How Much Do Trees Raise Property Value?

It is widely known that trees raise property value.  Anyone who has gone to a housing addition with newly built homes lining the newly paved streets quickly feels the lack of trees and lawns. Just like a condo with brick walls for view will sell for a tiny fraction of a condo with Central Park for a view, homes with trees, especially stately trees in the front yard, can be worth considerably more.  There has been an effort recently to put a price tag on how much more.

According to the Pacific Northwest Research Station, a tree in the front yard of a home raises that home's price, on average, $7,130.  If the total increases for the neighborhood property value are tallied, the average is $12,828.  Trees also make houses more sale-able, decreasing time on the market by around 2 days, on average.

The Arbor Day Foundation lists similar benefits.  In one survey, 83% of realtors believed "mature trees have a ‘strong or moderate impact’ on the salability of homes listed for under $150,000; on homes over $250,000, this perception increases to 98%".  

Other surveys have found that mature trees can increase property values by up to 20%.

All of these studies of course cite mature, healthy trees.  No one wants to buy a house with a half dead Silver Maple or a split Bradford Pear.  So, if you are moving into a home without any front yard trees, you want to carefully consider what tree you plant, and the method in which you plant it.

First, regarding tree selection, our choice for most of the eastern half of the country would be a northern Red Oak.  

Northern Red Oak Range (From USGS)

Red Oaks are stately, strong, fast growing, and long lived.  They do not suffer from any catastrophic diseases like Dutch Elm Disease or Emerald Ash Borer.  They are very fast growing for oaks, and those in the author's neighborhood have grown as fast as surrounding Silver Maples (which is a much inferior tree but one know for its growth speed).

As the Western U.S. is generally quite a bit drier than the East, we recommend one of these deciduous trees: Honeylocust, Hackberry, Japanese Zolkova, Gingko (male), Bur Oak, or Honey Mesquite.  We discuss these trees in detail here.  

Regardless of which tree you plant, it is important to plant them in the proper way to ensure fast growth and long term survival.  The traditional tree planting method of buying a large, containerized tree from the garden center is very ill suited both to fast growth of trees and to their long term survival.  First, these trees have very malformed roots, and once planted these roots stay very near the surface.  This makes the tree dependent on frequent rains, and very poorly drought resistant.  Also, shallow roots can cause the tree to lean or blow over in stiff winds.  Finally, these trees often have a mismatch between their root system size and their canopy size.  Many home owners find that these trees barely grow for years after planting due to this mismatch, making them a very disappointing investment.

A better way to obtain fast growing, long lived trees is to plant bare root trees with the Groasis Waterboxx.  Bare root trees can be purchased by mail or grown from seed, and are much more affordable than containerized trees.  You can expect to spend ~1/10 the cost of a container planted tree for a bare root tree.  Because the tree is smaller initially (but only initially), it doesn't have the root/canopy disproportion.  The tree is planted early in its life cycle in its final location and grows naturally.

Planting bare root trees with the Groasis Waterboxx, you will never need to water them after first planting.  The Waterboxx collects dew and rainwater and slowly releases it to the roots of a growing tree.  The Waterboxx induces the roots to grow deep, anchoring the tree and also preventing damage and death during subsequent droughts.  The Waterboxx also prevents weed growth around the tree and prevents soil moisture from evaporating.  The Waterboxx can be reused up to ten 10 total.  You can compare the cost of Waterboxx planting with bare root trees to traditional planting with our calculator.  You will find the Waterboxx also prevents roots from growing to leaking pipes and other unintentional water sources, unless the pipe is immediately beneath the planted tree.  The Waterboxx also helps homeowners to conserve water.  

Be the first in your area to start growing plants with the Groasis Waterboxx.  You can buy the Groasis Waterboxx from Dew Harvest® LLC in the United States. We would love to hear your comments below - to leave one, please click on "Comments".

How often should you fertilize tomato plants?

To get the biggest tomato yield, start fertilizing before you plant and periodically during the growing cycle. Then, get your kitchen ready for homemade marinara sauce and juicy tomatoes topping your sandwiches.

When to fertilize
Fertilize the tomato plant about one or two weeks before the first fruit ripens. Repeat the fertilization two weeks after you pick the first fruit and then again one month later.

Proper amount of fertilizer
Test the soil before fertilizing. This tells you which nutrients the soil is lacking. Tomatoes prefer a soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7. Work a timed-release fertilizer into the top 6 inches of the soil before planting the tomatoes. Once the proper level is obtained, treat the tomatoes with a maintenance fertilizer at 1 lb. per 100 square feet.

