Things Every Homeowner Should Know about Their Trees & Shrubs

Buying your first house is exciting. However, new homeowners have a lot to learn about home maintenance – especially how to take care of trees and shrubs! Your home is an investment, and trees actually add value to your property. So, it’s important to learn how to keep your trees healthy. To help you get started, the Monster Tree Service team shares the top things every homeowner should know about their trees and shrubs, including our must-know tree tips, things to look out for, and when to consult a professional arborist.

So, Do Trees Add Value to Your Property?

Yes! Trees increase property values. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean the tree on your lot is good for resale. Poorly placed, diseased, and pest-infested trees can actually decrease property values and pose a risk to the safety of your home and family. On the other hand, healthy, well-cared-for, and strategically-placed trees can increase your home’s curb appeal, energy efficiency, and value. Learn what you need to know about your trees to ensure they are working for you, not against you.

Our Must-know Tree Tips for Homeowners

Here’s what you need to know about the trees and shrubs on your property to keep them happy, healthy, and valuable.

Health Matters

Tree health matters. Many homeowners don’t know you need to invest in plant health care services before issues occur. Plant health care includes soil testing, disease management, fertilization, and more. Catching a problem, like a pest infestation, too late could lead to the tree's death or damage to surrounding plants. Inspect your trees regularly for signs of disease or infestation. Some tree issues may not be apparent at first. For example, that beautiful shady canopy could actually be putting too much weight and stress on the tree. Pruning and trimming are essential for the upkeep of healthy trees and should be done by a professional arborist to prevent damage and unnecessary stress. Arborists are tree-care professionals who can spot issues you might not notice. They can handle whatever situation arises.

Location, Location, Location

You know what they say, “location, location, location!” Proper tree placement is crucial to the safety and value of your property. If you’re planting new trees or shrubs, do so strategically. Planting large trees in small spaces or species that do not grow well in your region will cost you time, money, and frustration. Additionally, inspect and evaluate the placement of existing trees. Trees planted too close to pipes, powerlines, and sidewalks can cause issues and may need to be pruned or removed. A landscape plan can help you optimize tree placement, not just for aesthetics and safety but also for energy efficiency. For example, planting trees along the southern and western sides of your property can help shade your home, working to reduce energy costs during hot summer months.

Understand Their Needs

Different trees have different needs. So, take time to familiarize yourself with the types of trees on your property and their requirements. Tree care is not universal. Each species needs the right amount of water, sunlight, and space to thrive. Additionally, some trees are more susceptible to diseases and infestations than others and may require preventative care. Don’t forget different trees also work to meet your needs. For example, boxy evergreens provide privacy and wind protection while deciduous trees with large canopies offer shade during the summer. Understanding the trees on your property will save you time and money in the long run.

We’re Here to Help You Take Care of Your Trees

Taking care of a new home is no small job! If it feels like your to-do list is piling up, don’t worry. Your local Monster Tree Service team can take one task off your plate: Tree care. Our licensed and insured arborists bring the experience needed to assess your trees and help you make the right decisions to protect your biggest investment — your home. We provide a broad spectrum of tree care services, including free consultations and upfront pricing to get you started with what you need to know. Contact Monster Tree Service today to get expert tree care in your area.