The Value of Protecting the Mature Trees on Your Property

July 25, 2025

Preserving Your Landscape’s Legacy

Mature trees are more than just a backdrop for your property; they are long-standing assets that contribute to environmental health, home value, and the character of your landscape. Whether it is a towering oak shading your backyard or a line of maples defining your property line, established trees offer irreplaceable benefits that deserve careful protection.



At Quality First Tree Service, we specialize in helping homeowners preserve and maintain these natural investments. Here is why mature trees matter, and how to keep them safe, healthy, and thriving.


Why Mature Trees Matter

1. Property Value

Well-maintained mature trees can increase property value by as much as 10–15%, according to real estate experts. Buyers are often drawn to homes with established landscaping and natural shade.

There is a grill on the deck with a table and chairs.

2. Energy Efficiency

Trees that provide canopy cover over your home can lower summer energy costs by reducing the need for air conditioning. Their root systems also help regulate ground temperature and prevent soil erosion.


3. Environmental Impact

Large trees absorb significantly more carbon dioxide than younger trees, playing a crucial role in carbon sequestration. They also filter pollutants from the air and provide habitat for wildlife.


4. Aesthetic and Emotional Benefits

Mature trees add beauty, privacy, and a sense of permanence to your property. For many families, they also hold sentimental value, often planted to commemorate milestones or inherited with the home.

A balcony with a canopy over it and trees in the background

The Risks to Mature Trees

Despite their strength, older trees are not immune to decline or damage. Over time, even healthy-looking trees can develop structural or root issues that threaten their stability and lifespan.


Common threats include:

  • Root compaction from foot traffic, construction, or parked vehicles
  • Soil erosion or inadequate drainage around the base
  • Overcrowding from younger, competing vegetation
  • Pest infestations or fungal infections
  • Storm damage to limbs or trunks

Because the health of mature trees is not always obvious from the outside, it is important to have them assessed by a certified arborist.

A large house is surrounded by trees and a lush green lawn.

How to Protect Mature Trees

1. Schedule Routine Inspections

A professional arborist can identify early signs of disease, decay, or structural instability before problems escalate. Regular inspections allow for targeted interventions, like cabling, pruning, or soil treatments.



2. Avoid Damaging the Root Zone

The area beneath a tree’s canopy—also called the dripline—is sensitive to soil compaction. Avoid digging, driving, or storing heavy materials in this area. If construction work is planned near mature trees, consult an arborist in advance.

A small house with a chimney and a tree in front of it.

3. Prune with Purpose

Avoid aggressive or improper pruning, which can destabilize the tree or leave it vulnerable to infection. A skilled pruning plan removes only what is necessary for safety and health, preserving the tree’s natural structure.


4. Monitor Soil and Water Conditions

Long dry spells can stress even mature trees. During drought conditions, deep, infrequent watering is more effective than surface-level irrigation. Healthy trees also need nutrient-rich soil—mulching with organic material helps retain moisture and regulate temperature.


5. Address Pests and Disease Promptly

Insects and fungi can quickly take hold in aging trees. If you notice early signs—such as bark peeling, fungus at the base, or thinning foliage—it is time to call a professional. Early treatment is often the key to recovery.

A wooden deck with a white railing and umbrella.

When Removal Is the Right Call

While the goal is always to preserve healthy trees, there are times when removal is the most responsible option. Dead, dying, or structurally compromised trees can pose a serious safety risk to people, buildings, and power lines.


At Quality First Tree Service, we assess each case individually, considering both the condition of the tree and its proximity to high-risk areas. If removal is necessary, we carry it out with safety and precision.


Trust the Professionals

Mature trees cannot be replaced overnight. Protecting them requires more than good intentions—it takes expertise, regular care, and a long-term view of landscape health.


If you have a large or aging tree on your property, or if you are unsure whether it needs professional attention, contact Quality First Tree Service. Our team of skilled arborists provides honest evaluations and expert care to ensure your trees stay strong for generations to come.