Types of fertilizer
Tomatoes grow best with a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium. For instance, too much nitrogen results in a leafy plant with little fruit. Avoid the use of lawn fertilizers. Use a fertilizer product that is formulated for tomatoes or a complete garden fertilizer when preparing the soil. Use a water-soluble fertilizer once the plant begins to produce fruit.

Growing needs
Plant your tomatoes in areas with full sunlight. Areas away from trees and buildings offer the highest yields. A well-drained soil is important to prevent blossom rot or root rot. Tomato plants require a consistently moist soil. Stick your finger into the top 2 inches of soil. If dirt sticks to your finger it is moist enough. Mulch such as straw, pine needles, grass clippings, compost, shredded bark and leaf mold help conserve the moisture in the soil.

Initial Fertilization
Tomato plants grow quite well if they are planted in fertilized soil, so turn some slow-release fertilizer into the holes you dig for your tomatoes. Dig down about 6 inches and mix the fertilizer with the soil at the bottom and sides of the hole as well as the soil you plan to use to backfill the hole around the plant's root ball. Most young tomato plants should be placed in holes about 3 inches deep, but the fertilizer and soil mixture should be about 3 inches deep under the final hole.

Subsequent fertilizations
Tomato plants need a second fertilizer treatment just after the tomatoes begin to form. As soon as you see a few defined tomatoes about the size of marbles, add another round of fertilizer. Spray the ground around the plant with a water-soluble fertilizer or turn quick-release fertilizer into the soil around the base of the plant. As the tomatoes grow, fertilize the plants every seven to 10 days until the tomatoes are ready to pick.

Soil types
Tomatoes are fairly hardy and grow in many soil types. However, not all soil holds the fertilizer well. For dense soils with large amounts of clay, stick to 10 days between fertilizations after the tomatoes appear. Sandy soils tend to let nutrients leach away, meaning you must fertilize more often, at least every seven days.

Considerations
Tomatoes need low-nitrogen fertilizers, such as a 8-32-16 or 6-24-24. These should be applied at a rate of about 1 pound per 100 square feet. If you are only planting one or two plants, mix a couple of tablespoons of fertilizer into the soil around each plant during the applications.

Best heat-tolerant varieties

Gardeners in the south or in hot regions may want to consider planting heat-tolerant tomato varieties.

Choosing an appropriate variety for your growing conditions is a key to successful tomato gardening. It’s possible to have excellent crop in a hot climate when you select heat-tolerant tomato varieties.

Heat-tolerant tomato varieties: hybrids

Bella Rosa
Hybrid, determinate, 75 days, red, large
Bred for the southeast USA

Big Beef
Hybrid, indeterminate, 73 days, red, medium/large (10 ounces)

Florida 91
Hybrid, determinate, 72 days, red, medium/large (10 ounces)

Fourth Of July
Hybrid, indeterminate, 49 days, red/pink, small (4 ounces)

Grape
Hybrid, indeterminate, 60 days, red, grape

Heat Wave II
Hybrid, determinate, 68 days, red, medium (7 ounces)

Homestead 24
Hybrid, determinate, 80 days, red, medium (8 ounces)

Manalucie
Hybrid, indeterminate, 82 days, red, large globe

Mountain Crest
Hybrid, indeterminate, 74 days, red, medium (10 ounces)

Porter or Porter Pink
Hybrid, indeterminate; 78 days; pink, plum, small (4 ounces)

Sanibel
Hybrid, determinate, 75 days, red, medium/large (12 ounces)

Solar Fire
Hybrid, determinate, 72 days, red, medium (10 ounces)

Spitfire
Hybrid, determinate, 75 days, crimson, small/medium (5-6 ounces)

Sunbeam
Hybrid, determinate, 70 days, red, medium (6 ounces)

Sun Leaper
Hybrid, determinate, 82 days, red, medium (9 ounces)

Sun Chaser
Hybrid, indeterminate, 72 days, red, medium (7 ounces)

Sunmaster
Hybrid, determinate, 72 days, red, medium (7 ounces)

Super Fantastic
Hybrid; indeterminate; 70 days, red, large

Sweet 100
Hybrid, indeterminate, 70 days, red, cherry

Heat-tolerant tomato varieties: heirlooms

Arkansas Traveler originated in the Ozark Mountains
Heirloom, indeterminate, 90 days, pink, medium (6 ounces)

Costoluto Genovese originated in Italy
Heirloom, indeterminate, 85 days, red, large

Green Zebra originated in USA
Heirloom, determinate, 78 days, green, small (3 ounces)

Quarter Century dates to 1901
Heirloom, indeterminate, 85 days, red, large (12 ounces)

Sioux originated in Nebraska
Heirloom; semi-determinate, 78 days, red, medium (6 ounces)

Super Sioux descended from the Sioux tomato
Heirloom; indeterminate; 70 days, red, globe

Most popular tomato varieties

The most popular tomato varieties got that way with good reason.

