As the name suggests, a tree care plan is a document that outlines a strategy for maintaining the health and vitality of the trees on a property. It typically includes information on the types of trees present, their location, and their condition, as well as a schedule for regular maintenance activities such as pruning, fertilization, and pest control. It may also include information on new tree planting, goals for the property’s overall tree population and aesthetic, and a plan for monitoring and adjusting the plan as needed. A tree care plan aims to ensure that the trees on a property are well-maintained and able to thrive while also meeting the property owner’s goals and addressing any potential hazards or issues.

If you are currently contemplating creating a tree care plan for your property, either a business or personal home, here’s how to go about it.

1. Conduct a tree inventory: Identify the types of trees on your property, their location, and their condition. Make a note of any diseased or damaged trees that may need to be removed.
2. Determine your goals: Decide what you want to achieve with your tree care plan. Do you want to improve the health of your trees, increase property value, or create a specific aesthetic?
3. Develop a maintenance schedule: Based on the tree inventory and your goals, create a schedule for regular tree maintenance, including pruning, fertilization, and pest control.
4. Plan for new tree planting: Identify areas of your property that would benefit from new tree planting and choose species that are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions.
5. Implement and monitor the plan: Put your tree care plan into action and regularly monitor the health and progress of your trees. Make adjustments as needed.
6. Review and update the plan: Review your tree care plan on a regular basis and update it as necessary to ensure that it continues to meet your goals and address any new issues that may arise.

What is the Goal of Having a Tree Care Plan?

Ultimately, remember that a tree care plan aims to ensure that the trees on a property are well-maintained and able to thrive while also meeting the property owner’s goals and addressing any potential hazards or issues. The purpose of a tree care plan can vary depending on the individual property and the property owner’s priorities. Some common goals of your prospective tree care plan may include:

1. Improving the overall health and vitality of the trees on your property.
2. Maintaining or increasing property value through the proper care and maintenance of trees.
3. Creating a specific aesthetic, such as a park-like setting or a naturalized landscape.
4. Addressing potential hazards, such as diseased or damaged trees, that may pose a risk to people or property.
5. Developing a plan for new tree planting to improve the overall health and diversity of the tree population.
6. Monitoring and adjusting the plan as needed to ensure that it continues to meet your goals as the property owner and address any new issues that may arise.

References: ArborDay, Bartlett