Having trees in your yard can add peace and beauty to your property, not to mention it's good for the health of the environment. Unfortunately, when it comes to taking care of their yard, many homeowners overlook their trees. After all, it seems like they've been there forever, and they can withstand everything from droughts to major storms. The truth is that your lawn, garden, and shrubs aren't the only plants in your yard that need a little TLC from time to time. It's important to take care of your trees too.

Why is Tree Care Important

There are many reasons why it's important to take off the trees in your yard. Some are for aesthetic reasons. Removing dead limbs and pruning overgrown trees can add to the beauty of the yard and increase your curb appeal. It may even add value to your property as a whole. It can also increase the amount of natural light you receive in and around your home.

Tree care is also necessary for the safety of you and your family. Trees that aren't well-maintained are more prone to issues that could lead to falling limbs or even falling trees that could damage your home, vehicles, or even a loved one or pet out walking around in your yard.

Finally, taking care of your trees gives them a health boost, which can add to their longevity. It can also prevent a pest outbreak that could not only kill the tree but the other plants in your yard.

How to Care For The Trees In Your Yard

The best way to take care of the trees in your yard is to prune them or have them pruned, paying close attention to the removal of dead or dying limbs or any parts that have a pest problem. Do this in late winter so that you don't trim the new growth that comes during the springtime.

You should also consider mulching your trees once a year. This can help keep moisture in the ground, protect the roots from temperature extremes, provide nutrients, and keep weeds at bay. It can also protect your trees from pest invasions. About three inches of mulch should work for most trees.

When you mow your lawn, make sure you remove any grass or weeds that have grown up around your trees. Not only will it look better, but you're removing any competition for water and nutrients.

Don't forget to water and fertilize your trees. Water is especially important for newly-planted or younger trees. While you don't want to over-water them, they do need a good soaking. Do this once every one to two weeks, depending on how much rain you've received in your area. Mature trees usually need about an inch of water each week. Newer ones will need up to 10 gallons per week for the first year or two. As for fertilizing, use compost or a commercial brand of fertilizer. The amount needed and frequency will depend on the type of trees you have and their age, but usually once a year is sufficient.

Consider having a professional visit your property once a year and take a look at your trees. They can inspect them for potential safety hazards, pests, or any other issues that could cause problems in the future. Even if you don't hire a professional, it's a good idea to inspect your trees annually to spot small problems before they become big ones.

What Else You Should Know About Having Trees On Your Property

Keep in mind that your trees are your responsibility, even if they're close to your property line. If that tree falls or causes any damage to your neighbor's property, it may be up to you to handle the consequences, especially if you were negligent in taking care of the tree. This is yet another reason why you want to ensure your trees are as healthy and stable as possible.

Adding More Trees to Your Yard

Taking care of the trees in your yard is relatively simple once you come up with a strategy and routine, so don't shy away from planting new ones. They can liven up your landscape, and it's good for the environment. They can even add privacy to your property and help keep your energy bills down when they provide shade.

Just make sure you choose the right location for your new trees. Ensure they'll get plenty of sunlight. Also, make sure they won't affect your power lines, either when you dig under the ground or when they grow up towards the sky.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for All Trees