Tree planting 101 with Connor Tree Service: Finding the right location
We here at Connor Tree Service in Charleston, SC have really enjoyed putting together some information about tree planting for you over the last couple of months. As we wrap up our series, we do want to emphasize again the importance of choosing a good, healthy tree and finding the right location to plant. Without those elements, maintaining and caring for your young tree will be difficult.
As always, Connor Tree Service is available to answer questions and point you in the right direction for your tree care needs. And if you’ve decided you’re just not up for the DIY version of tree planting, tree trimming and pruning, or any of the other aspects of tree care, that’s ok! We’re happy to do the hard work for you and help you keep your residence or commercial property looking great for years to come.
Blog posts in this series
What should I expect as my trees grow?
As a tree matures, both its trunk and its canopy will become more prominent. It is important to inspect your trees periodically to ensure branch structure is developing naturally and in a manner that will support a strong tree.
Branches that are attached to the main trunk at 45 degrees to 90 degrees are much stronger than branches that are attached at less than 45 degrees. These types of branches can become codominant leaders, which have a very weak union and can become a future liability, especially as the tree matures and becomes heavy.
Crossing branches or those that do not look natural will also become an issue later.
What is the most important element of tree care as my trees mature?
You’ve heard us say it a million times before, and we will say it a million more times: proper trimming and pruning are the most important parts of caring for your trees.
Here are some important tips for proper trimming and pruning:
- Removing smaller branches as the tree matures is less stressful on a tree compared to removing larger branches later.
- Removing large branches eliminates essential sources of energy, and the wounds take much longer to heal, compared to removing smaller branches. This is why
- Pruning every three to five years will ensure correct branches are removed at correct size
- If a tree was planted or is now growing close to a house, garage, or powerlines more frequent pruning may be required.
- Removing too much of the canopy will promote sucker growth to compensate for loss of an energy source, especially on water oaks, which are common in the Charleston area. Sucker growth can be unsightly and diminish the overall aesthetic of your property.
- No more than 25% of the live branches should ever be removed at one time.
As the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) explains in its December newsletter, “Although pruning live branches has a cost, it is essential to forming good structure, maintaining clearances, mitigating risk, and to meeting other objectives, so it is a necessary part of a tree care program.”
Get a certified risk assessment from Connor Tree Service today.
What should I know as my tree gets older?
You mean besides the importance of trimming and pruning? Of course that’s what you mean.
Mature tree care tends to focus on deadwood removal. This time in a tree’s life is often when our risk assessment services are required most. It’s important to keep an eye out for dying branches and other hazards that can put people and property in danger.
Tree owners also need to watch for insect entry points, disease, etc., which can also lead to less than ideal circumstances for aging trees.
Older mature trees will eventually enter a retrenchment process naturally. In retrenchment, large, heavy trees will reduce their crown size by shedding old branches and increase girth to consolidate resources and increase longevity. In natural areas with lots of space, this is fine, but when individuals, homes, cars, etc., are in the fall zone, retrenchment pruning may be required. Yep, more pruning. It’s important!
We really hope this Tree Care 101 series has been informative and enjoyable. It’s been fun for us to share our knowledge with you! Join us again soon for more tips, tricks, hacks (scary word for trees!), and info on tree maintenance from your Charleston area arborists and service providers.
