Landscaping mistakes cause many problems. The most serious mistakes can result in having to totally redo areas that already were landscaped. Even worse, mistakes in land grading, soil stabilization, plant locations, and maintenance of trees and shrubs sometimes result in devastating losses. With a bit of forethought and planning, homeowners can do much to ensure the safety of their property while enjoying the long-lasting benefits of beautiful yards that add to the resale value of their homes.

Three Mistakes Caused by Poor Planning

1. Not enough attention is paid to the slope of the land.
The ground slopes toward structures instead of away from them. Ground that slopes toward structures causes water and rain runoff to flow the wrong way. Heavy accumulations may cause flooded areas and damage to foundations. Puddles of stagnating water send an open invitation to mosquitoes to set up camp and multiply.

2. How the property will look at various seasons of the year is not considered.

When homeowners fail to plan for seasonal effects on their plantings, their property may have excellent curb appeal during one season and look drab or unkempt the rest of the year.

3. Trees and shrubs are planted without considering their growth, and overall landscape.  Trees and shrubs that are planted haphazardly create numerous problems. Here are just a few:

• Tree roots that struggle to penetrate the earth sometimes wrap around the base of the tree, injuring the tree itself.

• Trees that grow tall pose dangers to persons and property as they get older if they are planted too close to homes, power lines or other structures. High winds may break branches or cause the entire tree to topple. If a tree branch touches a power line, dangerous current sometimes travels through the branch or the entire tree.

• Tree branches that touch or extend across part of a home’s exterior surface provide excellent pathways for pests such as raccoons or rats to gain entrance to the home.

• Trees with shallow, spreading roots may tip over easily during windstorms. The roots also may encroach on soil meant for other plantings, and the roots may burrow under sidewalks, causing cracks or upheavals.

• The deep roots of some trees and shrubs sometimes penetrate underground water or sewer lines.

• Certain shrubs spread by producing suckers. Left unchecked, these shrubs may take over an entire lawn or garden.

Common Landscape Maintenance Mistakes

1. Often, homeowners neglect the need for timely tree and hedge trimming.

To keep your trees and shrubs healthy, they need to be routinely inspected for damage. Left alone, damage sometimes progresses to the point that there is no other choice but to remove the tree or shrub. If your property lies in Pinellas County, Pasco County or Hillsborough County, Florida, you may want to ask certified arborist Rick Warner of Warner Tree Service to walk your property. His company specializes in all aspects of tree care as well as property attractiveness. He and his crew are experts at identifying problems and instituting solutions before things get out of hand.

2. Homeowner tree or shrub trimming without knowledge of the proper procedures, attention to safety and use of the right tools.

A study conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health that tracked data from 14 states over a 10-year period revealed 207 deaths related to tree trimming and cutting. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 92-106 states: “The two leading causes of death among tree trimmers were electrocutions (74 workers, or 36%) and falls (67 workers, or 32%).”

Not only is tree trimming dangerous, trimming trees and shrubs requires specialized knowledge and familiarity with the growth patterns of each species being trimmed in order to complete the work without causing damage to the tree or shrub. In addition, anyone who prunes a tree or shrub needs to understand how to interpret signs of weakness in whatever he or she is trimming in order to avoid accidents.

Professional Tree Care Services in West Central Florida

Healthy trees and shrubs are of vital importance to the overall results of your landscaping efforts. Professional tree care services, which include everything from routine tree health inspections and tree and hedge trimming to dead limb or tree removal, stump grinding and 24/7 emergency services, provide an excellent way to lighten your load and keep your property the envy of all the neighbors.

For more information about how a full-service tree company can lighten your load and keep your trees and shrubs in the best condition possible, check out Warner Tree Service or call 727-478-2864.