Mulch

Mulch should be applied as a 2-4 inch layer of organic material around each of your trees (but do not apply mulch directly to the tree trunk). Mulch retains moisture, regulates soil temperature, and suppresses weeds. The best time to add mulch to your trees is during hot weather, which we experience in the summer months in Bell Gardens. Proper mulching will help protect your trees through the hot summer months.

Water

Although there may be a drought condition in place in Bell Gardens, your trees still require regular watering. It is best to water your trees by providing them with deep waterings that occur less often rather than shallow waterings regularly. Most mature trees in Bell Gardens will benefit greatly from being watered once a week with a good soaking, as opposed to being lightly watered on a daily basis.

Pruning

To maintain the health of your trees, you should remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches. If you are working with smaller trees, you can accomplish this task with clean, sharp pruning shears by cutting at a 45-degree angle and making sure all cuts are made just outside of the branch collar. Larger branches and higher work, however, should only be accomplished by professional arborists.

Pest Management

You must regularly inspect your trees for signs of pest infestation, such as holes in the leaves, sawdust-like materials on the bark, or rapid loss of leaves. By catching pest problems early, you can manage some of the most common pests found in the Bell Gardens area, including the polyphagous shot hole borer.

Protect the Root Zone

When planting a tree, it is crucial that you avoid compacting the soil around the tree’s root zone. This means you cannot park cars or have heavy equipment placed beneath the tree canopy. Additionally, you must take precautions when performing construction or landscaping near your trees, as damage to the roots can have serious and lasting consequences.

Closing Remarks

Please remember that these are general guidelines and that every tree species requires different types of care. Other factors, such as the age of the tree, the location where the tree is planted, and the overall health of the tree, also contribute to its optimal maintenance requirements. If you are unsure about how to properly care for your trees, please do not hesitate to contact a certified arborist for further guidance.

We would be more than happy to assist you in caring for your trees here at Complete Tree Care Bell Gardens. We offer personalized recommendations based on the unique needs of your trees and the surrounding environment. With your assistance, we can help maintain the continued health of Bell Garden’s urban forest.