Trees should be properly maintained by carrying out basic maintenance activities, such as mulching, watering, soil testing, fertilizing, and protection.
Mulching is typically needed on a periodic basis (every 1-3 years), but watering, soil testing, fertilizing, and protection should only be necessary for the first year or two, if the tree is adapted well to the climate and specific site conditions. Other costs that should be considered over the life of the tree may include arborist consultation fees for evaluating tree health and risk; pruning, if pruning becomes necessary; and the cost of removal, if removal becomes necessary.
Many of these costs can be reduced by careful tree selection, placement, and proper care early in the tree’s life.