How can you take care of the trees in your yard?
Trees are long-term investments in your property’s beauty, shade, and value. Caring for them doesn’t require expert knowledge — just regular, thoughtful actions. Below are practical, homeowner-friendly steps you can take to keep your yard’s trees healthy, safe, and attractive. These are things you can start doing now, and that build confidence over time as you see steady improvement.
Basic tree care every homeowner can do
Regular inspections: Walk your yard each season and look for dead branches, cracked limbs, large wounds, fungal growth, or sudden leaf loss. Early detection makes problems easier and cheaper to fix.
Proper watering: Deep, infrequent watering encourages strong root systems. For new trees, water regularly during the first 2–3 years. Established trees generally need supplemental watering only during extended dry spells.
Mulching correctly: Apply a 2–4 inch layer of organic mulch (wood chips or shredded bark) around the root zone, keeping mulch away from direct contact with the trunk. Mulch conserves moisture, moderates soil temperature, and suppresses weeds.
Avoid trunk damage: Keep lawn mowers and weed trimmers away from the bark. Wounds invite pests and decay.
Soil care and fertilizing: Most trees on healthy soil don’t need frequent fertilizer. If growth is poor or leaves are discolored, a soil test or inexpensive professional assessment can identify nutrient needs.
Prune for safety and structure: Remove dead, rubbing, or crossing branches. For structural pruning on young trees, follow simple guidelines or hire a pro. Avoid topping trees — it weakens them and can create hazards.
Pest and disease awareness: Learn the common pests and diseases in your region and watch for symptoms. Not every issue needs drastic treatment; some problems respond to minor pruning or seasonal care.
Protect roots and soil compaction: Avoid heavy equipment or parking over root zones. Compacted soil reduces oxygen and water infiltration, stressing trees.
Planting the right tree in the right place: Select species suited to your yard’s space, soil type, and local climate. Consider mature size to prevent conflicts with power lines, structures, or sidewalks.
When to call an arbor professional
Large or awkwardly placed dead limbs or branches over structures
Suspected root failure, leaning trees, or cracking near the trunk
Significant disease, insect infestations, or fungi at the base
Major pruning for structure, clearance, or storm preparation
Tree removal, lot clearing, or grading that may impact trees
How we help We provide expert assessment and safe, reliable tree services so you don’t have to guess about big jobs. From targeted pruning and hazard mitigation to removals and lot prep, we handle the heavy lifting while protecting your property and preserving healthy trees wherever possible.
Small, consistent steps protect trees and build your confidence as a homeowner. Start with regular inspections and proper watering and mulch — then call us when the job goes beyond a ladder and pruning shears.
