Gainesville is known as a "tree city," and for good reason. It has a thick tree canopy. Therefore, proper tree maintenance is important to keep your home and property safe from damage.
The Importance of Gainesville Tree Maintenance
The Wood Doctor
Gainesville has been recognized as a "tree city" by the National Arbor Day Foundation for nearly 45 consecutive years. The city is known for its thick tree canopy and impeccable urban forestry management. Since trees are dense and abundant, it's important to keep them properly maintained and trimmed to prevent them from getting out of hand and causing property damage. Read on to learn more about proper Gainesville tree maintenance
Gainesville Tree Maintenance
Gainesville has a unique climate. The city experiences hot, humid summers and short, mild winters. Unlike most of peninsular Florida, Gainesville has a slightly more temperate, sub-tropical climate. This has created a unique ecosystem that is replete with coniferous evergreens, broadleaf evergreens, palm trees, and deciduous trees. Therefore, the city experiences an array of colors during the fall and spring.
This wide variety of trees thrives in the North Florida climate due to an abundance of sunshine and rainfall throughout the year--leading to a tall and thick canopy. The landscape is beautiful but it presents potential hazards for homeowners and business owners.
This requires regular tree maintenance. Neglecting tree maintenance can cause problems.
Pre-Winter Tree Maintenance
October and November are great times to prepare your trees for winter. Tree preparation includes the following.
- Trimming
- Mulching
- Wrapping
- Watering
Trimming trees as they're transitioning out of the growth season puts less stress on them than doing so during the high-growth season. This also sets them up for health during the following year's growing and hurricane seasons.
Mulching is also helpful to protect roots during cold snaps and for retaining more moisture during the drier months.
Wrapping the trunks of younger trees provides helpful protection during occasional winter cold snaps here in North Central Florida.
Watering your trees periodically during the dry period will keep your trees healthy and less prone to stress or disease.
Tree Maintenance Prior to Hurricane Season
Early spring is a great time to prepare your trees for hurricane season. Hurricanes can cause trees to uproot and limbs to break off. This falling tree debris can crush homes, and cars, or puncture your roof leading to significant property damage.
Falling trees and limbs also present safety hazards to pedestrians. Therefore, it's best to remove nuisance trees or trim off potentially problematic tree limbs. Nuisance trees include:
- Dead trees
- Overhanging trees
- Trees close to your home or business
Keeping up with potentially hazardous trees prior to hurricane season is the best way to protect you and your property. Gainesville doesn't experience storm surge or extreme winds like the coastal areas, but the tree canopy presents a real threat.
When to Call a Professional for Gainesville Tree Maintenance
If you're looking for tree maintenance in Gainesville, it's best to call a local professional tree care company that's familiar with the native flora. A local Gainesville tree expert like The Wood Doctor Tree Service will be able to give you the best guidance and provide optimal tree service!