Mature Tree Care – Removal, Pruning, & Tips

Your property and the entire street can benefit from the presence of a mature tree. It provides shade, which helps to keep the air cool, cuts down on energy use, eliminates pollutants, and makes your neighbourhood look more attractive.

Compared to newly planted trees, older trees require less active upkeep over their lifetime. In most cases, the health of a tree that has been well-established may be maintained in the absence of substantial stresses like drought, construction, pests, or disease. But, if the health of the site's inhabitants or the conditions of the site itself changes, this can present a danger that needs to be managed. It is essential to keep an eye out for changes and have a plan for how to react to them.

What is a Mature Tree

There are a variety of stages of development that can be seen across tree species. Depending on the species, "mature" status is conferred to trees once they have reached a particular age or size threshold. If a tree has the potential to reach a height of 70 feet and your tree is already 50 or 60 feet tall, then it is called mature. If it has a lifespan of roughly 100 years and you've determined that it's 70 or 80 years old, then it has reached its mature age.

Basic Care

Watering

It is preferable to water trees thoroughly but infrequently instead of superficially yet regularly. This fosters the establishment of deep roots, which in turn enables the tree to obtain water and nutrients. During times of drought, it may be necessary to water older trees anywhere from once every week to once every month, depending on the variety of trees and the local growing circumstances.

Fertilising

Even though mature trees often require less fertiliser than younger trees, it is still essential to make sure that they receive the appropriate nutrients in order for them to maintain their health. Because they gently release nutrients over time and improve the health of the soil, organic fertilisers are typically an excellent choice for established trees. Be sure to apply the product according to the rates and times specified in the manufacturer's instructions.

Mulching

By spreading a layer of organic mulch around the trunk of the tree, you can assist in keeping moisture in the soil, prevent the growth of weeds, and improve the soil's overall health. The recommended depth for applying mulch is between two and four inches, and it should be kept at least six inches away from the trunk of the tree. You should avoid heaping mulch up against the trunk of the tree since this can create an environment that is conducive to the growth of pests and diseases.

Pruning

By trimming the tree on a regular basis, you can remove branches that are sick or dead, improve the tree's structure and shape, and encourage healthy growth. In addition, pruning can aid in the prevention of damage caused by storms or severe winds. It is essential to make use of appropriate pruning techniques and to avoid removing an excessive amount of leaves all at once, as doing so might put stress on the tree and make it more susceptible to attack by harmful organisms. It is recommended that you get the advice of a qualified arborist in order to identify the optimal pruning schedule and techniques for the particular tree species you are working with.

Pest and disease control

Monitoring for diseases and pests should be done on a regular basis so that problems can be identified and dealt with before they cause significant harm. Pest or disease infestations can cause symptoms such as discoloured leaves, wilting or stunted development, the presence of pests, or damage to the bark. Other symptoms include the presence of bark damage. Talk to an experienced arborist about which pest and disease prevention strategies will work best for the particular species of trees you have on your property.

Protecting the roots

When a tree reaches maturity, its root system becomes increasingly important to the tree's overall health and stability. It is important to refrain from driving heavy machinery over the root zone or compacting the soil around the tree trunk in order to preserve the integrity of the roots. In the event that you need to dig close to the tree, you should be sure to consult with a qualified arborist in order to identify the most effective strategy for minimising the amount of damage caused to the tree's roots.

Structural support

To protect mature trees from being broken by strong winds or the weight of big snow loads, it may be necessary to provide them with additional structural support, such as cables or braces. This can help. A qualified arborist will be able to evaluate the structure of the tree and determine whether or not it requires any additional support. It is imperative that appropriate methods and materials be utilised while providing structural support for the tree in order to avoid causing harm to the tree as well as creating a safety issue.

Dos and don'ts of pruning mature trees

The process of trimming and pruning mature trees can be a delicate one, and it is vital to do it with care in order to maintain the tree's health and ensure that it is not compromised in any way. When it comes to trimming and pruning mature trees, here are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind:

DOs:

• BEFORE you begin pruning, you SHOULD determine the sort of tree you are working with and its development patterns. Before making any cuts in a tree, it is vital first to gain an understanding of the tree's development pattern, as the pruning requirements may vary depending on the variety of tree.
• DO immediate branch pruning on any sick, damaged, or dead branches. These branches pose a potential risk to public safety and increase the risk of the illness spreading to other areas of the tree.
• DO prune branches that are rubbing against each other or that are crossing each other. These branches can potentially inflict damage on the tree and increase its susceptibility to disease.
• When making precise cuts, YOU SHOULD USE TOOLS THAT ARE CLEAN AND SHARP. Dull or unclean tools can cause damage to the tree and an increased chance of disease.
• DO ensure that your cuts are made at the appropriate angle so that you can speed up the healing process. The incision needs to be made slightly below the branch collar, which is the point at which the branch joins the trunk.
• RECOMMENDED: Cut back any branches growing dangerously close to power lines, buildings, or any other structures. This can aid in preventing damage to property and ensure that everyone stays safe.
• DO your best to perform any tree pruning during the dormant season. When done during the growing season, pruning can encourage new growth, which in colder locations might make the plant more susceptible to damage from frost.

DON'Ts:

• NEVER trim more than one-third of the tree's canopy in a single year without consulting a professional arborist. Pruning a tree excessively might cause it stress, which will diminish its ability to bear fruit.
• DO NOT cut the trees down. The removal of the topmost portion of the tree's canopy, which is accomplished by topping, can cause significant harm to the tree and make it more susceptible to attack from diseases and insects.
• DO NOT create cuts that are flush. When a tree is cut flush with the trunk, it can cause the tree to suffer harm and make it more prone to diseases and rot.
• DO NOT leave any stubs behind. Stumps are not only a potential threat to public safety but can also make a tree more prone to rot and disease.
• DO NOT apply a dressing to the wound. Dressing a wound is not required, and doing so may actually make the healing process take longer.
• DO NOT make an attempt to prune huge branches unless you have the appropriate expertise and tools. This poses a risk of injury and can potentially inflict harm to both the tree and the property.

