By Brentnie Daggett, Rentec Direct
April isn’t only about celebrating Earth Month, Earth Day, and the first full month of spring—it also marks Arbor Day, observed on the last Friday of the month. Arbor Day highlights the vital role trees play in our environment and encourages us to plant and care for them to help protect the health of our planet.
As homeowners, Arbor Day is a timely reminder to pay attention to these valuable resources—not only their environmental benefits but also the property value they add in terms of shade, privacy and curb appeal. Whether you’re looking to maintain established trees or considering adding new trees to your property, this is the perfect opportunity to take stock, learn proper tree care, and make thoughtful decisions about what to plant next.
More Than Just Shade: Why Trees Are a Smart Investment
Trees offer so many advantages for homeowners that it’s challenging to list all the practical and personal benefits. They work to clean our air and water, provide essential habitat for wildlife, contribute to stronger communities and support our overall health and well-being. Most of us can probably remember learning about the role trees play in producing oxygen and filtering pollutants in school, but trees also offer financial benefits that homeowners should keep top of mind—including energy savings and increased property value.
The shade trees provide can significantly reduce surface and air temperatures around your home, cutting energy consumption by as much as 50% in some cases. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that strategically planting even just three trees can lower your annual energy bills by more than $200. In my home state of Oregon, one study found that homes with street trees not only sold for higher prices, but also sold faster than those without. Simply put, trees are a smart investment in sustainability, comfort and long-term home value.
The Arbor Tree Foundation has a great tool that helps estimate the environmental and economic benefits of individual street-side trees in your area.
Essential Care for Established Trees
Caring for the existing trees on your property is one of the most impactful things you can do to protect your property value and the local ecosystem. Mature trees need regular attention to stay healthy and safe, and Arbor Day serves as the perfect reminder to complete an annual visual inspection. Look for dead branches, severe cracks in the trunk or signs of disease, like discolored leaves or fungal growth. Catching issues early on can prevent bigger, costly and hazardous issues down the road.
Routine seasonal maintenance like mulching around the base of trees, watering during dry spells and droughts, and regular pruning will help extend the life of your trees. If any particularly large or aging trees are causing you concern, it’s smart to consult a professional arborist every few years to assess their structural integrity and root health. A little preventative care goes a long way in ensuring your trees continue to thrive and provide beauty, shade and value.
Key Considerations Before Planting a New Tree
Property type impacts tree selection: Different property types have different landscaping needs, which will influence the types of trees that are best suited for your situation. Consider your property—whether it’s a single-family home, a multi-unit rental or a commercial property—and take into account its location, whether in an urban or rural setting. Each environment presents unique challenges and specific needs.
Location matters: The location of your property is key in determining which trees will thrive, but so is the specific location on your property in which you plan to plant them. Regional factors like your climate, precipitation levels, and soil type will dictate which trees will live best in your area. On the property itself, think about the placement of things like power lines, plumbing, septic tanks and foundations—all of which can be impacted by tree growth.
Choose trees for your needs: Are you looking for maximum shade and privacy, or is your goal to boost curb appeal with decorative street-front trees? Different tree types serve different purposes. Selecting the right one for your unique needs is crucial.
Planning for growth: It’s no secret that trees are a big commitment—pun intended! The average height, width, and density of the tree type at maturity should all be researched prior to planting, as should its expected growth rate. Some municipalities and homeowners associations have restrictions on tree size, plus the tree’s eventual size will be a factor in care and maintenance like pruning and root management.
Long-term care: Consider routine maintenance like spring cleanup, dealing with fall leaves, pruning, and pest control when choosing the right tree for your property. You’ll also want to consider more extensive, long-term maintenance like root growth impacting sidewalks and foundations or—worst-case scenario—tree recovery and damage control in the case of storms or severe weather events.
Choosing the Right Tree
While deciduous trees shed their leaves annually, which means more yard maintenance, they provide ample shade in the summer months and showcase stunning foliage in the spring and fall months. Large deciduous trees like Oaks, Maples or Sycamores will provide broad canopies for maximum shade.
Evergreen trees provide color year-round and are a great choice for homeowners seeking to add more privacy and visual interest throughout the seasons. These dense green barriers can help block out noise and are especially effective as an alternative to fencing.
If you are concerned about space or root growth, many varieties of small trees can grow and thrive in pots or containers, offering flexibility without overwhelming your property.
Flowering trees are excellent options for creating privacy while adding a pop of color to your landscaping. Trees like Cherry Blossoms, Dogwoods and Magnolias bloom with gorgeous flowers in the spring, boosting your curb appeal and attracting pollinators.
Certain species are more resilient in surviving in challenging climates. Think Birch and Pine trees for cold climates, and Cactus or Olive trees for drier, desert-like conditions.
For a functional and aesthetic addition, consider adding fruit trees like Apple, Pear or Plum. Be sure to research proper care for fruit production before you commit!
By planting the right trees for your property and committing to proper maintenance, you can enhance your curb appeal, increase your property value and contribute to a healthier environment.
Brentnie Daggett is a writer and infographic master for the rental and property management industry. She loves to share tips and tricks to assist landlords and renters alike. To learn more about Daggett, and to discover more great tips for renters, visit www.rentecdirect.com.
