Of course, prevention of wounds is the best practice in the first place. There are many ways that homeowners can prevent the wounding and decay of urban trees. First, trees should be planted in proper locations, with adequate space relative to other trees or obstacles.
For example, trees should be located sufficiently far enough from buildings, sidewalks, driveways, and power lines. Furthermore, ensuring that a tree is planted properly and in high-quality, well-drained soil will go a long way to minimize wound healing problems.
If the site has poor soil, that soil should be amended with composted mulch to improve conditions for the root system and the tree overall. Mulching trees also discourages activity involving lawnmowers and weed whackers, which are common agents of damage at the base of the trunk, since mulched areas are not meant to grow grass.
The most important thing to remember with urban trees is that, although they are beautiful and valuable to homeowners on many levels, they also can pose serious risks if they are not properly maintained.
Whenever homeowners have serious questions regarding the stability or health status of the trees in their yards, it is advisable to consult a professional before attempting any action, particularly with larger trees. This can easily be achieved by contacting local horticulture experts, like university Extension educators or certified arborists.
