Having trees on your land can make you feel happier and healthier, according to various studies. One of the great things about them is that they have an average lifespan of between 300 and 400 years.
But during that time, there’s a good chance that a tree will cause a problem or two on your homestead. These are the biggest issues you’re likely to encounter and how to deal with them.
Too close to your property
As a general rule, a tree should be planted at least 15 to 20 feet away from your property. If you’ve got one that’s closer to your homestead than this then you’re at risk of drainage issues, mold, and damage to your roof.
One way to tackle this problem is to regularly prune them, ensuring that no branches hang close to your home. Another option is to uproot and move it altogether.
This is only possible for some trees and it’s best to get a professional in to assess the situation so they can advise on the best course of action. For example, one that is more mature in age should only be moved between fall and spring and after the leaves have fallen off.
Of course, you could also choose to completely remove it altogether. Make sure you plant a new one elsewhere in your garden to replace it though.
Sick trees
A tree may get sick due to a lack of water or a pest infestation. Signs include premature leaf discoloration, fungus, and flaking bark.
You may be able to save it with proper watering and mulching. If a sick tree isn’t treated, it can die. This is when a tree becomes dangerous because parts of the tree can suddenly fall off and cause injuries.
It will also become structurally weak and this means it could fall over at any time. This is more likely after a storm, which is more common in some states, such as Florida, Texas, and Atlanta.
If you are concerned about the safety on your homestead, a 24 hour tree service should be called. They’ll arrange for emergency removal to be done, so you can rest assured that your land is safe.
Bug infestation
Bugs love trees because they provide food and shelter at the same time. The problem is bugs have a habit of infesting trees.
To deal with this problem, you’ll need to determine what borers have set up home in your tree. An expert will be able to help you with this if you’re unsure.
From there, you can use insecticides and soil treatments to get rid of them for good. Chemical-free methods can be used afterward to stop borers from coming back.
These methods include using glue bands, planting garlic cloves close by, and planting nasturtiums near to the tree.
Your homestead will aesthetically benefit from having trees on its land, as will you. But it’s important you manage trees well as this will prevent them from causing serious problems.