Property value is something we can all relate to. Did you know that a home with more trees typically has a higher property value than a property with less? The even better news is that year after year that property value will increase as each tree on the site grows to provide more leaf coverage.
Research has also shown that people are more apt to buy a home with more trees than a home with less or none—even it costs more. So caring for the trees on your property –and planting more trees too—is not only an exercise in curb appeal, but can help increase the overall dollar value of your home.
Approximately how much can trees increase your property value? Well, that varies with species, quantity of trees and tree size. For example a 20” diameter Maple tree may raise a home’s value by roughly $80 /year. A 30” in diameter Oak tree boasts $108 additional property value. A 45” diameter Elm tree may raise the value by $182/year. Even an 18” Birch tree can increase a home’s value $48/year.
Value aside, trees provide beauty and help save energy, improve air quality, reduce the carbon footprint and can help prevent storm runoff (see last month’s issue). Trees help us in many ways and all they require from us is a little TCL from time to time.
Start adding up your trees and you’ll see how quickly these natural wonders can do you a financial favor!
Dutch Elm Disease In Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio witnessed the first case of Dutch elm disease in the U.S., in 1930. Apparently, this silent killer arrived in a shipment of logs from France.
The American Elm trees (Ulmus americana) are the most susceptible of all to Dutch elm disease. American elm trees are also known as water elms, soft elms, white elms or Florida elms. American elm trees are found throughout Eastern and Central North America. Their range extends as far south as northern Texas and Florida.
Dutch elm disease (DED), caused by the fungus, Ceratocystis ulmi, is the most devastating shade tree disease in the United States. Healthy elms can become diseased by 1) elm bark beetles that carry the fungus from elm to elm, or 2) through root grafting with already infected trees. Along with wilt symptoms, streaking (sapwood discoloration), a characteristic internal symptom of the disease, progresses rapidly down from limbs inoculated by bark beetles.
Frequent surveys to detect elms in the initial stage of the disease and applying treatments can minimize elm losses. The following treatments can reduce DED incidence: 1) prompt removal of DED trees, 2) insecticide foliar spray, 3) timely chemical or mechanical destruction of root grafts, 4) injection of adequate dosage of registered systemic fungicides, and 5) combinations of the above.
Several researchers have tested pruning as a means of DED control. It has been reported that over 60 percent of the diseased elms have been freed of the disease by pruning as soon as wilt symptoms appeared. The success of a control program that utilized pruning depends on the distance between where the limb is pruned off and the streaked wood. The maximum success (87 percent) with pruning is obtained when the distance from where the limb was cut off to clearwood (nonstreaked) is 10 feet or more.
The relationship between percentage of wilt symptoms in a tree and control success is shown below:
Pruning for DED control is generally acceptably successful when no more than 5 percent of the tree’s foliage shows wilt symptoms or at least 5 feet of clearwood is present between the discolored portion of a branch and the main branch stem of trees.
If you are trying to save a long-established tree, follow these guidelines:
• Prune dead or dying branches off American elms, from fall to late winter. This procedure, called limbing, is best handled by professionals.
• But avoid pruning American elms from April through August. The elm bark beetle is attracted to freshly cut elm and is most active during this period.
• Be on the lookout for the signs of Dutch elm disease. Leaves of infected American elms will wilt in the summer. They will first turn yellow, then curl, and finally become brown. The signs usually first appear in the crowns of American elms.
• If signs appear, dispose of infected American elms properly. In rural areas they may be burned. In urban areas, take them to a designated disposal site.
Tree Top Glossary
Carbon footprint (noun)
A measure of the amount of carbon dioxide produced by a person, organization or location at a time.
Limbing
The process of removing branches from the stem of a felled tree.
June Plant Health Care checklist for having healthy trees
Inspect for defoliating insects such as caterpillars.
General pruning.
Deter rodents and insects bridging to your home, by trimming trees away from building, lamp posts, walkways and driveways.
Treat elm trees for Dutch Elm disease.
Cover ripening berries with netting to protect from birds.
Divide spring bulbs that are crowding.
Replant herb garden with new seedlings.
Keep a close watch to pests and disease.
If you would like assistance with the above assessments and services, please give us a call.
In Muskingum County we can be reached at 740-454-1789; in Licking County call 740- 321-1080 and in Franklin County, our newest location in Worthington, call 740-819-0158. We would like to hear from you.
At McCullough’s Tree Service, we are dedicated to providing exceptional service and the satisfaction of our customers is paramount to our business. We have recently registered with Angie’s List so you can see what others have to say about our service. We hope you will post your comments about McCullough’s Tree Service on Angie’s List so we may continue to exceed your expectations for service.
McCullough's Tree Service 