Trees need adequate space to thrive. But if you have a small backyard, growing a healthy tree can be quite a challenge. Nevertheless, here are some ways to keep your trees alive and thriving even if you have a small backyard:
1. Call a tree care specialist
If you’re not sure how to take care of your tree, call in a tree care company that offers services such as spraying, removal, and horticulture in Salt Lake City or other places. They will be the ones to tell you how to take care of your tree given the limited space, especially if there are surrounding structures around it.
2. Avoid crowding the tree
A tree needs enough space around it for its root system to flourish. That said, keeping obstructions away from the tree is one of the best ways to help it thrive. Avoid putting or building objects around the tree such as sheds, fences, large planters, and gazebos.
3. Relieve compacted soil
When the soil under your tree is compacted, less oxygen and nutrients can enter the root system. As a result, the tree is stressed and thus becomes more susceptible to diseases and pests. To avoid losing your tree, loosen compacted soil by aerating the lawn. You can do this yourself with an aerator or call in a professional to do it for you.
4. Keep the tree hydrated
When the weather is dry and hot, it is crucial that you make the extra effort to hydrate your tree. Give it a nice infrequent soak instead of regular misting. Moreover, it’s better to water during the early mornings and late afternoons when the sun is not high in the sky so the water doesn’t evaporate quickly.
5. Nourish the soil
A tree can only be as healthy as the soil it stands on. Therefore, to ensure the health of your tree, nourish the soil beneath it through fertilization and mulching. In a small backyard, keeping your soil nutrient-dense is much easier and less expansive than a bigger yard, which can be considered a plus.
6. Trim regularly
The downside of growing a tree in a small backyard is that you would probably have to trim it more frequently to avoid the branches from going over the neighbors’ yard or obstructing nearby structures. Moreover, it is also necessary to remove dead branches and leaves that may cause disease to your tree. Trim your tree with a sanitized pair of shears (with no dirt and corrosion) and remove the trimmings as soon as you finish.
7. Avoid walking around the tree
Heavy foot traffic can damage the roots underneath the tree as well as make the soil compacted. To avoid this, make it a rule in the household to not walk all over the ground around the tree and avoid putting heavy objects on the soil.
Having a smaller backyard shouldn’t stop you from growing a tree on your property. However, there are several strategies that you have to follow if you want to keep your tree healthy despite the size of your yard, starting with the ones highlighted above.