Some are easy to grow. Others have excellent disease resistance or be particularly flavorful or offer outstanding production … or all of the above!

With thousands of varieties to choose from, it can be hard to decide which tomatoes to grow in your garden.

Most popular tomato varieties: hybrid tomatoes

Better Boy Tomato
Hybrid, indeterminate, 75 days, red, beefsteak (12-16 ounces), resistance: VFN

Big Beef Tomato
Hybrid, indeterminate, 73 days, red, beefsteak (10-12 ounces), resistance: VFFNTA; 1994 All-America Selections Winner

Big Boy Tomato
Hybrid, indeterminate, 78 days, red, beefsteak (10-16 ounces), resistance: A

Celebrity Tomato
Hybrid, determinate, 70 days, red, globe (8-12 ounces), resistance: VFFNTA

Early Girl Tomato
Hybrid, indeterminate, 50-52 days, red, globe (8 ounces), resistance: VFF

Grape Tomato
Hybrid, indeterminate, 60 days, brilliant red, elongated cherry tomatoes, resistance: FSA

Independence Day Tomato (Fourth of July Tomato)
Hybrid, indeterminate, 49 days, red, small (4 ounces)

Jersey Tomato (Rutgers Tomato)
Hybrid, determinate, 75 days, bright red, globe (6-8 ounces), resistance: VFA

Juliet Tomato
Hybrid, indeterminate, 60 days, red, elongated cherry (1 ounce), resistance: cracking; 1999 All-America Selections Winner

Sunsugar Tomato
Hybrid, indeterminate, 62 days, orange, cherry, resistance: FT, cracking

Most popular tomato varieties: heirlooms (open-pollinated tomatoes)

Amish Paste Tomato
Heirloom, indeterminate, 85 days, red, paste tomato (8 ounces)

Black Krim Tomato
Heirloom, indeterminate, 69-80 days, red/brown, beefsteak (16 ounces), resistance: FN

Brandywine Tomatoes
Heirloom, indeterminate, 69-80 days, pink, beefsteak (16+ ounces), resistance: F

Cherokee Purple Tomato
Heirloom, indeterminate, 69-80 days, purple/brown/black, beefsteak (16 ounces)

Green Zebra Tomato
Heirloom, determinate, 78 days, green, small (3 ounces)

Mortgage Lifter Tomato
Heirloom, indeterminate, 85 days, pink, beefsteak (16-24 ounces)

San Marzano Tomato
Heirloom, indeterminate, 85 days, red/pink, plum (4 ounces)

Yellow Pear Tomato
Heirloom, indeterminate, 71 days, bright yellow, pear-shaped cherry (1 ½” round)

Should I grow heirloom tomatoes or hybrid tomatoes?

The controversy over whether to grow heirloom tomatoes or hybrid tomatoes has been known to spark passionate debate between normally level-headed gardening aficionados.

Both varieties have strengths and weaknesses. We’ve dug up the dirt so you can choose for yourself.

Heirloom tomatoes

Heirloom tomatoes, or “open pollinated” (OP) tomatoes, are varieties that have been reproduced for generations. They’re true to their type from their own seed. Gardeners appreciate their consistency. Like hybrids, they can be eaten raw or cooked.

Some heirlooms have production histories spanning hundreds of years. A tomato variety is considered an heirloom if it has been cultivated for at least 3 generations.

Heirloom pluses

• Stability. Heirlooms produce large numbers of seeds and bear tomatoes identical to parents.
• Taste. Heirlooms are considered flavorful, and even superior to commercially-produced varieties.
• Disease-resistance. Heirloom fans argue that their preferred varieties have a long record of producing healthy tomatoes. Hybrid fans disagree.
• Individuality. Many heirlooms have unique shapes and sport a variety of colors, including purple, yellow, white, orange, pink, red, green, black, and striped.

Heirloom minuses

• Individuality. Same coin, different side. Some gardeners and consumers don’t want unusual, misshapen, or inconsistent tomatoes. They simply want red, juicy ones.
• Productivity. Heirlooms take longer to mature and produce fewer tomatoes than hybrids.

Hybrid tomatoes

Hybrid tomatoes are a cross between two genetically different tomato varieties. With a hybrid, you get the best qualities of both parents.

Commercial growers like hybrids because they are predictable. Home gardeners prefer them because they present fewer problems.

