Property managers are charged with the important duty of keeping a property functional and in optimal condition. That extends beyond just the building(s) to its lawns and, importantly, the trees. However, we know money doesn’t grow on those branches. Even with some impressive buildings in Toronto and throughout the GTA, property managers have budgets they need to follow and they need to plan their tree care carefully. We explain the best budget-friendly tree care strategies for managing a property in this article.
The Value of Trees to Property Managers
Property managers should care about a property’s trees because they provide numerous benefits.
- Curb Appeal: Well-maintained trees along with yards and plants improve the appearance of the building. That boosts its curb appeal which will increase its popularity for prospective owners and tenants, while also increasing its value.
- Communal Space: Research has suggested that humans are drawn to visit and revisit spaces with trees. This means trees help build a community, which can be especially valuable for property managers and the overall appeal of the property.
- Reducing Heat: Tree canopies provide natural cover and shade. By stopping the sun’s rays from hitting the ground, they keep the space cooler, making it a more usable space in those hot Ontario summer days. That shade can also reduce the building’s energy use, as those areas shaded by the trees will also stay cooler.
It All Starts with a Plan – Tree Care Consulting
Certified arborists know trees, and we can help any homeowner or a property manager understand the ideal conditions for their property and its trees. Tree care consulting is an invaluable service where certified arborists provide a tree management plan for a property. Along with the critical concerns for the tree, our plans consider the tree care budget. This can help a property manager accurately direct their efforts and finances for budget-friendly tree care.
Regular Tree Care Consulting
Prevention of a problem tends to be the most cost-effective strategy. It is usually cheaper to prevent than to solve. The same is true for trees. Property managers should receive regular care from certified arborists. Advanced Tree Care’s TreEcology Program, provides regular seasonal care to a property’s tree to ensure every ornamental stays beautiful and healthy. Along with this regular attention, arborists can detect any possible problems or concerns for a tree, even those not obvious to a property manager in advanced. Along with damaged branches or the potential risk to property, arborists can identify pests, the initial signs of disease, whether a tree requires structural support, or if a tree needs more/less water or nutrients. Provided they are easy enough and do not require specialized equipment and knowledge, the property manager can then put these remedies into action themselves.
Regular Maintenance
Along with regular assessment, regular maintenance will help ensure any tree’s long and healthy life. Annual pruning, watering during dry periods, fertilizing, and non-professional inspections are all excellent budget friendly strategies for tree care. Some of these tasks can be accomplished by a landscaper or even a hands-on property manager. Consultation will help direct the property manager on where to focus their efforts. For larger tasks, a property manager should hire certified arborists, or otherwise risk injuring the trees and the property. For example, small and low trees can be pruned by most. However, larger trees will require more professional equipment and skill.
Planning for Emergencies
Planning is a critical part of a property manager’s job, including a budget for tree care. However, emergencies suddenly happen inside and outside of a building. Just as pipes can suddenly burst, a sudden wind or thunder storm can create a tree emergency. It’s impossible to plan for all of those emergencies, so property managers should instead prepare for the possibility. If any tree causes concern, they should have an arborist provide a hazard tree assessment. The assessment can determine methods to prevent a more serious emergency.
However, some emergency situations are spontaneous. Planning space in a budget for an emergency removal will help mitigate the cost of those nasty surprises. As well, ensuring trees are growing a safe distance from any property or other structures will mitigate the damage they can cause, keeping any emergency more budget friendly. Arborists will bring up any such proximity concerns during a hazard assessment.
Tree Care and Maintenance is Budget-Friendly
With regular maintenance like that of our TreEcology health program, a property manager maintains their property trees. Their branches stay strong, their canopies full, and they’re more likely to survive disease and pests. That’s always more budget friendly than needing to remove and replace trees. If you’re a property manager or owner looking to create a long-term care plan for their trees, contact Advanced Tree Care.
