Articles and Tips

 

Wind and Trees: Lessons learned from Hurricanes

 

This fact sheet reports on the lessons learned from research conducted after 10 hurricanes by scientists at the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). It also includes valuable field observations from professionals, such as urban foresters, scientists, and arborists. Click the link below:

 

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/FR/FR17300.pdf

 

 

Trees: Helping homes recoup their value


Home values nationwide have dropped an average of 20% during the recession. But John Pounders, owner of AnythingGreen.com,wants homeowners to know that planting trees could recoup 80% or more of that lost equity over the next 3 years, even if the housing market doesn't rebound. Pounders sells trees and shrubs on his Website and ships them direct to the consumer. “It is a fact that trees add an average of 15% or so to the value of your home,” he said.

 

According to Eric Emad, a consultant at the International Society of Arboriculture, “Studies have estimated that trees may account for up to 15% of the value of a residential property. For example, a $200,000 house on a lot with three mature trees might owe as much as $30,000 of its value to the trees. Assuming that all three trees are of equal value, each tree would be valued at $10,000.”

 

 

Don't Top Trees!

 

Never cut main branches back to stubs. Many people mistakenly “top” trees because they grow into utility wires, interfere with views or sunlight, or simply grow so large that they worry the landowner. 

 

Unfortunately, the topping process is often self-defeating. Ugly, bushy, weakly attached limbs usually grow back higher than the original branches.

 

Proper pruning can remove excessive growth without the problems topping creates. In addition, many arborists say that topping is the worst thing you can do for the health of a tree. It starves the tree by drastically reducing its food-making ability and makes the tree more susceptible to insects and disease.

 

The appearance of a properly pruned tree is like a good haircut: hardly noticeable at first glance.

 

 

The Value of Mulch

 

A tree's best friend, mulch insulates soil, retains moisture, keeps out weeds, prevents soil compaction, reduces lawnmower damage, and adds an aesthetic touch to a yard or street. Remove any grass within the mulch area, and area from 3 to 10 feet in diameter, depending on tree size. Pour wood chips or bark pieces 2 to 4 inches within the circle, but not touching the trunk.

 

 

How to Plant a Containerized Tree

 

If a tree is planted correctly, it will grow twice as fast and live at least twice as long as one that is incorrectly planted.

 

Ideally, dig or roto till an area one foot deep and approximately 5 times the diameter of the root ball. The prepared soil will encourage root growth beyond the root ball and results in a healthier tree.

 

In transplanting, be sure to keep soil around the roots. Always handle your tree by the ball, not by the trunk or branches. Don't let the root ball dry out. Help prevent root girdling by vertically cutting any roots that show tendencies to circle the root ball.

 

After placing the tree, pack soil firmly but not tightly around the root ball. Water the soil and place a protective 3-foot circle of mulch around the tree.

 

www.arborday.org

 

 

 

Landscaping
A well-designed landscape not only can add beauty to your home but it also can reduce your heating and cooling costs. On average, landscaping for energy efficiency provides enough energy savings to return an initial investment in less than 8 years. If you were already planning to landscape, these tips provide an ideal way to beautify your home while saving on your monthly energy bill.
 
  • Landscaping your home for energy efficiency can reduce your heating and cooling bills, the largest component of your home's energy use.
  • Channel summer breezes toward the home.
  • Maximize summer shade with trees that allow penetration of low-angle winter sun.
  • Avoid locating planting beds close to the home if they require frequent watering.
  • Plant trees to shade your home, reducing your cooling costs in the summer months. Typically, newly planted trees will begin shading windows in their first year and will reach your roof in years 5-10.
  • Planting shrubs, bushes, and vines next to your house creates dead air spaces that insulate your home in both winter and summer. Plant so there will be at least 1 foot (30 centimeters) of space between full-grown plants and your home's wall.
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www.energysavers.gov