Trees are a vital part of our Houston landscape, adding substantial environmental, economic and aesthetic value to our city and surrounding neighborhoods. In recent years there has been an increase in tree planting throughout communities in the Houston area as people become more passionate about protecting and promoting our environment. However, tree planting, especially in residential areas, is not always performed correctly which leads to stunted growth or even tree death.
Before planting trees on residential property, it is important to understand and avoid the common mistakes made when trees are planted to help ensure long-term tree health and vitality for years to come. By avoiding these common tree-planting mistakes, the investment of new trees is protected and there is less reparative maintenance needed in the future. This is the first in a three-part series highlighting common tree planting errors and how to correctly plant trees for residential properties.
First, one of the most common tree planting mistakes is selecting a tree that is not common to our Gulf Coast climate and will likely not do well with our weather conditions such as high heat and humidity. Introducing non-native or exotic trees to the Houston area is a risky endeavor since the tree will have to work even harder to thrive in a completely different climate. It is much safer to select and plant trees native to the Texas or Gulf Coast region to give the tree the best chance to survive and thrive in our climate and during our harsh summers.
Also, many people select trees for planting not realizing their new tree is in poor health or may have severe growth issues in the future. To the untrained eye, issues such as tree diseases, insect infestations or growth issues like v-crotch trunks might be completely overlooked by the property owner. However, Certified Arborists can make recommendations on healthy, high-quality native trees that are good investments for your property and will thrive in the future.
Finally, many property owners that plan to add trees to their land often make the mistake of selecting trees that are the incorrect size for available space on their property. Many tree buyers select trees for their beauty, shape and functionality, but fail to consider the future growth of the tree and how it will impact their property down the road. In later years property owners might learn that they’ve planted their young tree in an area with little to no room for root expansion and growth, or that the roots might damage nearby structures, landscaping, walkways or foundations. In addition, some trees may grow well and thrive but might rob other property areas of vital sunlight, causing dead zones in their turf or landscape gardens. The benefits from the new tree might be significantly outweighed by the damage caused to other areas of the property.
Ultimately, the best solution a property owner can make is to consult with a Certified Arborist who can assist with all steps of the tree selection, tree planting and tree maintenance process. Embark Services, Houston’s single source solution for all tree care needs, employs a team of Certified Arborists ready to help property owners realize their dream of having healthy, strong trees on their property. Embark Services’s Certified Arborists can analyze soil composition on residential properties and make recommendation as to which trees would thrive best in the available tree planting space. Embark Services’s team of tree care professionals will also handle tree planting with expert care, efficiency and safety, and can provide follow-up maintenance to ensure optimal tree health. For more information on Embark Services’s tree planting services, or to consult with a Certified Arborist, contact Embark Services directly or request a consultation today.
