10 tips on how to
keep your trees healthy

A helpful guide on how to maintain the health of your trees.

Tree-Service-of-Lafatette-planting-trees-and-keeping-trees-healthy-in-Lafayette-LA

Get a free estimate today!

Talk to a licensed arborist today

How do I keep my trees healthy?

Lafayette, Louisiana is home to some of the most beautiful trees in the United States. The natural landscape and climate make it the perfect place for trees to thrive. However, even the best-maintained trees need a little help staying healthy from time to time. Every tree deserves proper care, but some need it more than others. If you are looking for ways to keep your trees healthy, then you are in the right place. We will be talking about 10 tips that can help you out. Read on to learn more about how you can maintain the health of your trees.

Common trees to see in Lafayette


Each of these trees has different needs, so make sure to research what your specific tree requires.

  • Live Oak
  • Crepe Myrtle
  • Southern Oak
  • Baldcypress
  • Blue Beech
  • Eastern Red Cedar
  • Flowering Dogwood
  • Fringe Tree
  • Green Ash
  • Hickory
  • Holly

Tree-Service-of-Lafayette-how-to-keep-trees-healthy-planting-trees-in-Lafayette-LA

What does an unhealthy tree look like?

There are few signs noticeable to the untrained eye that can indicate a tree is sick or in decline. Nutrient deficiencies, pests, and diseases can weaken trees and make them more susceptible to stress factors such as drought and wind. Here are some signs that your tree may need some help:

Cavities in the trunk

Cavities in the trunk can be a sign of decay caused by pests or diseases. These are usually circular or elliptical in shape and can range in size from a few inches to several feet across.

  • Cracks and holes in the bark – Cracks and holes in the bark can be a sign of pest damage, sunscald, or mechanical injury.
  • Dead branches – Dead branches are a common sign of tree decline. They may be due to pest infestation, diseases, or environmental stress factors.
  • Wilting leaves – Wilting leaves can be a sign of drought stress, root injury, or pest and disease problems.
  • Bare patches – As a tree ages, it may lose its leaves and branches. This is normal. However, if you notice an excessive amount of bare patches on your tree, it may be a sign of decline.
  • Broken branches – Branches that have been broken by the wind, storms, or other causes are more prone to decay and can be a sign of tree decline.

10 Ways To Keep Your Tree Healthy

1. Plant the right tree

there are many things to consider when you are picking the right tree for your home. Make sure to research what the needs of the tree are before you plant it. This includes things like sun exposure, water requirements, and soil type.

2. Remove stakes early

Staples and ties used to hold young trees in place can girdle the trunk as the tree grows, cutting off the flow of nutrients and water. Remove them as soon as the trees no longer need them.

3. Keep the grass away

Grass and other plants can compete with trees for water, nutrients, and space. Keep the grass away from the base of the tree and create a mulched area instead.

4. Water properly

Watering your trees properly is essential for their health. Make sure to water them deeply and infrequently, rather than shallowly and often. This will help the tree root system grow deeper and stronger.

5. Mulch

Mulching your trees is a great way to protect them from pests, diseases, and environmental stress factors. It also helps keep the soil moist and prevents weeds from growing.

6. Prune properly

Pruning can help improve the health and appearance of your trees. However, it is important to do it properly. Make sure to only remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches.

7. Protect the roots

The roots of a tree are its most important part. Protect them from damage by using mulch, keeping the grass away, and being careful when you are mowing or using other lawn equipment.

8. Watch for pests

Pests can be a major problem for trees. Make sure to watch for and treat any pests early. This is to ensure the tree’s health and avoid any damage that the pests may cause.

9. Check for diseases

Just like pests, diseases can be a major problem for trees. Make sure to watch for and treat any diseases early. This ensures the tree’s health and avoids any damage that the disease may cause.

10. Get a professional evaluation

If you are concerned that your tree may be sick or in decline, it is a good idea to get a professional evaluation. A qualified arborist can diagnose any problems and recommend the best course of treatment. Tree Service of Lafayette is an insured and licensed company that provides professional tree care services to homeowners in Lafayette and the surrounding areas.

What are the best ways to keep a tree healthy?

To keep your trees healthy, you should water them regularly and fertilize them twice a year. You should also prune them regularly to remove dead or diseased branches. Additionally, you should protect them from pests and diseases by using effective pesticides and herbicides. Provide your trees with adequate sunlight to ensure proper growth. Maintaining the growth of branches can help keep trees healthy by evenly distributing the weight of the tree evenly. Finally, make sure to remove any fallen leaves or debris from around the base of your tree to prevent pests from taking up residence.

Trees are an important part of our environment and play a vital role in our ecosystem. It is important to take care of them and ensure their health and vitality. By following the tips above, you can help keep your tree healthy and looking great. When you are in Lafayette and need assistance with trees, be sure to contact our professionals at Tree service of Lafayette.