Ever think about a quick tree inspection on your property? March is a great time to spend time assessing the status of your trees. This week’s heavy winds brought me out in the yard to collect the fallen branches. It also prompted me to take a good look at the trees that are integral elements in my gardens.
I must admit, when my plants are in bloom, I often overlook these “majestic bones” of the garden. But in our dormancy period this month, there are no distractions for me to give them serious consideration. March is a good time for an annual check up on your trees. As we all know, trees are one of the most expensive additions to our properties. Lack of attention to your landscape trees can cost you aesthetic loss of size and beauty as well as drain your seasonal landscaping budget should removal be necessary.
This week I discovered one of my border trees ravaged by wildlife. Finally discovered where I was hearing that woodpecker last growing season! Although my tree is still viable, I was shocked to notice the damage created over the last year by the woodpecker. I really hadn’t given it much notice last year. The tree leafed out in the spring, displayed a good canopy and dropped leaves predictably in the fall. The tree trunk against the stark winter landscape was, however, an image I had overlooked during the green and color of my garden season.
Given the tremendous damage by my local woodpecker it will only be a matter of time before this tree dies back completely, . Inevitably, that woodpecker was feeding upon insects that had taken up residence in the tree. Another oversight on my part. Much as I hate to lose one of my lovely garden bones, I came to the decision I have to take this tree down. A heavy storm will likely drop the tree into my yard and cause more damage to my surrounding hardscapes and garden areas. Cutting the tree down now, can also save me addition ground damage. Equipment and weight of the fallen tree can reek havoc. By having the tree taken care of now while the ground is still frozen, you may eliminate time and resources on turf and bedding repairs later on.
You may want to consult with an arborist, commonly referred to as a tree surgeon, to assist you after your assessment. Arborists are professionals who specialize in the care of trees. They can help you diagnose, treat and prevent diseases as well as “perform necessary surgery”. The following link is a non-biased informational site that may help. https://www.arborday.org
Mark your Calendars! Garden Goddess Sense and Sustainability is putting together a fun and informative day long regional gardening event: Dig Into Gardening, Saturday, May 6th at the Longfellows Hotel and Garden Center! The first of it’s kind right here in Saratoga Springs. It will appeal to the local garden lover, experienced, novice and those interested in starting up their garden journey in 2017. More info to follow so stay tuned!
