The way in which a tree is pruned will have a lasting effect. Proper pruning consists of removing undesirable branches to improve the health and safety of the tree. This includes branches or limbs that are dead, crossing/rubbing, or structurally unsound. Never have your trees topped for any reason.

Research has shown that the proper pruning and thinning of larger trees can greatly reduce the chances of significant damage due to high winds.

The soil in which a tree grows should mimic the natural conditions of the forest as closely as possible. Deep root aeration is perhaps one of the most valuable services available for your trees, especially with the hard clay soils commonly found in Central Ohio. Holes approximately 2” wide and 8” to 12” deep are drilled throughout the root zone of the tree. These holes are backfilled with a mixture of organic compost to help loosen the soil and provide more nutrients and air to the tree’s roots. This is a permanent improvement to the soil and far exceeds the value of any fertilization program.

Some species of trees in Central Ohio, mainly Pin Oak, find it especially difficult to grow in the urban landscape. Due to poor soil conditions, these trees cannot adequately absorb iron from the soil, resulting in a yellowing of the foliage, called iron chlorosis. Left untreated, these trees will eventually die. Treatment for this can be very effective if caught early on. A specially formulated iron solution is injected into the base of the trunk, supplying the tree with the iron needed for proper growth and functioning. Iron injections are recommended every other year, or less, depending on the tree’s response to treatment.

Sometimes trees can grow with inherently weak limbs or multiple trunks that form a tight “V” shape. Cabling is a valuable technique used to lessen the likelihood of severe wind damage to these otherwise healthy trees. A cable is installed between major trunks or limbs to add structural support.

For large trees that contribute significantly to the beauty of your landscape, a lightning protection system may be a valuable investment. These systems consist of copper cables installed against the trunk of a tree and run from the highest point of the canopy down to a grounding rod buried in the soil. This does not prevent a tree from being hit by lightning, but instead allows the electricity to flow harmlessly down the copper cables and into the ground where it is dispersed.

It is impossible to stop a tree’s growth indefinitely and expect it to remain healthy. In many situations however, it is desirable to safely and effectively slow the growth of a large tree so it doesn’t outgrow its intended space. Tree growth regulators are injected into the soil at the base of a tree’s trunk. This provides an environmentally friendly method of application that does not require spraying or exposure of chemicals to people or pets. In addition, trees treated with growth regulators typically show better resistance to drought, diseases, and insects.

There are many reasons why a tree’s health may begin to decline. Diseases or insects may be the culprits, but many problems are due to cultural issues such as improper light, too much or too little water, or poor soil conditions. A trained, certified arborist or horticulturist can properly diagnose these problems and offer the best solutions to fix them. Many disease and insect related problems can be resolved without the use of chemical treatments. For situations that do require pesticides, effective treatments can often be made without spraying.