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5 Tips on Maintaining the Trees in Your Yard

Two wooden lawn chairs facing an open grassy area with trees

Several studies show that well-kept landscaped yards with mature trees increase a home’s value by 7 to 19 percent! That would mean a $200K home would increase in value from anywhere between 14,000 and 38,000 dollars. That’s some mean green you don’t want to miss out on!  So the big question here is: how do you keep the trees on your property strong and healthy? Your friends from Valu Home Centers are here to break down 6 tree maintenance tips for you.

Man trimming tree branches with a pruner

1. Trimming

Just as we get hair cuts to look and feel our best, trees need the same. Trimming dead leaves and branches allows for the growth of healthy new ones! You can do this yourself or with the help of a professional. 

It is a good idea to check your trees annually and after storms with high winds. Remove any tree limbs that are too close to your home and could potentially cause damage if broken. 

Woman watering a young tree with a green watering can

2. Watering

For new trees, watering is extremely important. The general rule is 10 gals. of water per inch of the trunk’s diameter. This will help it grow and not dry out. As the roots get deeper and the tree gets larger, the tree can draw up water from other areas of the ground. A large tree can obtain up to 100 gallons of water through its deep roots in a day. While older and larger trees need less maintenance, newer or replanted trees need more regular watering to stay healthy.

Person holding a handful of soil next to a soil pH tester

3. Soil Testing

Soil testing determines the pH level and the minerals within the soil. You may be wondering why this is important. If a tree is looking less than its best, soil testing can help determine how you can improve your soil to help your trees thrive! Professional soil testing can be costly, but there are plenty of DIY options out there including this one available for free in-store pickup at your local Valu.

Brown mulch around the bottom of a tree

4. Mulch

Sure it looks pretty around trees but it does also offer some major benefits. Mulch acts as insulation and protects trees from sudden temperature changes and also helps trees to retain water. This is particularly helpful for new trees or trees that have been replanted.

Yellow fungus on a tree branch

5. Watch for Tree Diseases & Pests

Even with plenty of care, there are two enemies of a healthy tree. Pests and diseases could ruin many efforts. To prevent this, carefully monitor your tree to see signs of abnormal change such as spots on leaves, fungi, or changes in plant structure. Any of these could mean that pests and disease are impacting your tree.

When it comes to pest control for your tree, there are plenty of critters that can infest causing damage to it and other trees around it. There are many insect control formulas available if you find an infestation. However, if you feel like you need a stronger solution, contact a landscaping pro who can help identify the problem and treat it appropriately. Rot and fungi are among the most common diseases in trees. Fungi is often the first sign of tree decay and rot and should be treated immediately. There are many fungicides available that can help eliminate the fungus and stop the growth. Copper fungicides are effective because they penetrate plant tissue and help control fungal diseases. This Copper Fungicide can be ordered online and conveniently picked up at your local Valu Home Center. If the tree disease has become untreatable, it’s best to remove the tree. A tree that has rot can become a safety hazard to you and your home.