As nursery people, when we look at our mature specimen trees, we see more than just a large tree. We see possibility, opportunity, and efficiency. We consider what it truly means when a tree that is already grown is planted into a landscape, and the many benefits it can bring to its owner. Mature trees are something we are passionate about at Moon Valley Nurseries, and today, we’re going to give you 7 reasons you should be too!
In this article:
1. Mature Trees Provide Maximum Shade & Energy Savings
2. Specimen Trees Create Instant Curb Appeal
3. Mature Trees Add Instant Privacy to Your Landscape
4. Large Trees Can Increase the Value of Your Home
5. Mature Trees Aid in Water Conservation
6. Cut Out Years-Worth of Fertilizer Costs
7. Mature Trees Are More Hardy
Mature Trees Benefit the Environment Too!
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A large specimen tree has developed a spreading canopy that gives off a sizable area of shade. The foliage barrier cools the area of your home that the tree’s canopy covers, relieving your air conditioning system of stress in its effort to regulate your home’s temperature. This translates to savings on your energy bill, and some energy providers even offer rebates for planting trees in your yard.
Many homeowners desire gorgeous curb appeal for their homes. Large trees are an excellent way to achieve curb appeal in your front yard landscaping. The size, character, and lush foliage of a mature tree helps to create a focal point in your yard that makes a statement.
Large trees also can be an anchor for the rest of your yard design. Start with several mature trees and establish layered planting throughout the design using your specimen trees as your starting point.
Because most tree varieties grow thicker, more dense foliage as they mature, specimen trees bring a reassuring amount of privacy to your yard as soon as they are planted. With young trees, you can have years, or even decades of waiting before the canopies expand enough to provide any form of true privacy.
“Can landscaping increase the value of my home?” It’s a question that has been asked many times, and for good reason. Every homeowner wants the reassurance of knowing they can receive a return on the investment they made in landscaping their home. The good news is that landscaping with mature trees is a profitable investment.
Many studies show that a well-landscaped yard can increase a home’s value by anywhere from 7 to 19 precent, with the upper ranges usually associated with excellent design and mature trees.
As a tree grows and becomes established, it acclimates to the native soil and requires less water to sustain its health and appearance. By planting mature trees, you instantly benefit from increased drought-tolerance and skip years of growing time where your trees would’ve needed substantially more water.
Check out our Watering Guides here to get tips on watering all your trees and plants!
Fertilizers and nutrients are designed to aid trees and plants in growing healthy and strong into maturity. Think of your fertilizers as plant food. Just as we need extra food and nutrients when we are growing, trees require increased amounts of fertilizer when they are young. The nutrient needs of your trees taper off when they reach a mature age. By planting larger, older trees from the start, you can save money by bypassing years’ worth of fertilizing.
You can see all our specialized fertilizer and nutrient products here!
A great way to ensure your freshly planted landscape is resistant to drought, heat, and cold is to choose mature specimens. Older, well-established landscaping will be better acclimated to temperature and environmental conditions.
All our specimen trees are grown in our local climate and soil. This means they are nurtured and grown in the same conditions that they will be planted in at your property, giving you all the benefits of mature trees the same day they are planted in your landscape.
While the advantages of planting specimen trees are numerous as a homeowner, there are also many benefits that mature trees have on the environment. As a tree matures, its capability to remove carbon from the atmosphere increases. In fact, a recent study from the University of Hamburg states that almost 70 percent of a tree’s carbon sequestering abilities occur during its mature stage of life. By planting older trees in your yard, you are benefiting the environment as much as yourself!