When it comes to any problem, prevention is one of the best solutions. This includes preventing tree problems. From damage to disease, you can help prevent problems from occuring by regular maintenance and catching any issues early.

Common Tree Issues

Being aware of the types of problems a tree may encounter is the first step in trying to prevent it in the first place. While a tree may already be in distress when you notice the first signs, catching it early enough can still help in its recovery. The more you can get ahead of treatment, the less critical work you have to do—including the use of costly treatments. Some problems you may encounter include:

• Lawn pests and insects
• Plant disease
• Storm damage
• Weaker, breakable branches
• Drought damage
• Sun scald
• Poor soil and air circulation
• Hollow trees
• Bad weather conditions

Preventing Tree Problems

There are three key steps in helping to prevent tree damage and disease,:

1. Maintenance. Regular maintenance—including proper pruning, water, and fertilizer—helps keep a tree healthy. Keep the area clean of other yard debris where pests and disease typically thrive.
2. Monitoring. Always be on the lookout for signs of distress—including discolored leaves, dead branches, or pest infestation. Early detection makes it easier to deal with the issues than waiting until it gets out of hand.
3. Treatment. Some preventative treatments help plants that have suffered an infestation or disease in the past.

Other ways to help get ahead of any issues include:

• Plant pest-resistant varieties, especially if your area is prone to certain pests.
• Research the proper place to put the plant based on how much light, air, and soil it needs.
• Add variety to your yard and garden with different plants. This way, a pest may only be drawn to one, leaving the rest alone.
• Rotate annual crops from one part of the garden to another.
• Time planting to avoid when certain pests are breeding.
• Use a thick layer of mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
• Introduce garden-friendly insects—like ladybugs, bees, and lacewings—to feed on other pests.
• Pay close attention to newly-planted trees and shrubs.

If you’ve been practicing these preventative measures and still experience issues, contact Elite Tree Care for more help. After a consultation and property assessment, we can recommend additional treatment options.

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