Tips For At-Home Tree Care in Maryland
Healthy trees are a vital part of a beautiful landscape, but maintaining them requires the right balance of DIY care and professional support. Whether you’re tackling light pruning or considering full tree removal, it’s important to understand what you can safely handle yourself and when it’s time to call in the experts. Below, Alice from Ed’s Tree Service offers guidance on tree care in Maryland, including best practices for homeowners and when to rely on a professional tree removal company in Maryland.
If you can’t watch the video above, here’s what Alice has to say:
“Unless you can cut something from the ground with a hand saw, I would never recommend a homeowner to do tree work. Never stand on a ladder to try to cut a branch, never go on a roof to try to cut a branch. There have been so many people that get injured trying to do tree work to save a couple hundred dollars, which end up causing thousands of dollars and possibly bodily damage or bodily injury.
As a homeowner, if you want to do tree work, you can get a hand saw from Home Depot, a small chain saw. But I really don’t recommend homeowners to do tree work. Sometimes they don’t know how to prune trees, and most of the time the trees are just too large for the homeowner to reach.
There’s really no way you can prevent roots [from] damaging structures or foundations. We don’t go in and cut the roots in order to keep them from growing. Even if someone cuts your roots, it could be detrimental to the tree because you need those roots for water and nutrients. And I’ve known some people that have cut their roots, but roots do generally grow back. So there’s not much you can do about tree roots, especially if it’s too close to your foundation. We recommend to remove the tree – if it’s close to a sidewalk, you either have to live with a buckled sidewalk.
You don’t really have to mulch mature trees. Usually mulch is put around newly planted trees to keep the soil around the tree moist. But larger trees, you do not have to mulch them.”
What Can Maryland Homeowners Do to Maintain Healthy Trees?
Homeowners can play an active role in supporting tree health with a few simple practices:
- Regular inspection – Look for signs of disease, pests, or dead branches.
- Watering – During dry spells, give trees a slow, deep watering to support root health.
- Light pruning – Remove small, dead branches using clean, sharp tools.
- Mulching – Apply mulch correctly to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
These small steps can make a big difference between a thriving tree and one in decline, but improper techniques can cause lasting damage. That’s why we recommend a free estimate from the professionals.
Preventing Tree Roots from Damaging Sidewalks or Foundations
Tree roots, if left unmanaged, can be strong enough to crack sidewalks or disrupt home foundations. To minimize this risk, homeowners should plant trees a safe distance away from structures, selecting species known for less aggressive root systems and following proper spacing guidelines. Installing root barriers can also help by directing roots downward and away from hardscapes. Maintaining overall tree health is essential, as healthy roots are less likely to grow erratically in search of water or nutrients. If root-related issues have already started, a professional tree service MD team can evaluate the situation and recommend appropriate solutions.
When Should You Call a Professional Tree Service in Maryland?
Some tree care tasks are best left to licensed experts. Here are key situations when you should call a professional tree removal company in Maryland:
- Large branches need pruning
- The tree is near power lines or structures
- You suspect disease or pest infestations
- The tree is leaning or shows signs of root damage
- You need tree removal or emergency services
Ed’s Tree Service has the training, tools, and safety protocols to handle complex or hazardous tree work that could pose a risk to your property or your safety.
Trust a MD Licensed Tree Expert
For major concerns, trust your trees to a licensed and experienced Maryland professional tree service like Ed’s Tree Service. Whether you’re facing tree removal, storm damage, or safety hazards, we provide safe, reliable, and expert care tailored to Maryland’s unique environment.
