Trees come in all colors, shapes, and sizes, from the white and pink flowering dogwood to the aromatic sassafras tree with cinnamon-smelling bark. Each tree has unique features, some of which you may want to accent your house. Learning how to prevent tree diseases is what keeps it in its current glory. 

As a top tree service company in Great Falls, VA, with over 30 years of experience, we understand trees and all that can ail them. We also know that preventing diseases and insect infestations is easier than curing them. Our skilled arborists explain how to do the former below.

Building Your Yard With Cultural Practices in Mind

Cultural management may sound confusing, but you’re probably already doing it. It consists of choosing the right foliage depending on your soil quality, yard lighting, and climate. 

For instance, if you have acidic soil or a heavily shaded spot you would like to place a tree in, hornbeams tolerate these conditions well. There are also river birches, which thrive in all types of soil (even if you have poor soil health or compact dirt), and red maples that are native to and thrive in Virgina’s climate. 

Many residents also choose disease-resistant species when considering how to prevent tree diseases. Evergreens, dogwood, and others naturally help with pest management and fungus control.

Performing Physical Management Tasks

Once your tree is in the ground, water it thoroughly year-round. However, let it dry out between waterings to prevent soil erosion and root rot. While saplings may demand water two to three times per week, totaling 15 gallons of water over seven days, you can eventually lessen to monthly watering after the first year. 

Overwatering a mature tree causes excess moisture, leading to fungal growth and bacteria. Aside from a proper watering schedule, you should also consider:

• Mulching around the drip line for water retention
• Trimming and pruning to prevent foliage from bunching, which increases pests and diseases
• Cleaning your tools after use to bar the spreading of contaminants between greenery 

Introducing Beneficial Bugs for Biological Management 

Now, you can let nature take its course, but what if harmful insects cause leaf holes and wilting (like leaf beetles and mealy bugs) or tunnels in trunks and branches (like borers)? When learning how to prevent tree diseases, one of the best things you can do is count on the beneficial bugs to care for them naturally. 

You can also implement this integrated pest management method by manually introducing praying mantis, parasitic wasps, and ladybugs into the mix. These garden-friendly bugs eat these pests without harming your garden. That way, you can purchase and release them for additional tree disease prevention.

Trust the Team at The Heart of Wood!

At The Heart of Wood, our team is passionate about protecting and enhancing trees in Great Falls, Virginia. We’ve seen it all during our 30-plus years in the industry, including all possible signs of a rotten tree inside, and we know how to prevent tree diseases.

For tree health monitoring and more, call (571) 482-0996 and request a free estimate today!