Living Legends

​Trees are stately features that can help tell the story of a property. Perhaps they were there long before a home was built or planted during the building process. They may represent dierent owners over the years or reflect weather and insect patterns. Whether you live on a property with trees or plan to add some to your landscape, heed these tips tokeep them thriving.If you suspect any of your trees are diseased or struggling, enlist the help of an arborist. The Arbor Day Foundationhas a wealth of information, including a directory of certified arborists. Before you do any removal or replanting, consult a professional who can provide detailed information and a big-picture plan. If you prefer to start with your own research, check out a cooperative extension service for information about regional tree-health issues you should watch for.Are you looking to add new trees to your home landscape? Consider the goal—shade, privacy, attracting wildlife, and more—and look for trees to accomplish that. Take that, along with information about soil and property orientation, to a local nursery; the experts there can help narrow and guide your selections.Be sure to factor proximity to your home, root spread, and other safety-related issues that accompany growth. Once a tree is ready to transplant, you will want it to be therefor the long haul to help improve the quality of life for you and your future homeowners.