Hybrid pluses

• Productivity. Most agree: grow hybrids, you’ll harvest more tomatoes.
• Disease-resistance. Hybrids have a reputation for not being as susceptible to diseases and pests as their heirloom counterparts.
• Strength. Hybrids produce even in bad weather and questionable growing conditions.
• Consistency. Hybrids are known for yielding tomatoes of similar size and with fewer blemishes.
• Longevity. Harvested hybrid tomatoes have staying power. They endure the ride to Grandma’s house or the long hours on the roadside stand better than heirlooms.

Hybrid minuses

• Flavor. Most gardeners agree that hybrids aren’t as flavorful as heirlooms.
• Instability. Call it a genetic breakdown if you must. Long term, hybrids just don’t produce seeds as strong as what birthed them – according to experts. However, many home gardeners claim they save hybrid seeds year to year which produce seedlings and fruit that is true to the original hybrid.

Is miracle-grow a good source of nitrogen fertilizer for vegetables & tomatoes?

Scotts Miracle-Gro fertilizer is formulated for a number of different uses, including lawns, houseplants, vegetables and tomatoes. Each type of fertilizer, whether a liquid, dry or slow-release formulation, is designed to provide the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium necessary for your plants to thrive. Depending on the type of Miracle-Gro, it can be a good fertilizer for tomatoes and vegetables. Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are tender perennials grown as annuals in the United States.

Summertime vegetables grow from spring to fall throughout the country to turn in lush harvests, but need the right mix of soil and nutrition to do so. Although they need anywhere from 12 to 14 different nutrients to grow, vegetable plants call for nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium more often than any others. Synthetic fertilizers like Miracle-Gro provide that nutrition for plants.

Miracle-Gro Fertilizer
Miracle-Gro produces a wide range of soil amendments and fertilizers and sells a line of fertilizers specifically for tomatoes and vegetables. Fertilizers like Water-Soluble Tomato Plant Food (18-18-21) and Shake 'n' Feed Tomatoes, Fruits and Vegetables (9-4-12) provide complete nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium levels for healthy rooting and plant growth. These fertilizers are safe for continuous use in the garden.

Miracle-Gro soil
All vegetable plants must start with the right growing foundations if they're to thrive and grow at all. Mix natural soil with amendments like Miracle-Gro Garden Soil for Flowers and Vegetables and Miracle-Gro Sphagnum Peat Moss to enrich and loosen the garden soil and to provide long-term organic nutrition for the plants.

Fertilizing schedule
Use Miracle-Gro fertilizers at planting and through the season for healthy plant growth. Since these are standard rather than concentrated fertilizers, they may require more frequent applications. Follow manufacturer directions in regard to schedule and application of fertilizer.

The benefits of nitrogen
The nitrogen in Miracle-Gro liquid fertilizers is provided by urea, which is anhydrous ammonia (NH3) and potassium nitrate. Both are water soluble, making the nitrogen immediately available to the plants' roots. Nitrogen promotes the rapid, lush growth of the vines and foliage. By combining nitrogen with phosphorus and potassium, Miracle-Gro fertilizers also provide the nutrients needed for strong root and stem growth, flower production and increase the size and amount of fruit.

Nutrient needs of tomatoes
Tomatoes prefer a rich soil, with regular feedings of nitrogen when the tomatoes are approximately the size of a ping pong ball or golf ball. Repeat the feeding three weeks later, and then again after another three weeks. If you're applying a nitrogen-only fertilizer, use one tablespoon of fertilizer per plant. A liquid 18-18-21 fertilizer such as Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Tomato Plant Food may be used instead, feeding the plants every seven to 10 days through the growing season.

Applying Miracle-Gro fertilizers
Whenever you apply liquid fertilizers, water the soil thoroughly first. Mix the Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Tomato Plant Food at a ratio of 1 tablespoon fertilizer per 1 gallon of water, and apply to the moist soil, following the package directions. If you prefer a slow-release dry formula, such as the 14-14-14 Osmocote Flower & Vegetable Smart-Release Plant Food, scratch 1 tablespoon per square foot into the soil around the plant. Water thoroughly after applying the fertilizer.

Fertilization intervals for Miracle-Gro products
The fertilization schedule varies according to the type of fertilizer you've selected. Liquid fertilizers are usually applied every seven to 10 days because the nutrients are taken up rapidly by the plants' roots. Any remaining nutrients are washed away as you water the garden. Slow release fertilizers, such as Osmocote, are applied every one to five months, depending on the temperature. At 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the fertilizer prills, a type of granular form, last four to five months before requiring another fertilization. In contrast, when temperatures rise to 90 degrees the prills decompose in only one to two months, requiring more frequent fertilization of the garden.

