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Large shade trees can help reduce home energy costs. These trees block the sun and wind and can keep your home cooler in the summer or warmer in the winter. This allows you to use less air conditioning and heating. A large-statured shade tree, when placed correctly, can reduce energy costs by 15%. You will need to wait until the shade tree matures, which can take between 10 to 30 years depending on the species. Buy Semi Mature Trees from Nature First
Mature trees add value to your home
Mature trees can add value to your house by improving the look of your garden. A mature tree will increase the value of your home by 15 to 20%. According to the National Arbor Day Foundation 83% believe mature trees have more impact on home values than young trees. It is not advisable to purchase a young tree if you plan to sell your house within the next couple of years. A tree takes 10 to 30 years to mature and add maximum value to a home.
Mature trees take in more carbon than young trees
Scientists believed that older trees absorbed less carbon, and homeowners were encouraged to plant younger trees in order to reduce their carbon footprint. A study published in 2014 showed that older trees take up more carbon per tree.
Mature trees don’t need as much pruning as young trees
Although mature trees need to be pruned on a regular basis, they don’t have to be trained the same as young trees. It is important to create a strong framework and leader for young trees. Pruning is a laborious process that should only be performed by professionals. This will ensure the tree remains strong, beautiful and healthy throughout its life. By purchasing a mature tree, you can avoid all the training and pruning that is required in the tree’s early years.
Choosing where your tree will go
Trees do far more than shade a house. They provide a habitat for birds, mammals and insects, and some species, such as the English oak, can support hundreds of different kinds of wildlife. That is a good reason to plant one, but it pays to think about the long term first.
Find out how big the tree will eventually grow before you buy it, which matters most in a smaller garden. A mature tree arrives already large, so its final height and spread should suit the space you have.
Position matters just as much. Give the tree room to grow, and make sure its roots will not reach under your house or your neighbours’ house, where they can cause structural damage. Learn how to care for it properly too, or get help from someone who looks after trees, so that it stays healthy for years to come.
Signs a tree is in good health
When buying a mature tree, or looking after one you already have, it helps to know what a healthy specimen looks like. A healthy tree is still growing well and has not been affected by disease or pests. Many of the signs are easy to spot without any special knowledge.
Look at the leaves and branches first. The leaves should not be brown, shrivelled or blotchy, and the branches should grow strongly from the trunk rather than hanging on weakly. The trunk itself should grow straight up without twists or cracks, and the tree should not be leaning more than it should.
Warning signs include falling or breaking branches, a crooked or twisted trunk and growth that seems to have stalled. If you notice any of these, have a tree specialist take a look. A large tree in poor health can be a real risk to people and property, so it is better to act early.
Pruning to keep mature trees healthy
Once a mature tree is in place, regular pruning helps it stay healthy and attractive for years. Removing dead or damaged branches improves its appearance and the look of the wider garden, and trees that are trimmed regularly tend to age better than those left to grow unchecked. Healthy branches are also better able to resist insects, disease and pests.
Many homeowners hire tree services, which can give an estimate of the time and effort the job will take. Others prefer to prune their own trees and enjoy shaping them. How much work is involved depends on the size and density of the tree. Smaller trees such as cherry or maple may only need the centre thinning, while a large, dense tree such as an oak may need individual branches cut, which is slow and difficult without professional help and equipment. For big trees in particular, a professional is usually the safer choice.