Trees are an important part of your home’s landscape and aesthetic. Healthy, beautiful trees add to your home’s comfort and can even increase your property value. However, many homeowners unknowingly damage their trees by not caring for them properly. Here are the top five tree care mistakes to avoid.

1. Choosing the Wrong Tree

One of the most common tree care mistakes happens before you even plant your tree. Choosing the wrong variety of tree can result in a tree that’s overgrown, malnourished, or infested with pests. Make sure the trees you plant are suitable for your soil type and climate and a good fit for your property.

Buying an unhealthy tree is another mistake that homeowners make. Always choose your trees in person, and pick the best-looking tree in the garden center. Check the roots underneath to make sure they aren’t growing through the holes in the pot because these trees often struggle to establish their roots after planting.

2. Neglecting Pruning and Trimming

Although it might seem counterintuitive that cutting off pieces of your tree can make it healthier, regular pruning and trimming are essential parts of tree care. Overgrown branches prevent light and nutrients from reaching the center of the tree and create an inviting home for harmful fungi and insects.

It’s also important to make sure your trees are trimmed correctly. Pruning trees at the wrong time, removing too many branches, or cutting in the wrong places can harm your tree or even kill it. Always have your trees trimmed by a professional arborist to ensure that the job is done right.

3. Forgetting to Water Your Trees

Trees need water to survive and thrive, and some trees need more water than others. Unfortunately, watering your trees is easy to forget, especially when you’re on vacation or dealing with a busy schedule. If your trees have high water needs, consider using a sprinkler to keep them hydrated even when you’re not home.

4. Not Removing Dead Trees

Is your property littered with dead or decaying trees? These dead trees are more than just an eyesore. Dead trees not only keep sunlight from reaching your living trees and other plants but also pose a serious safety hazard. Because dead trees are more fragile than living trees, they can easily blow over during storms or high winds.

5. Planting in the Wrong Spot

Location is everything when it comes to planting trees. Planting trees too close together significantly shortens their lifespans by limiting root growth. Another common problem is planting trees in a hole that’s too deep or too shallow, which can prevent the roots from expanding properly.

Leaving tree care up to the professionals is a simple way to prevent these costly mistakes. If you’re ready to improve the health and appearance of your trees in the San Francisco Bay Area, schedule your tree care services with Maguire Tree Care, Inc.