Trees should be part of your home's landscaping.They provide shade that helps cool the house. They offer a focal element in even the smallest yard. They can add a splash of color or blend into the background.

Planting a tree does not have to be a big hassle or a major Las Vegas home maintenance issue. With a few helpful tips, you can plant a tree trouble-free.

• Think about the tree being full grown. It is very easy to pick up a small tree at the nursery. What you may not be thinking about is what happens when that baby tree grows up.
• Choose your planting site carefully. Planting the tree too close to the house or in the wrong place can cause a future gutter or roof hazard. Will the tree have enough nutrients and water to thrive? You do not want your new tree to become a Las Vegas home maintenance problem.
• Make sure there are no hazards below. 811 is a nationwide number where you can request to have the utility lines marked in your yard. That way, you know where to dig and where to avoid digging.
• Create a saucer-shaped hole. You need a hole that is three to five times the diameter of the tree's root ball. Use a garden fork or spade to loosen the soil. You want the roots to have plenty of room to spread out.
• Don't dig too deep. The root collar of the tree needs to stand about an inch above the soil line. Remove the tree from its container, then measure from the bottom of the root ball to the root collar, which is the trunk flare just above the root ball. That is the depth you need to dig the center of the hole.
• Loosen the roots of the tree. The roots of the tree usually grow tight to the sides of the container. Once you free the tree from the container, take the time to loosen these roots.
• Set the tree and backfill. If you dug the hole properly, the tree should set down easily in the center, with the root collar above the soil line. Make sure the roots are spread out. Backfill the hole with the dirt you removed.
• Cover the soil around the tree with a layer of mulch. Don't make it too deep to avoid restricting the passage of water to the roots.
• Create a protective barrier around the base of the tree. Lawn mowers and weed cutters can damage trees. Adding a stone or metal barrier around the base of the tree will help protect it as it gets established.

Adding a tree can provide an anchor for your landscape and a focal point for your yard. When planting a tree, you need to consider what it means as far as Las Vegas home maintenance. Every home can benefit from a yearly roof inspection from First Quality Roofing & Insulation. Call us to schedule yours – and get a leg up on improving the curb appeal of your home.