Essential Tree and Shrub Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

There's nothing like the charm of a tree-lined yard. Healthy trees can boost your property value, offer energy-saving shade, and create that cozy "welcome home" curb appeal that we all love. However, neglected trees and landscaping can invite pests, damage your home, or neighboring properties, and come with costly repairs.

Whether you've just moved into a new home or you've been in place for a while, tree and shrub care is a must-have on your home maintenance checklist. Just a few smart habits and seasonal TLC will go a long way in keeping your property both beautiful and safe for years to come.

Photo by nomadsoulphotos via Canva.com

How to Identify Trees and Plants on Your Property

If you're a new homeowner or long-term resident, but never knew quite what you were working with, there are great tools to figure it out.

Tree and Plant Apps

Seek by INaturalist (free): Point your phone’s camera at the tree, and the app will identify it. Bonus: It works for plants, bugs, and birds, too!

LeafSnap (free and premium versions): Uses leaf recognition developed by researchers at Columbia University and the Smithsonian.

PlantSnap (free and premium versions):  Great for trees, shrubs, and flowers.

PictureThis (subscription): Accurate for a variety of plants and trees with maintenance tips included, including weed identification and plant disease diagnosis.

Take clear photos of the leaves, bark, and overall shape of the tree, shrub, or plant. If it's not leafy or in bloom, such as during in winter, bark and branching patterns can still give you good clues to help identify it.

DIY or Hire a Pro?

There's certainly a sense of pride and satisfaction that comes with maintaining your own property. However, some jobs can be quite dangerous and are better left to the professionals.

Call in an expert if:

• You see large dead limbs high in the canopy, large cracks or cavities in the trunk, or heavy limbs.
• Leaf problems, including discoloration, spotting, or sparse leaf growth affecting your trees, as these are indicators of disease and potential internal decay and may also indicate root or structural weakness.
• Trees leaning over power lines toward your home, over your roof, or neighboring properties.
• There's fungal growth or mushrooms at the tree base (warning sign of internal decay).
• Sudden loss of bark or insect activity, as this can quickly weaken trees and destabilize them.
• Roots appear to be lifting sidewalks or threatening plumbing lines.
• Storm damage has sheared off large branches or split into the trunk, compromising it.
• If pruning involves climbing, chainsaws, or removing large limbs near your home or powerlines, it’s smart to bring in the experts.
  
  

Photo by YinYang from Getty Images Signature via Canva.com

Hiring Pro Tree Services and What It Might Cost You

If the job feels too big or too risky or if a tree needs to be completely taken down, you'll likely need to bring in professionals. Here's what to look for.

Certified arborist: Check with your county and local contracting authorities to verify the contractor is licensed. You can also check credentials through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

Proof of insurance: Verify they carry liability insurance and workers' comp to protect you in case of property damage, personal injury, or worker injury.

Written estimate: Verify all work is captured via a written estimate, especially for large removals or complex pruning jobs. A good rule of thumb: get two to three quotes for the job.

Permits: Most pruning jobs won't need a permit, but if a tree is being taken down, check with the county to see if a permit is needed. If the answer is yes, also ensure the permit fee is captured in the written estimate.

Debris clean-up and stump grinding: Always ask if the quote includes debris clean-up and stump grinding, and ensure it's in the written estimate. Some companies leave the wood and mess behind unless you request it to be hauled away.

Crane: If a tree needs to be completely cut down, a crane may be necessary—particularly if significant branches are overhanging the roof, powerlines, or if the tree is unstable. Ask if a crane will be needed and ensure the costs are reflected in the estimate.

Local knowledge: A good contractor will also know about protected and invasive species, regional pests and diseases, and local permit requirements.

Average Costs of Professional Tree Services

• Routine pruning: $200–$600 per tree
• Tree removal: $700–$5,000 per tree (size and complexity matter)
• Stump grinding and removal: $200–$500

Ask if they offer a military discount! Many small businesses do, especially near military bases. Remember to check local rules such as Homeowners' Association (HOA) restrictions, particularly if you have a mature or champion tree on the property, or if tree removal will create a  hole in a canopy or tree path. Some counties and HOAs may require replanting with a tree of the same species, or a like-kind replacement.

Pruning 101

If you're safely in DIY territory, take comfort in knowing that pruning doesn't have to be intimidating. Once you know what tree and plant life are on your grounds, start with these basics.

