Trees, the silent giants of our landscape, have often helped many people connect with nature and with their beauty. While they all share the common trait of being vital to our environment, trees can largely be classified into two categories; deciduous and evergreen. If you’ve ever wondered about the distinction between these two or how to care for them properly, Arbor Improvements would like to share the basics of deciduous and evergreen trees and how to maintain your home’s trees.
What are Characteristics of Deciduous Trees?
Deciduous trees, true to their name, shed their leaves annually, and usually in the autumn. They include many hardwood trees like oak, maple, and birch. These trees have broad, flat leaves that can range from various shades of green to vibrant autumnal hues during the fall.
• Regular Pruning: Most deciduous trees benefit from regular pruning to remove dead or overcrowded branches and to maintain their shape. Winter or late winter, when the tree is dormant, is often the best time to prune.
• Leaf Cleanup: Autumn can leave behind a hefty blanket of fallen leaves. Regularly raking and composting these leaves prevents fungal diseases and potential insect issues.
• Fertilization: A slow release fertilizer in early spring can encourage healthy growth.
How Do You Maintain Evergreens?
Evergreens keep their leaves throughout the year. Instead of the broad leaves found in deciduous trees, most evergreens have needles or scales. They include conifers like pine, spruce, and cedar, as well as certain broadleaf species like holly. Evergreens provide year round privacy as well as color to landscapes.
• Tree Pruning: Evergreens require less frequent pruning than deciduous trees. When pruning, it’s essential to ensure you’re not cutting back to a section of the branch that has no green growth, as this can stunt the tree.
• Watering: Many evergreens, especially when young, need a consistent watering schedule. During dry periods, they might need additional water to prevent browning.
• Protect from Winter Damage: In areas with harsh winters, evergreens can be damaged by heavy snow or drying winter winds. Consider wrapping young trees or using windbreaks.
Shared Tree Maintenance Tips
There are certain steps homeowners can take to help their trees regardless as to which species they have in their yards. To ensure healthy trees, homeowners will want to always:
• Mulch Trees: Both deciduous and evergreen trees benefit from mulching, which helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Just ensure the mulch doesn’t touch the trunk.
• Tree Disease & Pest Monitoring: Regularly inspect trees for signs of pests or diseases. Early detection can make treatment more manageable and successful.
• Tree Planting: Whether it’s a deciduous or evergreen tree, ensure it’s planted in a suitable location, considering its full-grown size, sunlight requirements, and soil preferences.
Stump Grinding, Tree Trimming & Pruning, Removal & More in Greenville, Greer, Mauldin, Simpsonville, Union and Spartanburg, SC
While deciduous and evergreen trees differ in their aesthetics and some characteristics, they both play essential roles in our environment, offering shade, improving air quality, and adding beauty to landscapes. Understanding their unique needs ensures they remain healthy and thrive in your garden. There are many different steps that homeowners need to take to maintain healthy trees. When a homeowner finds they need help trimming and pruning their trees, contact Arbor Improvements today.