Considerations
According to the University of Missouri, using nitrogen-heavy fertilizer can be risky. Although nitrogen-heavy fertilizer increases fruit production when used at the end of the season, using this fertilizer at the start of the growing season can harm a vegetable plant's eventual ability to bear fruit. Opt for standard Miracle-Gro tomato or veggie fertilizer, rather than concentrated fertilizer, for consistent, trouble-free growth.

Can you use Miracle-Gro on tomato plants?

All-purpose plant food
Miracle-Gro's Water Soluble All-Purpose Plant Food formula is a good choice to use when establishing new tomato seedlings in the garden. It is high in nitrogen and, if used on older plants, could result in the production of more leaves and fewer fruit, cautions the Grow Your Tomatoes website.

Tomato food
Specifically designed for tomatoes, "Miracle-Gro Tomato Food" supplies more potassium and phosphorus, two nutrients that stimulate blossom growth and fruit production, notes the Grow Your Tomatoes website.

Documentation
Ohio State University Extension discusses the use of two types of fertilizer: time-release and water-soluble. Of the water-soluble types, Ohio State says that "Miracle-Gro 15-30-15" works well for container gardening for all types of vegetables, including tomatoes.

How often should you apply Miracle-Gro to tomatoes in a bucket?

Miracle-Gro is a water-soluble fertilizer produced by Scotts. Each formula differs slightly depending on the desired results. For growing tomatoes, Scotts produces a special tomato plant food with a fertilizer analysis of 18-18-21, but the all-purpose plant food can be used for tomatoes, too. This all-purpose formula contains a higher proportion of nitrogen with a formula of 24-8-16. Typically the tomato plant food is preferred because high nitrogen fertilizer causes lush foliage and inhibits fruits. If your soil lacks nitrogen, the all-purpose formula may meet your needs.

Seedlings
Tomato seedlings can be watered with Miracle-Gro as soon as they have their first set of true leaves, but go lightly. Scott's recommends a dilution rate of 1 teaspoon per gallon of water for inside plants. Apply the solution every 7 to 14 days.

Transplanting seedlings
If you are using Miracle-Gro soil that includes starter fertilizer, you do not need to feed your tomato plants for the first 30 days. The soil already contains the nutrients your plants need to become established and begin active growth. If you are using soil without added fertilizer, you can begin your application of Miracle-Gro at planting time. Young tomato plants that have recently been transplanted to buckets or containers require less fertilizer solution than full-grown plants. When mixed at a rate of 1 tablespoon per gallon of water, transplants need approximately 1 cup of Miracle-Gro plant food at transplanting time and every 7 to 14 days thereafter.

Maturing plants
As your tomato plants mature, their need for nutrients increases. Gradually increase the amount of mixed solution you apply to your tomato plants. A mature plant needs up to a gallon of the solution to supply adequate nutrients to the tomato plant.

Considerations
Plants grown in containers require more frequent fertilizer than those grown in the soil because nutrients can be washed away with watering. Use the health and growth of your tomato plants as your guide to providing them with adequate nutrients. Slow growth, weak stems and lack of color in the leaves may be an indication that your plants need more fertilizer to support their growth. Some gardeners prefer to mix a weakened solution of a quarter strength and use it every time they water their tomatoes. According to Scott's, it is safe to apply Miracle-Gro at its recommended strength of 1 tablespoon per gallon of water once a week.

How to fertilize flowering tomato plants?

No crop typifies summer more than red, ripe garden tomatoes. Their natural coloring, rich smell and compact juiciness contrast remarkably with tomatoes sold in grocery stores in midwinter. Tomato plants need nitrogen and phosphorus, but not to excess. A healthy layer of composted manure over the planting bed -- 10 pounds per 10 square feet -- mixed into the top 6 inches of soil, will take care of the tomato plants through flowering. It doesn't pay to offer more, since excess nitrogen produces tall, lush stems but reduces the crop. However, when your tomato blossoms open, it is time to fertilize again.

1. Inspect your tomato plants every day after buds begin to develop. When the majority of the blossoms are open, the tomatoes are starting to set their fruit.
2. Sidedress tomato plants with nitrogen-heavy fertilizer at fruit set. Dig shallow grooves in the soil on either side of each tomato plant. Put the proper amount of fertilizer in the grooves, following the label directions. Apply water to the grooves very slowly and thoroughly to transfer the fertilizer to the plant's roots.
3. Repeat the sidedressing every four or six weeks during tomato season. Take care not to use too much fertilize, as you do not want excess nitrogen to wash out of the root area and contaminate ground water.