
Topping is when large branches are removed from mature trees.
A topped tree is a disfigured tree and although you may intend
to help the tree you are causing it more harm. Not only are topped
trees vulnerable to disease, and insect infestations, but also
topping causes an imbalance in the tree's nutrition.
Refrain from Causing Mechanical Injuries
to your Trees
Lawn mowers that hit the base of trees can cause sever damage
to its inner bark, and creates an entry point for insects and
fungi infestation.
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