by Adrian Banks
Seek licensed tree experts
When choosing a tree expert to hire, look for the license. Anyone in Maryland practicing or advertising tree care services must have a state-issued permit, which requires a combination of education and experience. According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, more than 1,200 licensed tree experts operate in the state. Those with the education and experience must pass an exam and maintain adequate liability and property damage insurance. The license is renewed every two years. Todd Perzynski, president of Westminster-based Viking Tree Company, warns homeowners to be wary of companies offering large discounts or free services.
A reputable tree care company will always ensure its employees wear safety gear like hard hats, earplugs and protective eyewear. State and federal laws require professionals to follow these protective measures. Pricing for tree services varies based on the scope of the project. Consulting with a tree expert can help you determine the cost. Some companies provide free consultations. Keep in mind that tree care providers will have varying wait times for project completion, depending on the time of year, weather events and a project’s urgency.
Trees add beauty, value and shade to your property, but keeping them healthy takes more than just letting them grow. Whether you’re caring for a towering oak or a newly planted maple, a little attention goes a long way. From proper pruning to spotting signs of disease, homeowners play an essential role in the health of their trees.
Look for signs of disease
Diseased trees can become hazards on your property. Perzynski says that fungus creates problems for many trees in Carroll County and can affect all parts of a tree. Common fungal diseases seen locally include oak wilt and Dutch elm disease.
Oak wilt causes leaves to turn yellow and curl. While treatment is possible, the disease must be caught early and treated with a fungicide. Oak wilt tends to kill trees within a single season.
Amy Brown, office manager at Arbor Care Tree Experts in Manchester, says Dutch elm disease is relatively new to Carroll County and is mainly seen in American elm trees. Bark beetles spread the disease; symptoms include wilting branches and yellowing leaves. Applying fungicides and removing infected branches are the primary treatments for most diseased trees if you can detect the disease early.
Inspect trees after storms
Summer storms can bring high winds, lightning and heavy rains that can wreak havoc on trees, causing immediate damage and long-term health issues. Following storms, homeowners should inspect trees to look for cracked limbs, leaning trunks or exposed roots. Brown says prompt care can mean the difference between saving a storm-damaged tree and facing costly removal of the tree later.
Practice proper pruning
Removing too much foliage can stress a tree, reducing its ability to photosynthesize and store energy. However, there are times when pruning is necessary. Ted Hill, owner of Abba Chief Tree Service in New Windsor, says that removing dead or dying limbs helps promote tree growth and structure. It is also wise to remove limbs that might be too close to buildings like homes and sheds for safety reasons.
Identify tree hazards
Homeowners should learn to recognize when a tree is showing signs of becoming a hazard. Hill advises looking out for leaning trees or those that have raised earth around the trunk. Leaning trees may indicate that the tree’s root system, whose main job is to anchor the tree, may be untethering from the ground, leaving the tree in danger of falling.
According to Brown, ivy also presents a problem for trees, robbing them of their nutrients and weighing down branches, which can cause them to break and fall.
Experts also suggest looking for mushrooms along a tree’s trunk and root area, which could indicate overly moist conditions that can promote root rot or other fungal diseases.
Common Tree Mistakes Homeowners Make
Our experts shared several common mistakes homeowners often make when attempting to maintain trees on their own.
Overtrimming
Don’t remove too much of the tree at one time. Trimming more than 20% to 25% can severely stress a tree.
Incorrect fertilizing
Applying too much or the wrong type of fertilizer can severely affect a tree’s health.
Making crazy cuts
Incorrect pruning can make a tree susceptible to unwelcome insects and diseases. Tree topping, a type of severe pruning involving removing the tree’s upper portion, can cause structural damage and various issues.
Not using proper equipment
Many homeowners seriously injure themselves when attempting to trim their trees without the proper protective equipment.
Our tree experts also remind people that it is illegal in Maryland to perform any work on trees within 10 feet of power lines unless certified. Consult a tree care professional who has the proper insulated equipment for working with trees near power lines.
