A well-landscaped yard can add market value to your home, but a few strategically placed trees can help to drastically reduce your air-conditioning and heating bill by 10 percent to 50 percent.
Of course some trees can actually do damage to your home. You’ll definitely want to make sure you plant the right trees or you’ll be needing our tree service Clermont.
The Arbor Day Foundation suggests planting tall trees such as the maple, oak and spruce or medium-sized trees such as the dogwood and crab apple.
Check with your local nursery or university for information on which trees grow best in your area.
Oh… Did we mention that trees actually lower stress, too? It’s true. Studies show that looking at trees for just 5 minutes can lower blood pressure and muscle tension, a discovery that has hospitals and dentist offices creating courtyard gardens and landscaped entries.
This is what you’re creating in your outdoor space. A refuge, a beautiful spot with seasonal interest, a place that is unique, private, alive and enduring. And to accomplish this, we’ve compiled a list of few things you’ll want to consider before you plant.
Not to make things more complicated, but to help you choose wisely and to grow successfully.
Here’s what we have understood over the decades:
1. MEASURE YOUR SPACE
That tag on the tree that tells you how big your tree or shrub will grow? Believe it. We understand the desire to fill in empty spots or add texture, interest or color to a specific area, but you won’t be doing yourself any favors by planting a tree too close to the house, another tree or an entryway.
Be sure to keep the mature size in mind when you plant and you won’t have to worry about crowded roots or near-constant pruning.
2. CHECK YOUR SOIL
In few areas, you most likely have heavy clay or sandy soil or a little bit of both. Sections of your yard may sit lower than others and hold more water. You may even have old stumps just beneath the surface. Take a little time to check out the condition of your soil. We always recommend amending when you plant trees.
3. DETERMINE EXPOSURE
Watch the area where you want to plant from morning through early evening and see how much direct sunlight it receives. Make sure this coincides with what your tree needs to thrive. Take notice of particularly wet areas that could cause a slippery yard, too and make sure if you plant here that your tree doesn’t mind the extra moisture.
4. THINK ABOUT SAFETY
That tiny white pine next to your front porch looks perfect right now, but in a few years it will grow to cover the side of your porch. Not the most welcoming scenario for your guests and the exact opposite for the sketchy kind of visitors you don’t want to attract. Shielding entry points from passersby makes it much easier for potential intruders to enter your home undetected.
Tree Services
CLERMONT, GROVELAND, & OAKLAND FL
Call Today for your FREE QUOTE
5. PLANT WITH YOUR VIEW IN MIND
It’s nice to look out your window and be met with the dappled light of mid-morning sun shining through your trees. Rather than, say, your neighbors bedroom window or utility boxes. You can plant to attract birds and butterflies and to enjoy the fragrance of spring blooms from indoors and out.
You’ll also want to plant with curb appeal in mind. Though chances are if you make a decision that looks good from the inside, it will most likely afford the same view from the curb.
6. BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR
We share this one because this can be a painful lesson. Sometimes what’s good for us, isn’t so good for our neighbors. And since we’re living next door to these fine folks, doesn’t it go without saying we want to make decisions that promote harmony?
Trees that drop berries or messy seedpods may not be the best choice near your fence or neighbors driveway. And expect your tree to be pruned from the other side if it begins to hang over your neighbors yard, something you have little to no control over.
7. CONSIDER YOUR LEGACY
Most of what we do and say will be forgotten beyond our families and friends. But a tree is an enduring legacy, something that cleans our air, soil and water for decades to come. A tree is shade for children and grandchildren, a tree fort waiting to happen, a place to gather for picnics and family photos.
To realize how true this is, picture your favorite outdoor space without trees. Trees are an investment in our future and an action that speaks much louder than words.
Trees are a beautiful and environmentally friendly addition to any yard. When taken care of correctly, your tree can have a positive vibe flowing around your home.