Though this day is typically a celebration of tree planting, we thought we’d take this this opportunity to give you some pointers on tree care.
Tree maintenance is vital to your property. Your property’s lawn and landscape enhances property value and curb appeal. Additionally, diseased or infested trees can pose as a disclosure issue, as the cost for remedying these issues can be costly. Neglect of tree care can cause significant damage to lawns and structures.
3 Tips for New Trees
- Water Your Tree: newly planted trees need 15-25 gallons of water once a week for 3-5 years when the ground is thawed.
- Mulch Your Tree: Mulch keeps the soil around your tree damp in the summer, and protects against deep ground freeze in the winter.
- Prune Your Tree: Pruning trees when they’re young encourages strong branch growth.
The two biggest threats to trees are insects and fungi. In Minnesota, most trees are prone to disease. Below are some common Minnesota issues:
Emerald Ash Borer: Ash trees are at risk of destruction by the emerald ash borer. The larvae of beetle feed on the inner bark of the tree, disrupting its ability to transport water and nutrients. This causes the tree to die.
Gypsy Moths: These invasive pests are voracious eaters and con completely defoliate entire trees.
Dutch Elm Disease: Dutch elm disease is caused by a fungus that is spread by the elm bark beetle. The fungus can also be spread through roots that have fused together (“root grafts”). The disease was first detected in Minnesota in the early 1960’s and has caused the state to lose 10-20% of its elm trees.
Oak Wilt: Oak wilt is caused by a fungus. The most common way wilt spreads is through root grafts, but wilt can also spread via the sap beetle.
For further information on tree care, including who to contact when you have a diseased tree, visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources page on tree planting and care: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/treecare/index.html.