Trees enhance your property.

by Arlene Shovald

Trees enhance property value, and proper care of trees will assure many years of enjoyment from them.

Todd Sonnenberg of Timberline Tree Service offers some suggestions for caring for the trees which enhance the appearance of your property, provide habitat for birds and small animals, and shade during the summer months.

To reduce storm damage, a tree needs to be properly trimmed and should be thinned out in the middle. They should be trimmed every three years to reduce the risk of disease and decay.

Keep dead branches out of the tree since they take up reserves of nutrients from the live branches.

Trim trees back at least 10 feet from roofs to prevent roof rot. If branches are too close to the roof, the roof doesn't have chance to dry out and, in the winter, branches can freeze to the roof and tear off shingles.

"Topping is bad for trees,'' Sonnenberg said. "Some people feel topping will result in reduced height and better manageability but in reality, within six years the tree will grow back to the same height. Topping also leaves trees prone to insects and disease and exposes it to sun burn."

Most important, Sonnenberg advises, is to use extreme caution when attempting to trim your own trees. Stay off ladders or call someone experienced in tree trimming.

Sonnenberg can be reached at Timberline Tree Service (719) 539-2371.