Most homeowners know that harsh weather, pests, and environmental conditions can cause significant tree damage seemingly overnight. However, they also want to preserve their damaged trees and repair their structures before they succumb to their wounds. So Rockoff Tree Solutions created this guide on how to save a damaged tree on your Boerne, Texas, property.
Rockoff Tree Solutions is an award-winning arborist company serving the greater Boerne, Texas, area. If you need a certified arborist in Boerne, look no further than our team.
Saving Damaged Trees: Best Practices
Trees are susceptible to numerous issues that can damage their branches, roots, and trunk. Although severely damaged trees often seem beyond repair, you can save mild to moderately damaged trees if you take swift action. Use the following method to learn how to save a damaged tree.
How To Restore Split Tree Limbs
Strong winds and turbulent storms can split tree limbs, reducing their overall health and visual appeal. Fortunately, you can restore split branches by securing them to the tree’s structure.
Pull hanging branches back into place and drill durable screw rods to secure them. If done correctly, the limbs will fuse to the tree over time, restoring its appearance.
How To Repair Torn Bark
Bark gives trees an extra layer of protection against damage, pests, and diseases. However, sometimes, bark experiences damage that leaves the tree vulnerable to numerous issues. Although you can’t repair severely damaged bark, you can restore moderate damage by following the steps below.
Step One: Clean the Wound
Start by removing loose bark around the wound. Use a sanitized hammer and chisel to round out the wound and eliminate jagged edges. This will help the tree form a callus and enhance recovery.
Step Two: Fertilize the Tree
Once you clean the tree wound, fertilize the tree with a high-quality fertilizer. Try to buy one with a high NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) rating to ensure the best results. You must fertilize the entire root system for the tree to repair itself efficiently.
You can find the tree’s root radius by determining the distance from the tree’s longest branch to the trunk. Then, multiply that number by itself and the results by 3.14. This gives you the square footage. You want to apply two to four pounds of fertilizer for every 1,000 sq. ft of the root system.
Step Three: Irrigate the Soil
Finally, thoroughly water the tree to help the fertilizer penetrate the soil. It’s best to water right after fertilizing to prevent nutrient loss and remove fertilizer from fallen leaves.
If done correctly, the tree will develop a callus over the wound within a few months and recover from the damage.
Note this bark repair method only works when the damage doesn’t affect more than 25% of the bark’s surface area. If your tree experiences extensive bark damage, contact a professional arborist to assess the wound. They will determine the best treatment method or provide tree removal services if it’s beyond repair.
Contact Rockoff Tree Solutions for Exceptional Tree Services in Boerne, Texas
If you want to learn how to save a damaged tree or hire an arborist to complete the process for you, contact Rockoff Tree Solutions. Our team will help you repair your mature and young trees to ensure they enhance your property for years to come. Whether you need to trim tree limbs close to power lines or want help maintaining a healthy tree, our arborists have you covered.
Give our team a call at (830) 955-0304 or complete our online form and schedule your appointment in Boerne, Texas, today!
