As trees age, they're susceptible to the same vulnerability as other aging creatures. That's why you must take extra care of the older trees on your land. As trees age, they'll require periodic maintenance to ensure they're not detracting from the value of your land. According to the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, the collective value trees add to private home properties is more than $31.5 billion annually nationwide. Let's discuss a few tips to help take care of your older trees.

1. Use Mulch

Mulch is a great way to keep the moisture around your trees. As trees age, you need to help them maintain as much moisture after watering as possible. Mulch is also great for keeping weeds away from trees and other plants in your garden landscape. Weeds can easily suck away nutrients and vitamins from the soil. When your trees are already older, not getting the nutrients they need can cause them to weaken.

2. Add More Fertilizer

Speaking of nutrients, feed your older trees the best fertilizer possible. Your local tree service knows the best fertilizer to put around specific plants. They can also test the soil to see what nutrients and minerals are lacking and how the fertilizer can make up that gap.

3. Do Extra Watering

Water is always important for trees. Like the younger trees, older ones will need water to survive. A tree service can set up a drip irrigation system to make watering easier. Be mindful of the time of day watering takes place. It's best to give them water when they can soak it up faster, such as when the sun is less intense in the evening and early morning.

4. Trim Regularly

Proper pruning matters regardless of the tree's life cycle, but it's even more important as they grow older. As trees age, they are more likely to have dead wood. They also tend to self-shed their lower branches. A local tree service professional understands how to handle the larger branches on top that the older trees tend to maintain. They know exactly where and how to prune without harming the tree.

A local tree service keeps your trees as healthy as possible. Your older trees need extra love and care, so hire a local arborist to give them the protection, nutrients, and water they need. Contact Georgia Tree Surgeons today for more information.