The One Thing You Should Never Do Around A Heritage Tree

Older trees around your home may be classified as heritage trees, which are plants that have been around for over 50 years that typically have some kind of historical value. Just like any other tree, they can develop some issues. Therefore, the one thing you should never do around a heritage tree is stress its roots. Constant pressure on these integral parts can cause fungal growth and root diseases, yellowing leaves, dieback, a reduced tree canopy, and dark patches on its base.

But before you can protect your older specimen, you need to learn more about it. Not every aged plant can be a heritage tree, but there also isn't just one tree species that falls under this classification. Instead, these trees are labeled by the Urban Forestry Service as long as they are older than 50 years, have historical, cultural, or local value, are rare or endangered, or have truly one-of-a-kind characteristics. Every country will have different ordinances to help protect these living pieces of history. So, before you even think about cutting down a tree in your yard, get it inspected by a professional, ensuring you're not destroying a tree that has major significance to the area. Remember to follow any other specific care instructions for the type of tree you have. However, the best way to ensure the roots are happy is to avoid causing any damage or stress to these essential parts of your heritage tree.

To avoid stress on the tree's roots, do not drive over them, dig near them, or compact the soil around its base. While not necessarily a problem in neighborhoods with concrete driveways, some properties may have gravel or nothing at all. Sometimes you may even have to open other parts of your property for parking. Ensure that no cars drive or park on the ground above the roots by placing decorative barriers or fences around the tree. You also can cover bare tree roots by planting compatible ground covers and perennials, displaying a stunning flower bed that people will avoid walking on. If you live in an urban area where cars may unintentionally park or drive around your heritage trees, causing damage to the roots and compacting the soil, contact your local ordinance team to help ensure further protection.

A good rule of thumb is to never do any type of construction or major landscaping work around heritage trees. Practice cautious yet safe methods of landscaping around exposed tree roots. Digging around the tree's base and roots can sever them, causing significant harm to your plant. Another common problem faced by these majestic trees is soil compaction. This can reduce water and nutrient uptake to other parts of the plant, affecting the tree's health. Limit your foot traffic around the base and add some mulch to protect the soil from compaction, making sure not to pile it around the trunk itself. For more severe issues, get in touch with a professional landscaper or arborist.