With 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s not hard to see why trees are such coveted parts of our yards and landscapes (healthy trees can mean a healthy increase in property value, too). We love us some gorgeous arbor design at Lifescape. But while we all enjoy rustling leaves, colorful foliage, fragrant blossoms, and the privacy that trees afford, it’s important to remember that any tree growing in your yard is most likely not living where it feels most comfortable. It’s in a manipulated environment, different from its natural habitat, and it’s probably missing the nutrients and moist soil it craves. From the youngest saplings to the most stalwart old elms, trees left to their own devices in these conditions can easily become weak and susceptible to disease and insect infestations. Chances are, your trees are probably in need of a little TLC. So, we asked our partners at Bartlett Tree Experts to share the top three benefits of an annual tree care program.
Health and Vigor
“Usually, a tree has leaves with the nutrients it needs inside,” says Konstanze Fabian, local manager/arborist representative for Bartlett. “When the leaves fall, they decompose and go back into the soil, where the roots take them up again.” However: When trees grow on our properties, we typically rake up the leaves soon after they fall, eliminating the groundcover and potential for decomposition. Instead, a tree care specialist can amend the soil around the trees in question to mimic the natural, nutrient-rich soil, which is key to preserving tree health. “We gather history—has there been major construction near the tree? Has it been struck by lightning?—and collect soil and plant samples to analyze for disease and insect issues present on the property,” Fabian says, “much like a doctor who doesn’t prescribe medicine before diagnosis.”
Beauty and Aesthetics
Sometimes it’s tricky to tell if your trees are struggling—or worse, dying. Are they just growing pains? Will they bloom again next season? “There are a lot of things I can assess on the spot,” says Fabian, who visits client properties multiple times a year to check on development. “I can ‘read the tree,’ meaning I look at the bark and the buds. Just because it doesn’t have any leaves at the moment doesn’t mean it’s in trouble.” To give landscape trees the best chance at thriving, Lifescape designers often consult Bartlett experts on what species to plant and how far to space them.
Safety and Peace Of Mind
Many of us have that one ancient tree in the backyard that’s grown just a little too close to the garage or that makes us shudder every time a heavy snow falls and its limbs seem to bow under the weight. With a tree care program in place, experts will regularly schedule inspections to assess the threat of property damage from extreme weather or determine whether the health of a limb is jeopardizing safety below. If the answer is yes, a course of action to mitigate the problem or remove the branch or tree will be determined. “To have someone in your back pocket who is highly specialized and can help preserve the asset structure and resale value of the house,” Fabian says, “that’s a great partner for any homeowner or landscaper.”
Landscape care requires knowledge, expertise and experience. Lifescape Colorado brings this trifecta to properties across the state. We have 45 years of experience with a dedicated team of landscape design, construction and property care and maintenance experts.
To inquire, please contact us at info@lifescapecolorado.com or call at (303)-831-8310.