Atlanta, GA arborists want to share important information about proper tree health care.
It’s Time Homeowners Knew the Difference
Sometimes caring for trees can be tricky. Even if homeowners have had the same trees for years and years, there still comes a time when their trees could be expressing a symptom the homeowner isn’t familiar with. When it comes to tree death vs. tree dormancy, it is crucial that homeowners not only know the difference but how to spot the differences as well. The reason it is so crucial is that if the tree is dead, the homeowner will have to get the tree removed as soon as possible since dead trees are unpredictable and dangerous.
Dormant trees aren’t dangerous but it is just as important that homeowners know how to properly care for a tree when it goes dormant. Below is all the information homeowners need to continue to properly care for their trees.
What Dormancy Is and What It Looks Like
Tree dormancy is essentially the tree and plant version of hibernation. Trees are living things that require nutrients to survive. During the cold months, things like the tree’s metabolism, energy consumption, and growth slow down significantly. It is the tree’s way of protecting itself for the winter months ahead.
The snap and scratch test is the most effective way to test for tree dormancy. It is also an effective way for homeowners to prune away the dead branches they find because it is possible for a few branches to die during the winter without the entire tree dying.
To perform the test, simply pick a branch and snap it off. If it snaps off easily and is brown on the inside, the branch is dead. Try pulling another branch and repeating the test. When a tree is dormant, the branch will be harder to snap off and may not snap off at all. If the branch doesn’t want to easily snap away from the tree, try scratching the branch with a fingernail or knife. When snapping or scratching the branch, if it appears to be green and lively on the inside, this is a sign that the tree is dormant and not dead.
Proper Tree Care Tips For Dormant Trees
Just like any other season, trees require maintenance during the winter months as well. Just because they are dormant doesn’t mean they are immune from all the harshness of winter weather. Proper dormant tree care can give it the boost it needs to remain dormant without dying during the winter.
There are different copper-based sprays and oils homeowners can put on their trees once a month to protect them from fungus. Younger trees do best when they are wrapped in plastic wrap, so this is also suggested. Homeowners might want to remove any debris that falls at the base of the tree during the winter to help prevent diseases from forming and spreading.
These are some of the highly suggested tips and tricks to care for dormant trees. Dormant trees don’t need a lot of constant care in the winter but doing these things can really set the tree up for a strong and healthy spring.
What a Dead Tree Looks Like and What To Do About It
Dead trees are very distinctly dead. It might be hard to tell at first but when homeowners take a closer look, the signs are pretty evident.
Here are some of the signs of a dead tree:
- Dried peeling bark
- Chunks of bark missing
- Dead, dried, and brown branches
- Mushrooms growing at the base of the tree
If homeowners suspect a dead tree on their property, they should call a trusted tree servicing company right away. Dead trees are a safety issue and can become increasingly dangerous in the winter months when covered in snow. The last thing a homeowner wants is for a branch to fall onto their home or hurt someone walking by. Tree removal is almost always the end result but professionals can do the necessary safety care to get the tree ready for tree removal when the time comes.
Boutte Tree, Inc. Has the Answers
Regardless of the problem, the arborists at Boutte Tree, Inc. have all the answers Atlanta homeowners are looking for. These experts can handle any tree problem thrown at them and they do it with respect. They care about their community and want the best for their customers. There’s a reason they’ve been around since 2003. Call to schedule today!