The best time to think about an older tree is before the next windstorm. Regular inspection and sensible care may reduce some avoidable problems, though even a healthy tree can lose limbs or fall in severe weather. Start with what you can see safely from the ground, and bring in a qualified arborist for concerns you cannot assess yourself.
What should an arborist look at?
Tree care takes place over years rather than in one round of cutting. An arborist can look for dead wood, crossing limbs and visible weaknesses. Some concerns are clear from the ground; others may call for a closer inspection. Ask what work is recommended, why it matters and when it should be done before agreeing to pruning.
Tree work can be costly, so it helps to plan for it rather than waiting for storm damage. Look for a service with a trained, certified arborist and appropriate insurance. Nature’s Friends Landscaping can help you connect with a tree service for work outside ordinary garden maintenance. Our post on trees in the landscape is a useful companion when you are considering how older trees shape the yard.
What can you do from the ground?
Keep string trimmers away from trunks. Even a large tree can be injured when its bark is cut repeatedly at the base. Leave a clear area around the trunk and tend nearby grass or weeds without striking the bark. When you mulch, spread it over the surrounding soil instead of piling it against the tree; the mulch basics article explains that gap.
Watch for ivy climbing into the tree. English ivy can form substantial vines and add leafy growth along the trunk. If you notice broken branches or another new concern, let a tree professional assess it. Do not climb or try to remove large limbs yourself.
What about topping a tree?
Avoid topping as a shortcut to make a mature tree smaller. It leaves a poor shape and can create problems with the new growth. A qualified arborist can explain whether selective pruning is appropriate or whether the tree has outgrown its location. If you are planting a replacement or adding another tree, choose with its mature size in mind; making a good tree choice is a place to begin that decision.
No maintenance plan can make a tree storm-proof. Keeping track of its condition and asking for trained help when something changes gives you a better basis for deciding what to do next.
