The Value of a Tree

Did you know that trees in your yard can add value to your property? Not only that, trees can provide shade in the summer, allowing for a cooler home, and protection from wind and cold in the winter. This can help reduce heating and cooling costs. In addition if provides beauty and color and helps clean the air. Now, that’s a great reason to plant a tree!

Choosing the right tree should be a well thought out process. There are many things to consider when choosing a tree. For instance: What purpose will the tree serve? Some add beautification while others shelter from sight and sound while others serve as a wildlife habitat. How big will it get? If planting a small tree you must imagine what it will grow into over time.

It could be shading your entire yard and easily outgrow the area you plant it in. Is it prone to disease and/or insect infestation? Certain species attract disease and insects in particular areas of the country. To be sure you are on the right path in choosing, consult with your local nursery for best results. They can suggest several types of trees depending on your area, soil condition and other specific needs.

You should visit your nursery soon, since springtime is a great time to plant a tree.

Once you’ve chosen your tree here are tips to consider when planting. Remember, a properly planted tree will grow faster and live longer. Before digging your hole consider its ultimate size. Based on this you can then consider location. (Some communities have local ordinances on planting trees. Be sure to check with them first!) Consider proximity to your house and other structures, power lines, etc. Will it’s grown inhibit growth in flower gardens in the future? Remember it will be providing a fair amount of shade in the future!

Now it’s time to dig! When digging your hole for the tree you should dig a hole that is approximately twice as wide as the root ball of the tree. The depth of the hole should be slightly shallower than the root ball. To allow the roots to penetrate the soil, rough up the bottom and sides of the hole with a pick or shovel.

Place the root ball of the tree in the hole leaving the top of the root ball ½ inch to 1 inch above the surrounding soil. As you fill the hole, gently tap the soil to remove air pockets. This can also be accomplished by watering gently as you fill. A temporary water basin around the base of the tree should be made in order to promote water penetration. This will help in early stages of the developing tree. Then, mulch around the tree for further protection.

Now is when you may consider staking your tree. Although, depending on the species, it may not be recommended. Check with your nursery first. Staking provides support to the tree until the roots take hold. Remember that you must leave room for movement of the tree, so don’t stake tightly! Once the tree is established remove all staking holders and stakes. If these are not removed they can eventually cut into the tree and kill it.

Here are some tips on your trees early development. In the beginning, watch for stress. This can be identified by wilting leaves and/or caked soil. This may be a sign of dryness. Water your tree well. It is important to do this slowly so the water has enough time to penetrate the soil and root system. Keep mulch around your tree for protection. This helps maintain moisture in the soil.

Fertilizing your newly planted tree is usually not recommended or necessary. Check with your local nursery to confirm this with the species and growing conditions you have in your location.

Young trees can be easily damaged from rodents, frost, sun scald, mice, rabbits and weed whackers. Plastic guards can be used as defense against weed whackers while a tree wrap might help with sun scald. Check with your nursery consultant on the best defense against rodents, mice and rabbits

Pruning is usually not needed on newly planted trees. As the tree grows, however, the lower branches may be pruned for ground clearance. More mature trees may need pruning to allow sunlight to enter the canopy. Prune with pruners and/or a pruning saw. All cuts in the tree should be vertical. This allows the tree to heal quickly. Pruning should be done in early spring. This is the time of year your tree is more likely to ‘bleed’ its sap through the openings. This is actually a good thing since the saps acts as a sealant and prevents disease organisms from entering. Never top off your trees. This ruin’s the natural shape of your tree.

Adding trees to your landscape can add value to your property in addition to many other benefits. It is important to check with your nursery when choosing a tree for the best possible success in growing a tree to maturity. Taking into consideration location, techniques on the hole to dig and maintenance are all important to the health and life of your tree. Given the proper care, a tree can give you several years of enjoyment. Have fun planting!

Susan Monaghan
Ridge Line Home Inspection, LLC
414-530-7773