Mature trees are more than just beautiful additions to your landscape—they provide shade, clean the air, enhance property value, and offer a vital habitat for local wildlife. While these trees may look strong and self-sufficient, they still require thoughtful care to stay healthy and safe. At Five Star Tree Services, we understand how important it is to preserve these natural assets through proper maintenance and expert tree care.
In this article, we explore the key do’s and don’ts when it comes to caring for mature trees to help you protect their health and longevity for years to come.
DO: Schedule Regular Tree Inspections
Older trees are more prone to structural issues, diseases, and pests. That’s why it’s important to schedule routine inspections by a certified arborist. Professional assessments help identify early warning signs such as decaying limbs, root damage, fungal infections, or cracks in the trunk.
Our team at Five Star Tree Services provides thorough tree health evaluations across the GTA to catch problems before they become serious.
DON’T: Ignore Warning Signs
Visible signs of decline—such as dead branches, peeling bark, wilting leaves, or sudden lean—should never be ignored. These symptoms may indicate internal decay, root problems, or disease. Waiting too long to address these issues can lead to irreversible damage or hazardous conditions.
If you notice anything unusual, contact a tree care professional right away.
DO: Mulch Around the Base
Mulching helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition—all of which support root health. However, it’s essential to apply mulch correctly. Spread a 2–4 inch layer of organic mulch like wood chips or bark around the base of the tree, but avoid piling it against the trunk (known as “volcano mulching”).
Leave a small gap between the trunk and mulch to prevent moisture buildup and fungal growth.
DON’T: Over-Prune or Topping the Tree
Pruning is vital to remove dead or weak branches and promote healthy growth, but over-pruning or topping a mature tree can be highly damaging. Topping, or cutting the main branches back to stubs, stresses the tree and makes it vulnerable to pests, disease, and sunscald.
Instead, opt for selective, strategic pruning performed by trained arborists who understand the growth patterns and needs of mature trees.
DO: Water During Extended Dry Spells
Although mature trees have deep root systems, they can still suffer during prolonged dry periods, especially in urban settings where root space is limited. Water deeply and slowly, allowing moisture to reach the lower root zones. A general rule is 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter, once or twice a month during drought conditions.
Avoid shallow, frequent watering, which only benefits surface roots and encourages weakness.
DON’T: Compact the Soil Around the Root Zone
Heavy equipment, foot traffic, and even parked vehicles can compact the soil around a tree’s root system, restricting oxygen and water flow. Compacted soil is one of the most common stressors for mature trees in residential and commercial properties.
To prevent this, limit activity around the tree’s drip line (the area under the tree’s outermost branches) and consider adding mulch to discourage walking directly over roots.
DO: Protect the Trunk from Damage
Tree trunks are vulnerable to mechanical damage from lawnmowers, trimmers, and other equipment. Such injuries can expose the inner wood to pests and decay. Use trunk guards or protective barriers and always maintain a buffer zone to avoid direct contact.
Our experts at Five Star Tree Services can also install protective fencing for construction projects to preserve tree health during renovations or landscaping work.
DON’T: Attempt DIY Tree Work on Large Trees
Tree care—especially for mature trees—can be dangerous without the proper tools, training, and safety protocols. Climbing, pruning, or removing large limbs should never be a DIY task. One wrong move can lead to personal injury, property damage, or harm to the tree itself.
Trust certified arborists like the team at Five Star Tree Services to handle complex tree care safely and professionally.
Let Five Star Tree Services Help Your Mature Trees Thrive
Caring for mature trees requires the right balance of attention, knowledge, and timely intervention. Whether you need tree pruning, inspections, cabling, or tree emergency services, our team brings years of experience and a passion for preserving the natural beauty of your landscape.
Call us today at (416) 990-3355 and let us help your mature trees live long, healthy lives—safely and beautifully.