Richmond has more than its fair share of trees, from your standard front yard centerpiece to the willow oak on Main Street. It also has its share of issues that can cause health problems for your leafy friends. Regular maintenance keeps these problems from overtaking and killing them, but to really keep harm at bay, you’ll need to find affordable tree care in Richmond, VA.
Regular Threats to Richmond Trees
According to the Tree Stewards of Richmond, there are a number of local threats to trees in the area. Because they are known, they can be avoided. The right tree service can help you set up preventions.
Owner Issues
For instance, volcano mulching is a practice popular with certain local tree services that can actually cause problems. If you see the mulch built up around the base of your tree in a volcano shape, you are working with the wrong company. Instead, mulch should be spread around the base and shouldn’t be thicker than two or three inches.
Mulching appropriately is an important technique for avoiding another threat to Richmond trees. Mowing and weed whacking can cause trunk damage, which leads to disease. When the damage is deep enough, it can weaken or kill your tree. Affordable tree care in Richmond, VA, begins with responsible ownership. A service provider can help you see what steps you’re doing wrong and encourage better practices. It can also help you avoid and repair damage from invasive plants and fungus.
Surrounding Dangers
English ivy may be a beautiful and regular site in the Richmond area, but it’s dangerous to trees. Once it covers the ground, it begins creeping up the trunk. While it doesn’t directly attack the tree, it does soak up nearby water and food sources. It also becomes heavy enough to break limbs and allow bacteria to enter.
If you’re lucky enough to have elms in your yard, keeping out a diligent eye for Dutch elm disease is imperative. Once an elm is infected with this fungus, it must be removed to save trees nearby. This includes grafting the roots to prevent them from connecting with the roots of other trees and spreading the fungus underground.
The emerald ash borer is an insect that also spreads from tree to tree and can kill vast populations. They have not yet been found in Richmond. Outbreaks have been well-contained throughout Virginia since first being seen in 2003. Timing is the key. As soon as damage is noticed, calling a professional for tree care in Richmond, VA, will prevent major problems.
To find affordable tree care in Richmond VA, to prevent against these and other problems, visit R.L. Elliott Enterprises, Inc.
