The Overlooked Home Asset Growing in Your Yard
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey
Trees are more than landscaping. Beyond curb appeal, they can help manage stormwater, provide shade that reduces cooling needs and even contribute to a home’s value.
Yet trees can become a costly liability when they are damaged, neglected or planted in the wrong place. An analysis from the USDA Forest Service estimates that national declines in urban tree canopies could lead to $11.8 billion in lost home values nationwide by 2030.
So how can homeowners and real estate professionals better understand the value of trees and help protect them? Paul Abbey, founder and CEO of Rooted In Trees, a nonprofit focused on restoring the tree canopy in Northeast Ohio, shares what homeowners should know about caring for trees, avoiding costly mistakes and preserving one of a property’s greatest assets.
What are some of the biggest threats to trees in residential areas?
ABEEY: One of the biggest challenges I see in the Midwest are invasive plants in the landscape. Among the most invasive plants are: Buckthorn, Privet, Multiflora Rose, Japanese and Amur honeysuckle, Autumn Olive, and Tree of Heaven, among others. The best defense is constant vigilance, leading often to proper removal.
Trees in residential areas often have to contend with compacted soil, limited rooting space, construction damage, road salt, drought, excessive moisture, and sometimes improper planting or pruning.
Let’s not forget the threat of disease, too. The Emerald Ash Borer demonstrated how quickly a major tree species can essentially disappear from a community. Now we are dealing with BLD or Beech Leaf Disease, and the new threat—the Spotted Lantern Fly. Staying vigilant is a must.
Another concern is lack of species diversity. Landscapes that depend too heavily on one type of tree are particularly susceptible when a new pest or disease arrives. Planting a diverse mixture of appropriate native species is one of the best long-term defenses.
Are you seeing an increased risk to oak trees from diseases such as oak wilt, a fungal disease that can kill oak trees?
ABEEY: Here in Ohio, oak wilt is certainly something homeowners should be aware of. Oaks are extraordinarily important trees in our region so protecting mature oaks should be a priority. Homeowners should avoid unnecessarily wounding or pruning healthy oaks. Pruning is generally preferred during the coldest part of the year, typically January or February.
If an oak suddenly begins showing unusual leaf discoloration, wilting, premature leaf drop, or rapid decline, particularly when nearby oaks are experiencing similar symptoms, it deserves prompt professional attention. Don’t assume that every declining oak has oak wilt, however—it may be experiencing drought, an insect issue or other environmental stress all of which produce similar symptoms. Proper diagnosis matters.
What are the red flags that a tree isn’t healthy?
ABEEY: I like to look at the crown of a tree first and see if it appears healthy. You don’t want to see a thinning of the canopy nor see mushrooms or fungal growth around the trunk or roots. A particularly important warning sign is a sudden change. If a tree that looked healthy last year suddenly looks very different, don’t ignore it.
Always pay attention to the ground around the tree. Has there been any recent construction or trenching or grade changes in the area? Soil compaction can be a serious issue for either a young or mature tree.
What can homeowners do to improve the health and resilience of their trees?
ABEEY: Some of the most valuable ways to improve the health of a tree are also quite simple. Give trees adequate water during prolonged dry periods, particularly young trees. Always protect the root zone from vehicles and construction equipment. When mulching, generally provide a broad, relatively shallow layer rather than piling mulch against the trunk like a volcano. And, avoid unnecessary chemicals and excessive fertilizer unless there is a demonstrated need.
When planting new trees, be sure to consider what is the right tree in the right place. Consider the tree’s mature size, sunlight opportunity, drainage, soil conditions, and proximity to buildings and utilities before planting.
I think it’s very important to plant a diversity of native trees and shrubs. Native plants generally provide substantially greater ecological value to our local insects, birds, pollinators, and other wildlife.
Try not to remove an older tree simply because it isn’t perfect. A large mature tree may have taken 50 or 100 years to evolve into its present shape. When a tree can safely be preserved, its shade, stormwater management, carbon storage, wildlife habitat, beauty and contribution to the neighborhood are very difficult to replace.
I would encourage homeowners to begin thinking of the trees on their property as assets rather than simply landscaping. Unlike many other improvements we make to a home, a healthy tree can become more valuable with time.
