Taking care of trees can be a daunting task, especially if you want to keep them organic. Since trees offer various benefits, including shade, oxygen, and habitat for wildlife, caring for them is just like taking care of humans and other living things.
However, as mentioned, taking care of trees can be difficult, especially if they’re prone to pests. Although not all trees are prone to pest infestation, you should still keep observing them and practise proper organic pest control methods to keep them healthy.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the common ways to ensure that the trees in your surroundings are always healthy.
1. Encourage Natural Predators
One of the things that can help with pest control is to encourage natural predators. Some of the natural enemies of pests are ladybugs, birds, and praying mantises. Since they feed on pests, you can ensure that their natural predators will serve as the guardians of the trees.
So, instead of using chemical pesticides, try to find ways to attract these natural predators, such as installing a birdhouse or planting native flowers.
2. Use Neem Oil and Other Horticultural Oils
If the pests are starting to grow, you can apply neem oil and horticultural oils to affected areas. These oils are natural pesticides that prevent pests from growing and don’t harm trees and plants. At the same time, they keep the beneficial species safe.
When applying the oils, you can mix them with water and vinegar or molasses. You can put the mixture into a spray bottle for easier application.
3. Recognising Pests and Pest Infestation Symptoms
Another way to prevent pest infestation is to recognise the pests and the symptoms of the infestation. For instance, if you notice that the newly planted tree is wilting or has stunted growth, it may be a sign that there’s a nematode feeding on the nutrients from the tree. It depends on the situation, but if it’s too late, you should immediately call for tree removal services before the infestation reaches the other trees.
4. Companion Planting
Diversifying the plants and trees in your yard not only makes it beautiful but also helps them. In addition, biodiversity promotes healthy soil. So, companion planting can significantly improve your surroundings.
When implementing companion planting, you should be aware of the right companion for the trees. For instance, if you’re planning to have fruit trees in your yard, planting garlic around them can help eliminate harmful insects, such as borers.
5. Pruning and Sanitation
Regular pruning isn’t just about safety and aesthetics but also about sanitation. Removing weak and damaged branches prevents pests from creating their breeding ground. But aside from removing damaged branches, you should also schedule regular pruning sessions with your local arborist. This is better than tree removal, so if you don’t want to lose your trees, don’t forget to keep the trees clean and safe, even if there are no natural disasters.
6. Use Organic Sprays
Aside from the spray mixed with neem oil and horticultural oils, there are other organic sprays that you can make using the things you have at home. You can start by mixing water, a few drops of essential oils (such as peppermint), and dish soap. If you don’t have essential oils, you can replace them with chilli or garlic.
When spraying your DIY organic spray, identify the affected area and saturate it. Ensure that the pests are no longer moving before moving on to another infested area.
7. Improve Soil Health
Another simple yet effective way to keep your trees healthy and pest-free is by improving the soil’s health. In doing so you can start by using mulch, compost, and natural fertilisers. These methods can improve the essential nutrients the trees need. On the other hand, avoid using synthetic fertilisers as they can affect the immune system of the trees.
8. Introduce Beneficial Fungi, Bacteria, and Insects
As you improve your yard, don’t forget to introduce beneficial fungi bacteria as well as insects. Similar to encouraging natural predators, these species can also help manage pest populations. The more beneficial species you introduce to your yard, the higher the chance that your trees and plants will stay healthy.
9. Create Physical Barriers
Creating physical barriers can also prevent pests from coming closer to trees. At the same time, you won’t be harming the environment. However, when crafting physical barriers, ensure that the materials you use are safe and won’t affect the growth of trees and other plants. In addition, don’t forget to check and observe the barriers and see if they’re still in good condition.
Final Thoughts
Organic pest control methods promote environmental sustainability and keep plants and trees healthy. By considering the tips listed in this article, you can gradually implement the right pest control methods without sacrificing the environment.
Have you tried any of these methods? Let us know the results by commenting below!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aliana Baraquio is a web content writer working for Sydney Tree Solutions, a company that provides tree removal and arborist services throughout Sydney. As a writer, she is passionate about providing good quality articles that help readers make the right choice.
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