What can I do to keep the trees in my yard healthy?

The midwest has lost many trees in recent years due to disease and pests but one of the most common causes of the death of a tree is the harm that is unwittingly done to it by humans. There are a number of things that we can all do to protect our trees. It is important to plan construction to minimize damage to trees. Plan carefully. Remember that root systems of trees can extend two to three times further than the branches so construction can cause damage to trees even when it occurs a distance away from the tree itself. Be careful of weed whacking near trees. Weed whackers nick the bark causing damage to the tree and providing an ideal entry point for potential disease.
Protect your trees with mulch 1-4 inches thick beginning a few inches from the base of the tree. Make sure the mulch extends as far as the drip line or at least three feet away fro the trunk. Mulch protects the tree from weed whackers by creating some distance from the lawn area. This also protects the tree from pesticides and lawn chemicals if the lawn owner hasn’t adopted chemical free lawn care practices. In addition, mulch prevents weeds and retains moisture. Finally, be careful not to overwater. In particular, homes with sprinkling systems can overwater trees that are used to dry conditions. Remember, many trees grow spectacularly in the countryside all on their own. Let’s make sure that our practices don’t damage them when they are in our lawns.