Well-maintained trees can add beauty and shade to your home. However, tree maintenance isn't just a matter of aesthetics. Healthy trees are also safer, since decayed or diseased trees are less structurally sound and more likely to fall, damaging your property and possibly causing injury. Here are four things you should do to care for your trees:

1. Water your tree infrequently.

Watering trees less than two years old is vital for their health since at this stage, your tree is too small to have an adequate root system. As your tree matures, you should cut back on your watering, or in some cases stop watering completely. Over-watering your tree encourages a shallow root system since your tree's roots will have no need to dig deep to find groundwater. A shallow root system is unstable and could lead to your tree falling over in a storm.

2. Prevent the spread of botanical diseases.

If one of your trees becomes infected with a disease, your first concern should be containing the disease. Have a professional cut off the diseased parts of the tree, including branches and leaves. Don't leave these discarded parts on the ground, since they can cause the disease to spread. Instead, dispose of them carefully to protect all nearby plants in the area.

3. Have your trees trimmed.

Trees never stop growing. However, an overgrown tree can be hazardous if it begins to grow too close to power lines or your home. Extremely large branches can also be hazardous in a hurricane or any storm with high-force winds. Keep your tree manageable by having it trimmed regularly. How often you need your tree trimmed will depend on the species of tree and its age, but in general, you should plan to have your tree pruned at least once every five years. Call a professional tree service like Complete Tree Care to help with your tree maintenance needs. 

4. Remove dead trees.

Disease and insect infestation can cause significant damage to trees. In some cases, these pests can even kill trees. According to Budget Dumpster, fungus growing on the bottom of your tree is one symptom of tree death. Shallow, visible roots and a lack of green growth are also signs of death.

If your tree has died, it's best to remove it in a timely manner in order to prevent damage to your property. Contact a residential tree service to cut down your tree. They can feed the remnants into a wood chipper and haul it away, so you won't be left with excess plant matter to dispose.

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