A nicely landscaped home with healthy shrubs and a grove of well chosen, well shaped

 

shade trees is a shrewd economic investment as it enhances your home’s resale value.

 

Trees have more than just an ornamental purpose; they provide shade from the summer

 

sun and block cold winter winds, saving energy and money. They also trap and filter dust,

 

reduce traffic noise, provide nesting and food for birds and they just make us feel good.

 

Shrubs also protect the house from sunlight, they soften the harsh, perpendicular lines

 

of the house, their leaf colors and blossoms provide a more beautiful backdrop for the

 

home and give backyard privacy for family activities. Here’s how to keep your trees and

 

shrubs maintained and take good care of your new plantings.

 

 

 

First, inspect your property. An annual inspection will call attention to any tree or shrub

 

health problems before they become serious and irreversible. Look for signs of water

 

stress in the trees, especially during long dry spells. Signs of poor tree and shrub health

 

are no new leaves or buds; a “wilted” look or dead, diseased or damaged branches.

 

Remove these branches from the tree immediately. If you suspect disease or other

 

problems with mature trees, contact a professional arborist for help. If a tree lacks foliage

 

dead limbs fall all year long, the tree is dead and should be removed. Tree removal is a

 

long and dangerous process and should be done by a professional. Be sure to get a

 

written estimate and contract regarding the specifics of removal including who is

 

responsible for any damage to property or injury to persons.

 

 

 

An advantage of most shrubs is that they require so little maintenance. After the first year

 

of care for new plantings with lots of water and fertilizer, most shrubs don’t require any

 

extra attention due to their deep and extensive root system. To maintain shrubs:

 

1. Lay down 3 – 6 in. of mulch to keep the soil moist.

2. Fertilize in the spring with a nitrogen fertilizer.

3. Water thoroughly only during a dry summer and only once.

4. Protect them from severe weather conditions like ice falling from the roof.

5. Prune occasionally – This last task is the key to proper maintenance.

 

 

 

Like shrubs, once trees are established after a couple years, maintenance is basic:

 

1. Mulch approx 2 – 4 inches deep in a circle 2 – 3 feet from the trunk.

2. Fertilize younger trees once in the spring and once in the fall.

3. Water during dry spells, keeping an eye on the leaves for water stress.

4. Prune as needed.
   

For more go to http://www.crewcuttv.com/

 

 

 

Next – Part 2 – Pruning Trees And Shrubs