Know When to Prune

• Late winter to early spring is best for most trees, while they're dormant.
• For spring flowering trees and shrubs (like dogwoods, azaleas, or lilacs), prune right after blooms fade and drop.
• For summer bloomers (like crape myrtles), prune in late winter or early spring before they start budding.
• As a general rule of thumb, avoid pruning in late summer or fall since it can stimulate new growth that won't harden before winter and leave the cut exposed to frost.
  
  

Start With the "3 D's" Rule: Remove Anything Dead, Diseased, or Damaged First

• Use sharp, clean pruning tools to make smooth cuts. Cut at the base of the limb where it meets the trunk or main branch.
• For larger branches, cut just outside the "branch collar," the swollen area where the branch meets the trunk, as this helps the tree heal naturally. Try to avoid cutting too close to the trunk (flush cut), or too far away (leaving a stub). Instead, leave a one or two-inch margin for the tree to heal.
• In shrubs, remove dead or thin crossing branches to promote airflow and healthy growth.
• Step back periodically to view your work and keep the natural shape of the tree or shrub in mind.
• Rrim branches that cross or rub together, grow toward your house, or block sunlight from reaching lower branches or garden beds.
  
  

Use the Right Tools for the Job

• Hand pruners for small branches
• Loppers for medium size branches
• Pruning saw for anything over two inches thick
• Safety gloves and eye protection

Always clean tools between cuts to maintain the equipment and prevent any potential cross-contamination or disease among your trees.

Pay Attention to Overgrowth and Clearance

• Aim to keep branches at least six to ten feet away from the home and rooflines to prevent pest intrusion.
• Ensure trees and shrubs do not extend into the public walkway. Most counties will issue citations from the code enforcement department if growth inhibits sidewalk usage.

Photo by rick734's Images via Canva.com 

Climbing Vines and Ground Cover: Beauty or Burden?

• Shrubs, bushes, vines, and ground cover might seem like low-maintenance landscape features, but without regular maintenance, they can grow unruly fast.
• Trim regularly to prevent vines from creeping into unwanted areas.
• Avoid letting vines grow directly on wood, brick, or rooflines. Aggressive vines with aerial roots, like English ivy, can damage brick and mortar by wedging themselves into cracks and weakening the structure.
• Consider a trellis to give vines a safe but still beautiful home away from structures.
• Vines like ivy or wisteria can certainly add charm, but they can also damage siding, gutters, façades, and fences if left unchecked.
  
  

Your Homeowner Tree and Shrub Maintenance Checklist

Consistent care goes a long way towards keeping your landscape healthy and your home safe. Use this homeowner-friendly maintenance checklist to stay ahead of potential issues and keep your property in top shape all year long.

• Identify the trees and shrubs currently on your property.
• Add seasonal pruning to your maintenance calendar.
• Inspect trees and plant life quarterly, at a minimum, for signs of disease or damage.
• Walk your property immediately following storms or wind and look for damage.
• Clear dead limbs and debris after storms.
• Maintain leaf treatment in the fall or spring. Rake and remove leaves or mulch into the grass to maintain a healthy lawn.
• Water deeply during dry spells, particularly saplings. Stake young trees as needed to support healthy trunk growth.
• Consider mulching your trees around the base to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, moderate soil temperature, and protect roots. Create a "donut" shape around the tree, leaving a few inches of space between the mulch and trunk to prevent moisture buildup and potential rot. 

If you decide to add new landscaping to your property, be mindful of canopy and root growth, particularly if you intend to plant trees or shrubs closer to home’s foundation, paved areas, fence or rooflines. Some ornamental trees cap out quite nicely at 15 to 20 feet, while others will eventually overtake the roofline if left unchecked.

The same goes for bushes and shrubs. Some are excellent at creating a "green fence" for privacy, while others can be difficult to control, spread aggressively, and choke out existing landscaping. It's always a smart idea to research local regulations and consult gardening experts to choose plants that are functional as well as beautiful and avoid any potentially invasive species.

Healthy trees and shrubs do more than look good. They protect your home, boost your property value, and make every season a little more beautiful. With regular maintenance, your landscape can thrive for decades. The next time you walk your property, take a quick glance at your leafy companions. They’re not just part of your curb appeal; they are a part of your home.

Regular home maintenance and a little seasonal TLC can go a long way in protecting and preserving your home, and save yourself from costly repairs down the road. With home maintenance reminders for every season, MilitaryByOwner's regularly updated resources, blog and ebooks have you covered!

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