Proper care techniques for a Maple Tree
What are the most important things to poses a healthy Maple Tree?
- Water.
- Drainage.
- Manure or Compost.
- Pruning Shears.
- Mild Soap.
- Nurturing your Maple Tree
Be sure your Maple Tree has proper drainage.
Enough water is a giant must for maple trees. However two much water can damage the root system. If your maple tree sits in a poorly drained area and soaks up to much water, you could be in trouble. If you experience cool, wet winters, there is a good chance that your maple trees roots could develop a fungus. The best chance for survival that you can provide to yyour maple tree is that you do not allow amounts of water to sit in the area for periods of time. A solid draining system or object that soaks up the moisture is your best bet.
Manure or Compost around the base.
Maple trees require a lot of nutrients, expecially when they are in blossom mode. A great organic fertilizer or solid compost around the roots of your maple tree will help to ensure that it remains healthy by supplying enough nutrients to the growing tree. Remember not to place the fertilizer or compost near the trunk of the tree, but spread it out around the root system.
Cover the roots.
During the Fall and Winter when frost develops on the ground, be sure to cover the root system of your maple tree to ensure that the roots remain alive. A few inches of mulch is one of the best natural ways to achieve this task. The mulch will also help to provide nutrients for the tree in place of the fertilizer.
Watch out for pests.
Keep an eye out for pests. This is another reason to watch for standing water as this can weaken the tree and make it more vulnerable to insects or fungi. If the tree is attacked by damaging aphids then spraying the tree with a mild soap often deters the insects. Developing a fungi problem can mean having to pinch off leaves or cut branches to rid the tree of this sort of infection.
Prune your tree.
If fungus or disease attack your maple tree, pruning is a must to cut out the infection. However, even if your tree does not develop a fungus or disease pruning is still a high priority task to ensure the growth of your tree. Proper pruning will help the tree mature in the most efficient ways. Do not go overboard however, pruned branches take along time to grow back. If you are in doubt that the branch or limb needs removed, leave it alone until you are sure or contact a local professional.
Start from the top: Start at the top and work your way down. Remove the dead branches and leafs first.
Take a good solid look from your tree at the ground: Looking at the ground is the best angle to decide which branches need removed and which branches need trimmed back, and also how far they need trimmed back. Decide with a plan and stick to it. Taking "just a little bit more off" can end up leaving you with a bald, over trimmed tree that you are no longer happy with.
Remove cut branches and leaves ASAP: Cut branches and leafs can attract insects and fungus quickly. Get them away from the tree as soon as possible. Have them removed and mulched/recycles or take them to a local compost.
