That beautiful new apple tree you bought was supposed to be the crown jewel of your garden, but it wasn’t long until the bark started to chip off and the leaves began wilting. Before you blame your lack of a green thumb or bad luck, don’t despair! There are many strategies you can use to nurse your tree back to health.
But what are these methods, and what benefits do they offer the tree?
Well, we’re glad you asked. Here’s our list of the top methods you can use to save a dying tree! So set down the shears and come take a look.
Proper Watering and Fertilization
The first step towards revitalizing your tree is making sure that your tree gets the right amount of water and fertilizer. Too little water starves the tree out, while too much water overloads the roots and inhibits their ability to bring oxygen to the tree. A good way to check your tree’s water levels is to test how much moisture the soil has and go from there.
If the problem is overwatering due to weather, consider finding a way to drain the moisture out or move the tree somewhere that receives more sunlight.
Fertilizer also requires a delicate balance, since too much will damage the roots and attract pests, while not enough fertilizer won’t give the tree the nutrients it needs to grow. Try testing the soil and seeing what nutrients aren’t present to get a feel for your fertilizer strategy.
Mulch levels also need to be watched. After all, piles that are too high will provide a breeding ground for nasty fungi and insects who want to damage your tree.
Tree Disease Strikes Again
Another common killer of trees is disease, brought about by fungal rot, trauma to the tree, or changes to the environment (flooding, drying out, and so on). One common disease is fire blight, a disease that causes trees to wilt and contort in a manner that makes them appear burnt. You can save the tree here by removing the infected branches before the blight reaches the rest of the tree.
In areas with extreme humidity, fungal infections like powdery mildew can sap nutrients from the tree and choke the life out of it. To counter this, use an environment-safe fungicide to blast the invasion away.
Removing Pests Can Save a Dying Tree
Trees also face attacks from insects like aphids and termites, who chew holes into the tree and eat away at it from inside. If you’ve identified the type of pest plaguing your tree, look for a pesticide that can kill them off without harming the tree or surrounding plants.
Call In Backup
If all else fails, don’t be afraid to call in tree surgeons to diagnose the issue and advise you on treatment options. If the tree’s too far gone, they can remove it without posing a threat to nearby plants.
A Happy and Healthy Garden
And there you have it! Now that you have our guide on how to save a dying tree, you’re ready to keep your garden happy and healthy! And for more tips on plant care and maintenance, make sure to check out the other posts on our website!