Proper Pruning Techniques

When it comes to any tree, specific pruning procedures should be followed. When you prune a tree, you can make a few various kinds of cuts, including the following:

• Thinning cut. Removes a branch all the way to the trunk or cuts it back to a side branch that is large enough to assume growth; this is often done to a length that is one-third the diameter of the branch that was pruned.
• Drop-crotch cut. The most common reason for performing a thinning cut on branches with a diameter of more than 15 inches is to prune back the size of a tree.
• Heading cut. When the entire tree needs to be removed, cut the branch back until you reach a bud or a very short branch.

There is an appropriate and inappropriate technique to prune a branch, just as there is an appropriate and inappropriate time of year to do it. It is essential to the process as well as the tree's future health that you are aware of this. It is best to make very few cuts and to trim a tree only when it is dormant, which is typically in the winter. Calling in an arborist who is trained and experienced is your best bet when it comes to pruning an older tree. Because performing this task correctly requires additional attention to detail, working on the project with the assistance of a trained professional who is familiar with the requirements of the tree and the correct procedure will make it both safer and simpler.

How to Remove a Mature Tree

1. Assess the tree: Evaluation of the tree's health and selection of the most appropriate method for felling it comes first in the process of removing an older tree. The tree can be assessed by a skilled arborist or an experienced gardener, who will then be able to determine whether or not there are any potential dangers or barriers that need to be solved.
2. Plan the removal: Following the inspection of the tree, a strategy for its removal can be created. This strategy will often include predicting the direction in which the tree will fall, identifying any potential risks or barriers in the area, and selecting the right tools and equipment that will be required for the task at hand.
3. Obtain any necessary permits: Before cutting down an old tree, you might need to get permission from the government first, depending on where the tree is located and what the restrictions are in your area. Advice on obtaining the appropriate licences and satisfying the requirements can be obtained from an experienced arborist or from the local gardening authority.
4. Remove any obstacles: It is possible that in order to remove the tree, it will first be essential to clear the surrounding area of any obstructions, such as fences or buildings, that could make the removal operation more difficult.
5. Begin the removal: To begin removing the tree, it might be required to use a chainsaw or some other cutting equipment. This will depend on the size of the tree. In most cases, the tree will be chopped down in pieces, with the process beginning at the top and continuing downward.
6. Remove the stump: After the tree has been cut down, the remaining stump can be either ground down or fully eliminated. In most cases, specialised machinery, such as a stump grinder, will be required for this task.
7. Clean up and disposal: When the tree has been cut down, and the stump has been removed, any debris and wood chips that are still there will need to be cleaned up and disposed of in the appropriate manner. It's possible that some gardeners will decide to use the wood chips as mulch or for some other gardening-related reason.

It is essential to keep in mind that cutting down an old tree should only be done as a very last resort and only after careful deliberation and thought. It is important to use extreme caution and attention while cutting down mature trees because they offer a myriad of benefits to our environment.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Mature Tree

Pros:

• In terms of aesthetics, mature trees can serve as a stunning and organic focus of interest within a garden or landscape. They have the potential to improve the overall beauty of the neighbourhood, increase the value of the property, and impart a sense of calm and peace to the surrounding environment.
• Shade and cooling: Because mature trees provide shade and also serve to cool the air around them, they are ideally suited for regions that experience high temperatures. This may also result in a decreased requirement for the use of air conditioning, which may lead to cheaper overall energy expenses.
• Habitat for various forms of wildlife: Mature trees can provide a habitat for various forms of wildlife, such as birds, squirrels, and other types of animals. This has the potential to contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and a healthy ecosystem.
• Improved oxygen production: Older trees produce more oxygen than young trees or saplings, which can help improve air quality and create a healthier overall environment.

Cons:

• Maintenance: Older trees often require more maintenance than younger trees, including trimming, fertilising, and monitoring for disease or damage. Some of these tasks include: This can be an expensive and time-consuming endeavour.
• Root damage Mature trees can have vast, extensive root systems that can cause damage to neighbouring structures like sidewalks, foundations, and sewer lines. This damage can be caused by the trees' roots. In metropolitan regions, this may be a particularly difficult challenge.
• Dangers posed by falling debris big, old trees can be dangerous if they become unstable or if storms or strong winds cause their branches to break off and fall. This is potentially hazardous, and the tree may need to be cut down as a result.
• Due to the fact that mature trees typically have to be purchased and planted at a higher cost than younger trees or seedlings, some gardeners may find it more difficult to get their hands on them.

In general, mature trees can give many benefits to a garden or landscape, but in order to guarantee that they continue to be healthy and safe, they require careful study and management.

Summary

In conclusion, mature trees offer a multitude of benefits to our environment; therefore, it is essential to provide them with the appropriate level of care in order to maintain their continued good health and longevity. A healthy mature tree can have its structural integrity and health maintained with the use of fundamental care procedures such as watering, fertilising, mulching, and routine tree pruning. In addition to this, it is essential to keep an eye out for any signs of disease or infestation and to safeguard the tree's roots and structure from harm.

When it comes to pruning, making sure you know what to do and what not to do can assist in guaranteeing that the tree stays healthy and stays out of harm's way. Talking to an experienced arborist can also give you expert advice on how to properly care for the trees in your yard, depending on the species. If we take good care of our mature trees, future generations will be able to reap the advantages of these trees even after we are gone.