Tree Planting Tips

trees and insurance

Keep Denton Beautiful is an non-profit organization in Denton, Texas that does an annual tree giveaway to residents on a first register – first serve basis.  Whether you are planting a new tree, or have existing trees, there are certain tips that can help ensure the success of the tree for years to come.  Here are some tree planting tips when you are planting a new tree or already have an existing tree on your property.

  • Plant new trees will be 40 feet or taller at maturity at least 15 feet from your home to avoid tree limbs touching the roof or home and also to keep the root system from penetrating your plumbing or causing interference with your foundation.  As you can see from the photo above, this beautiful Red Oak tree was planted a little too close to the structure.  Planting a tree when it is the size of a twig can be deceptive on the yard placement since it can grow to be 80-100 feet tall.
  • Use the existing soil when planting new growth and make the hole you’re digging 3 times the size of the root ball of the tree to allow the root system to easily grow through the tough soil.
  • Plant new trees in the fall so that the young sapling has 3 full seasons to establish roots before the hot summer threatens to scorch the little guy.
  • Deep water once a week for the first several weeks.  The best way to deep water is to start in the morning with a slow running water hose placed close to the root of the tree.  It is best to water in the morning to keep mold from growing in the root ball due to being oversaturated.
  • More pointers can be found here:  http://www.texastrees.org/learn/plant/how-to-plant-a-tree/

For mature or existing trees already on your property:

  • Keep mature trees aggressively trimmed away from your roof to avoid the branches from touching your roof and causing wear on the shingles which can eventually cause a roof leak.  Damage to your home cause by lack of maintenance is not covered by your home insurance.
  • Cut down dead or dying trees that are close to your home to avoid it landing on your home or someone when a strong wind blows.

By following these simple steps, you can avoid costly insurance claims due to trees or their limbs touching or falling onto your home.  For questions about this or other ways to protect your home from a claim, call us at 940-268-5112.