What New Homeowners Need to Know About Their Trees
While trees can increase property values and enhance the curb appeal of your home, trees can also help to make us feel at home. However, new homeowners should try not to do too much after moving in until they know more about the tree species and how the seasons affect them. It is always a good idea to create an inventory by inspecting the number of trees.
What New Homeowners Need to Know About Their Trees
Inspection
First look for diseased and dying trees. There is a chance you will need to remove these trees. Check the leaves for spots and burning. See if there is any fungus, mold, or rot around the base of the trunk. It is possible to save sick trees in some cases. Also, be on the alert for signs of pests and infestations, branches hanging over property lines, or brushing against your home and gutters. Check for ways the roots of big trees are impacting the driveway and sidewalk. Look for broken branches and damage at the top of trees. Damage at the top of your trees could mean that limbs and logs could drop at any time. This can lead to injuring unsuspecting little ones playing under the tree. An inspection will help you form a long-term vision for the trees in your yard.
Envision
When out inspecting, start creating a mental year-round vision for your yard. This can include which trees need to make way for pools or decks, and where you can plant trees to create shade or an area for a fire pit. Think about the potential for a kids’ treehouse too.
Say Hi – Be Neighborly
Neighbors are a good source of information about weather patterns, sun movement, and local trees. They will also be able to point out boundary lines. Invite your neighbors to inspect tree branches that are crossing property borders. Then, you can agree to terms for dealing with them. Visit the local nursery owner as well and ask them to share their local expertise.
Planting
Planting in cooler weather helps trees and saplings establish themselves before the summer heat. The best time to plant trees is early spring or late autumn.
Mulching
Mulch is good for trees as it helps the roots to retain moisture after rain or watering. Place a layer of mulch, two to three inches deep, around the tree with a radius of up to two to three feet, depending on tree size.
Fertilizing
Fertilizer, preferably organic compost, is good for soil quality and root strength. Fertilizer gives trees the nutrients they need to stay healthy and grow.
Pruning
Don’t prune in the fall as that is when fungi and disease spread. The best time to prune trees and shrubs is early spring or late summer, as the leaves begin to change color. Trees require maintenance like trimming dead, damaged or diseased branches.
Hug a tree
Trees are living creatures just like people. They need regular attention through feeding and watering, even wrapping in winter, to keep them healthy and safe. Love your trees and they will love you back.
Additional Reading: Big Trees, Big Problems: 7 Reasons to Think Twice Before Buying a Home With a Shady Backyard (Realtor.com)
Omaha Tree Services
At Omaha Tree, our mission is to provide tree care services & mulch products that improve the HEALTH, BEAUTY, & SAFETY of our customers’ trees. We recycle all of our wood waste material from the trees we trim and remove in the greater Omaha metro area. The wood waste material is brought back to our 8-acre site at 3606 McKinley Street, where it is processed into a beautiful & consistent mulch product that is local, fresh, and clean. Contact a certified arborist today.