A dog is walking down a sidewalk in front of a house.
A small white house with a porch is surrounded by trees
There is a fire pit in the middle of the grass in front of a house.
A tree in a park with a blue sky in the background
A bush with pink flowers in front of a house.
A tree with white flowers is in a grassy field in front of a house.

Seasonal Tree Care for Optimal Growth in Middle Tennessee

August 13, 2025
Seasonal Challenges and Solutions for Tennessee Trees At Quality First Tree Service & Landscaping, we know that trees in Middle Tennessee face unique challenges throughout the year. The region’s mix of hot summers, cool winters, and unpredictable storms means that tree care cannot be a once-a-year task. To keep trees strong, healthy, and beautiful, it is important to provide the right care in each season. Spring: Encouraging Healthy Growth Spring is the season of renewal. As trees come out of dormancy , they need support to channel energy into strong new growth. We start with a thorough inspection to check for winter damage, pests, or signs of disease. If pruning is needed to remove dead or weak branches, spring is an ideal time because it allows the tree to heal and direct resources toward healthy limbs. We also recommend mulching around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature as the weather warms.

Tree Safety for Kids and Pets: What Every Homeowner Should Know

August 6, 2025
Ensure a Safe B  ackyard for Your Kids and Pets For families with children and pets, a backyard should be a place of safety, imagination, and play. But when trees on your property are not properly maintained, that same space can quietly become hazardous. From unstable branches to poisonous plants, there are several hidden dangers that can pose risks to your loved ones, especially the smallest and most curious among them. If you’re a Tennessee homeowner with active little ones or pets who love to roam, it’s time to take a serious look at the condition of your trees and surrounding property.

The Hidden Dangers of Neglecting Stumps on Your Property

August 1, 2025
Don’t Ignore That Stump After a tree comes down, many homeowners assume the hard part is over. But leaving a stump behind is more than an eyesore, it can lead to costly, and sometimes dangerous, problems over time. Whether the tree was removed for safety, health, or landscaping reasons, that leftover stump is not as harmless as it looks. Here are the most important reasons to take stump removal seriously and why it is best handled by professionals. Stumps Attract Pests One of the biggest risks of a neglected stump is pest infestation . As the wood decays, it becomes the perfect environment for termites, carpenter ants, beetles, and even rodents. These pests are drawn to the soft, damp interior of the stump and may build colonies inside it. The problem is that pests do not stay put. From the stump, it is only a short trip to your home’s foundation, walls, or wooden structures. Termite problems often start in old tree stumps, and by the time the damage becomes visible inside the home, the infestation is already well underway.

When to Call a Pro: 6 Signs That a Tree Is a Hazard, Not Just an Eyesore

July 17, 2025
Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore Trees are a defining part of the landscape in Tennessee. They provide beauty, shade, and habitat—but they can also become dangerous liabilities when their health declines or their structure is compromised. While some tree issues may seem cosmetic at first glance, others carry serious risks to your property and personal safety. Knowing when a tree has crossed the line from unsightly to unsafe is essential. At Quality First Tree Service, we specialize in identifying and managing these hazards with professional care. Here are the key signs that it is time to stop overlooking that problem tree—and call in the experts.

The Role of Tree Work in Fire Prevention for Tennessee Properties

July 11, 2025
Reducing Fire Risk Starts with Your Trees As summer temperatures rise and dry conditions become more common across Tennessee, the risk of property-damaging fires increases — even in areas not traditionally seen as fire-prone. While wildfires may not be as widespread in the Southeast as they are in the West, brush fires and structural fires can still pose a real threat, especially during dry stretches. One of the most overlooked ways to reduce this risk? Professional tree care. At Quality First Tree Service, we specialize in the safe removal, pruning, and thinning of trees — not only to protect your property from falling limbs but also to help reduce the fuel sources that can accelerate fires. In this article, we explain how proactive tree work plays a crucial role in fire safety for Tennessee homeowners and landowners. Fire Risk Is Closer Than You Think Most people don’t associate Tennessee with large-scale wildfires , but regional fire incidents have increased in recent years due to hotter summers, less predictable rainfall, and increased development in wooded areas. Even small brush fires, once ignited, can spread quickly through overgrown yards, unmanaged woodlots, or properties surrounded by dense trees and dead vegetation.  The key to minimizing that risk lies in managing the landscape — especially what surrounds your home or structures. And that’s where trained tree professionals come in.

