Local arborists like Monster Tree Service of North Atlanta care about trees, and that means supporting the community in caring for these important ecological resources.
In this post, Monster Tree Service looks at how to prevent dieback in trees. That way, you can curate the thriving Atlanta treescape or yard that you’ve always envisioned.
Three Mistakes to Avoid If You Want to Prevent Dieback in Your Trees
What should you avoid at all costs for the sake of your tree’s health?
Avoid Root Damage
Damaging a tree’s roots is one of the most common branch dieback causes. It often proves fatal, so your tree’s best defense is for you to help it avoid this damage altogether.
Why not mulch the entire area from just next to the trunk to the outside of the drip line as a clear marker as to where the roots end? You can then easily avoid digging that might cut roots or soil compaction from vehicles and other heavy items in this zone.
Avoid the Wrong Planting Depth
The problem here is that you might not notice dieback in trees until many years later. At that point, you can’t fix the issue.
So, carefully plan how deeply to plant the sapling when you first dig the hole. As a good rule of thumb, the hole should be about as deep as the root ball and two to three times as wide. The topsoil shouldn’t cover the top of the root flare.
Avoid Stem-Girdling Roots
A condition that usually results from improper planting depth is stem girdling. Roots that strangle the trunk can kill the tree.
To avoid it, plant at the right depth and look at the roots when planting them. Redirect roots that seem to be growing in a circular direction before you fill in the soil.
Managing the Prevailing Conditions
Preventing tree dieback also requires some intervention when things are changing in the tree’s surroundings. For example:
Drought Conditions
Tree Care 101 says, “Provide sufficient water.”
When Mother Nature’s not playing ball, avoiding dieback requires supporting tree recovery with supplemental watering.
Wet Soil Conditions
Trees like to “get their toes wet,” but drainage is essential. Too much water is bad for tree health, as it pushes all the oxygen out. The roots can’t breathe.
While challenging, you need to ensure the soil drains well. Remove mulch, and dig the soil over to aerate it and dry it out. One long-term strategy is to direct the excess water away from the roots.
One Last Arborist Tip: Avoid Damage to the Trunk
Significant tree injuries can cause dieback. So, it’s essential to protect the trunk. For example, you could use bark protectors or barriers if you have deer or rabbits in the area.
Mulching also works. It kills the grass enough that you don’t have to get too close when mowing.