We can't prevent drought from killing trees but we can greatly reduce tree loss on private property--without extra water. A recent College of DuPage study field tested controlled groups of trees. The gist of the study was that young trees which had the grass removed from the trunks and had the surrounding bare earth covered with 3" of mulch retained 70% more ground water, nearly doubling growth rate, size, and root development. Regardless of the tree, ground water retention from the use of mulch is a definitive improvement. Clearing the grass from the base of your tree and using 3" of mulch may save your trees despite the California drought and the coming Sacramento summer.
Mulch is available at almost any home improvement or gardening store. We offer free wood chips which make excellent mulch, and we deliver. Check out our wood chip offer.
Large branches will occasionally fail. Severe heat and wind can facilitate the dropping of a large branch. It may reasonably seem that a broken branch will heal itself, the reality is that wounds from breakage tend to allow the importation of destructive insects and tree disease. The answer is a proper cut. A simple cut, done correctly, can encourage quick healing, prevent access by insects and limit the possibility of disease. Small limbs break and heal without much need for human intervention. If you have a broken limb, give us a call. We're always happy to answer questions and even our on-scene, written estimates are free. Most tree problems can be prevented with a little cost-effective action.
Drought is tough on every living thing but a sustained drought is a death sentence for redwoods. Big trees, particularly in hot weather, move hundreds of gallons of water in a very short period of time. Trees are only still on the outside. The current water shortage is outlasting some very old redwoods. Aside from the regrettable loss of these magnificent creations is the very real problem of danger to humans and habitats. A dry tree dies and a dead tree falls over. Big limbs fail. It is imperative that everyone living within the reach of a redwood be attentive to the health of the tree. Redwoods are evergreen; a brown redwood is a bad sign. During this time of year, we expect to see healthy redwoods with a thick canopy. Spindly green growth insufficient for the size of the limbs is an indicator of serious problems. Not every tree will have to be removed, some can be treated. But whether a tree must be removed, lightened, or treated, timeliness is extremely important. Let's check our trees before the coming hot weather accelerates problems.
Stacy W. Barker
Stacy is the owner of Bud's