Tree Care Caring For Your Trees  Your landscape is an important asset.  It increases the value of your property, produces oxygen, provides shade in the summer and blocks cold winds in the winter.  But urban and suburban trees, because they share our living space have special needs that you can help fill.   Plant the Right Tree  Don't plant a problem!  Take a careful look at the planting site and consider what you want to accomplish.  Find out the characteristics of the tree you want to plant and make sure it fits.  We will be glad to help you with plant selection or ask your nurseryman.   Plant Properly  Follow the planting instructions provided by the seller or have a professional do the planting for you.  We will be glad to provide this service.   Mulch  Apply mulch 3 to 4" thick around the base of the trunk.  Don't pile the mulch against the tree though!  Extend the mulch out to the extent of the trees canopy (the umberella of leaves) if possible.  This is especially important on younger trees and recently planted trees.   Watering  It is good to water a tree.  It is not necessary to drown it.  Find out the proper amount of water for each species and don't forget to consider actual rainfall and the sprinkler you use on your lawn.  Again, we can help you with this information, or may obtain it at a nursery.   Mowing and Weed Trimming  Trees don't like collisions with lawn mowers or being whipped by the cutting cord of your weed trimmer.  Mulching solves this problem. However if mulch is not an option, we recommend trimming against the tree trunk with shears to prevent injury.   Monitor your Landscape  At least once a season, take a good long look at your landscape:  Has anything changed?  Do you see branches hanging lower from trees or drying plants?  Seasonal monitoring may reveal problems that can be easily corrected if spotted early!