When to call an arborist

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An arborist is a professional in the management of trees, shrubs, vines and other woody plants. If you have large trees in your backyard that need tending, you may need an arborist from time to time. However, there are some circumstances in which you may not even know you need an arborist. Here are some of the services an arborist can offer you:

Spotting Unhealthy Trees

First, if your trees have mushrooms or fungi growing on them, this may indicate a larger problem. Mushrooms and fungi indicate dampness and decay in the wood, which can weaken the branches and cause them to drop or break during high winds or storms. If you notice fungi on your trees, call an arborist to have them assess whether the tree needs to be removed or whether large branches can be preemptively taken off.

If you purchased trees for your garden, you may have opted for 'fast growing' varieties. These types of trees are often weak-wooded, as the tree grows too fast for strength to build up in the trunk and limbs. Their limbs are often brittle, and can break off easily in high winds or when exposed to ice. Call an arborist if you have these varieties, so that they can assess the hazards present in these trees.

Unhealthy trees are a danger to those around them, as they can weaken and decay, potentially dropping branches. If your trees are on a lean or angle, this can indicate that the root system is pulling loose from the ground. A falling tree is a major hazard, and an arborist should be called if you notice any of your trees have a leaning trunk position. Dropping leaves can also indicate that a tree is unhealthy and may need to be removed. 

Growing Better Fruit

Arborists can also help your fruit trees produce more fruit. Fruit trees will often produce fruit whether or not they are pruned, but if they grow too tall or have unproductive wood, they may not bear as much fruit as they could. If you are concerned that your fruit tree could do better, contact an arborist to assess whether your tree can have unproductive branches removed. The tree can also be shaped so as to allow it to produce as much fruit as possible.

Saving A Dying Tree

If you have a dying tree in your backyard, you may be tempted just to cut it down. However, a dying tree can be saved by a skilled arborist in a number of ways. First, they may trim and prune a tree that has become too large or too tall. A weak or leaning tree can be held together with cabling to provide extra structural support. A weakly growing tree can also be fertilised and aerated, which involves perforating the soil around the tree so that air can reach the roots more easily. Finally, an arborist can assess the tree for any diseases, and use chemicals to combat the attacking microorganisms in conjunction with fertilising, mulching the ground and correct watering levels. 

An arborist does more than just pruning trees. They can help remove hazards around your garden by removing unhealthy trees; they can help your trees to grow more, better-quality fruit; and a skilled arborist can even save a dying tree to keep your garden looking beautiful. For more information, contact a company like Agility Professional Tree Service Pty Ltd.

27 January 2015