Essential Tips for Managing and Caring for Trees on Your Property

The non-profit conservation organization Arbor Day reveals that planting trees can help homeowners save up to 20 percent on energy bills during the summer season. Trees are valuable assets in the garden because they enhance the beauty, tranquility, shade, and value of any property. They also cut energy bills, improve air quality, provide a home for wildlife and reduce soil erosion. Since they’re so beneficial, caring for them well is essential.

Whether your trees are mature or new ones, proper care boosts their continued growth and health. Ideally, protecting your garden trees and plants from harsh weather, diseases and human error will extend their lifespan. With this in mind, here are essential tips for managing and caring for your garden trees. 

Plant Trees Suited for Your Region


It’s easy to assume that all tree species will thrive in your yard, but that’s not the case. Before you plant any tree, find out if it is adapted to your region’s climate and soil conditions. You want to make sure your trees stay healthy throughout the year.

Also, consider light and available space in your garden. Remember that choosing trees suited for your location is key to enjoying years of beauty, serenity and shade in your landscape. You can visit your local nursery or consult an arborist to get clear details about the best tree species for your yard. 

Understand Your Trees’ Needs


Once you have identified the best trees for your garden, take a considerable amount of time researching their requirements for growth. Bear in mind that the needs of your garden trees will vary a lot depending on their species and size. Make sure you know how much water each tree needs and the type of soil it prefers.

It’s also wise to factor in if your trees are drought-tolerant. If they’re not, plan a water-conscious garden to prevent them from dying out during the hot season.

Apart from drought, find out other aspects that might interfere with your trees’ growth. Note that some trees are sensitive to salt spray, high winds, root competition and excess water. If your trees are susceptible to any of these elements, avoid exposure to ensure they grow healthy and last for decades.

Protect the Roots 


tree roots - essential tips for managing and caring for trees on your property

Healthy roots promote tree growth and health, meaning healthy soil is also crucial. As a general rule of thumb, make sure the soil around your trees is not compacted. That’s because soil compaction blocks oxygen and water infiltration to the root system. Given that oxygen infiltration is vital for nutrient absorption into the root zone, you should focus on protecting your trees’ roots.

Also, maintain healthy soil within the critical root zone, which is defined by the tree’s drip line. You can identify your tree’s drip line by drawing an imaginary circle on the ground that corresponds with the extent of the branches. After identifying the critical root zone, don’t compact the soil or change its grade as it may damage the tree. 

Learn About Tree Diseases and Treatment


Leaving your trees alone is an excellent way to protect them, but it pays to observe them regularly to detect diseases that may affect their health. Tree diseases you should monitor include stunted growth, leaf rust and spots, root rot and bark diseases like rust, cankers and decay. Knowing the shape, height, color, and overall health of your trees before pests and diseases infect them can be helpful when consulting tree specialists. 

With the help of an arborist, you can find practical solutions to various diseases. In most cases, arborists recommend spraying fungicides and pesticides to get rid of fungi and pests damaging your trees. However, if you’re creating a garden to attract wildlife, you’ll want to avoid pesticides in your yard. That’s because the chemicals present in these products harm insects like bees and invertebrates.

Instead, consider pruning dead branches and infected leaves, but don’t overdo it. Also, improve soil conditions and remove stumps to prevent bug and fungi infestation from spreading to healthy trees. 

Prune Properly


Pruning trees is essential, as it helps keep them healthy and strong. However, improper pruning can damage your greenery, resulting in the spread of tree diseases. If you’re new to pruning, consider hiring a professional to handle the task for you.

Alternatively, ask your local arborist to teach you the proper techniques of tree pruning. Typically, pruning entails removing crossing branches to prevent them from creating wounds on the bark. Also, remove dead branches so that your trees heal and make room for growth. 

To Sum Up


Planting trees in your garden is an excellent way to increase your property value, enhance beauty, provide shade, cut energy bills and create a habitat for wildlife. However, to enjoy these benefits, you must prioritize tree care and management. This involves pruning trees properly, managing diseases, protecting roots and bark and planting suitable tree species. 

Feature image: Skitterphoto; Image 1: mail maeder

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