How Arborists Help Preserve Urban Forests
An arborist cares for and maintains individual trees and shrubs. They are trained to focus on the health, safety, and longevity of trees within landscapes and urban environments. They can also shape their growth patterns and keep them away from structures. Here is how arborists help preserve urban forests:
Tree Planting
Arborists offer tree planting services, which begin with conducting site assessments. They evaluate soil conditions, sunlight exposure, and available space. Understanding these factors allows them to recommend specific tree species that can thrive in a specific urban environment. During the tree-planting process, an arborist digs a hole to the correct depth and backfills it with suitable soil. They mulch and water the young trees to promote healthy growth. They also customize fertilizer so that the tree gets the nutrients it needs.
Pruning Services
Pruning services involve thorough tree inspections to identify damaged branches that could pose a risk. Professionals remove the diseased branches using the following techniques:
- Crown thinning
- Crown raising
- Crown reduction
- Deadwooding
- Formative pruning
With crown thinning, arborists selectively remove tree branches to reduce the density of the crown. This allows for improved air circulation and increased sunlight penetration. Crown raising involves removing the lower branches to create clearance for pedestrians, vehicles, or buildings. The reduction of the crown helps lower the tree’s size, reducing the risks posed to nearby structures or power lines. Through deadwooding, tree doctors remove dying branches to prevent the spread of decay, and formative pruning is performed on young plants to promote their structural growth.
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Pest Management
Tree doctors monitor for signs of infestation and identify if there are pests causing damage. Using integrated pest management, they carry out targeted treatments that include applying either organic or synthetic pesticides. They might introduce natural predators to manage pest populations and create a balance within the ecosystem. Mechanical controls, such as trapping or physical pest removal, help manage infestations directly. Arborists further focus on preventive measures to minimize the risk of pest infestations. They achieve this by spacing the trees during planting to prevent the spread of pests.
Soil Care
Arborists conduct soil tests to analyze nutrient and pH levels. Based on their findings, they apply amendments such as fertilizers to enhance soil fertility and promote healthier tree development. To improve soil moisture retention and suppress weeds, arborists use mulch. The mulching technique involves applying a layer of shredded leaves or wood chips around the base of trees for nutrients. Your tree doctor may loosen compacted soil to improve air and water penetration, promoting healthier root systems. To preserve urban soil ecosystems, tree doctors implement erosion controls, such as planting ground cover.
Disease Control
A tree doctor performs early detection and diagnosis to protect the health of urban forests. They inspect trees for signs of disease and implement interventions to minimize damage and prevent the disease from spreading. With targeted treatments such as bactericides and fungicides, arborists can help fight specific tree diseases.Learn More About Arborists
Arborists actively promote tree health through proper care, such as watering and maintaining a clean environment around the trees. They maintain records and maps of urban tree populations to aid in the management of these plants. Contact a reputable arborist to learn more about their services and expertise.