How Shade Trees Can Protect Your Home If They’re Maintained Properly

July 3, 2025
The Power of Shade In the heat of a Middle Tennessee summer, few things are more appreciated than a well-placed shade tree. A large, healthy tree can provide real relief from intense sunlight, help regulate your home’s temperature, and even lower your utility bills. But like anything that lives and grows, trees must be properly cared for—especially when they stand close to your home. At Quality First Tree Service, we believe in the benefits of mature trees. But we also know that without regular maintenance, those same trees can become a hazard. Here is what you need to know about the protective power of shade trees—and why smart maintenance matters.

Why Every Tree on Your Property Needs a Health Check

June 13, 2025
Don’t Wait for a Fall Most homeowners notice when a tree is visibly dead or dangerously leaning—but what about the trees that look fine from a distance? Trees can develop serious health issues beneath the surface, often long before symptoms become obvious. Just like a home inspection or a routine checkup at the doctor, a professional tree health assessment helps catch problems early, avoid costly removals, and protect the long-term value of your landscape. At Quality First Tree Service, we offer full-service evaluations by trained professionals who know how to spot risks, diagnose disease, and keep your property safe and thriving. Here is why a regular tree health check is a smart move for any property owner in Middle Tennessee.

It’s Copperhead Season: Why You Need to Get Your Yard Cleared ASAP

June 6, 2025
Protect Your Home from Copperheads This Summer As the weather warms up in Tennessee, homeowners should be aware that copperhead activity increases significantly during late spring and summer. These venomous snakes are among the most common in the region , and they are known for their ability to blend into natural surroundings—particularly brush, wood piles, and yard debris. Copperheads are not aggressive by nature , but when startled or stepped on, they will bite. Their venom is rarely fatal to humans , but a bite can cause serious pain, swelling, and potential complications, especially in children, pets, or individuals with preexisting health issues. The best way to protect your household is not by eliminating snakes—it’s by making your yard less inviting to them in the first place. At Quality First Tree Service, we emphasize proactive prevention. One of the most effective steps you can take this season is to clear brush, remove debris, and reclaim overgrown areas where copperheads are most likely to shelter.

How Tree Trimming Can Improve Sunlight and Airflow for Your Property

May 29, 2025
Unlocking the  Hidden Perks of Professional Tree Trimming Tree trimming is often seen as a maintenance task—something homeowners do to keep their yards tidy or remove low-hanging branches. But done strategically and professionally, tree trimming has much broader benefits. Two of the most important, and often overlooked, are improved sunlight penetration and better airflow throughout your property. At Quality First Tree Service, we approach trimming as both a safety measure and a health-focused solution. When performed correctly, trimming enhances the environment for your trees, your landscape, and your home itself.

Trees Prone to Storm Damage in Middle Tennessee

May 22, 2025
Storm-Ready Yards Living in Middle Tennessee means dealing with frequent weather changes, including strong storms that bring heavy wind, rain, and even ice. While many trees in this region thrive in the climate, certain species are more vulnerable to storm damage than others. For homeowners in Columbia, Spring Hill, and surrounding areas, knowing which trees are more likely to fail under pressure is crucial for maintaining a safe property. At Quality First Tree Service & Landscaping, we see the same tree-related storm hazards again and again. Here are the top species to monitor closely and consider removing or trimming before the next storm hits.