We spoke to James Laan, a highly rated tree trimmer on Thumbtack and the owner of Laans Tree Care in Temecula, California for some tips about how to take care of trees. Though there’s a lot you can do yourself, he does say that if you want to have healthy trees that live for years and years, it’s a good idea to bring in a professional regularly to assess the tree and give it the proper care it deserves.

Here are some other things you should also be doing to help your trees thrive.

Make Sure Your Tree Gets Lots of Water… But Not Too Much Water

Water is the key to making sure your trees stay healthy, Laan says. And, they need more water in their first few years of life, so it’s important to have a system for watering your trees. Ask your tree professionals what they recommend because overwatering is a common mistake that can be very harmful. They may recommend doing a deep soak by turning on a hose at the base of the tree every week or so, as that can help keep the soil moist all the way to the roots which helps with root establishment.

Consider Trees That Are Native to Your Environment

If you live in a place where drought is an issue, your trees will fare much better if they don’t require copious amounts of water, and you won’t have to “waste” water to keep them alive. Conversely, if you live in a place where it never stops raining, you’ll want to plant trees that thrive in wet conditions.

Use Mulch to Protect the Soil

Laan says that laying down a layer of mulch helps keep the moisture in the soil so the roots stay moist. It also keeps weeds away and protects the soil from extreme temperatures. You’ll want to remove all grass and weeds within at least a three-foot area (it may need to be more, which is something a professional can advise you on).

But Don’t Over Mulch

Make sure the mulch isn’t actually touching the trunk of the tree as that can create ideal conditions for insects and decay and ensures the tree won’t live as long. Mulch also shouldn’t be deeper than two inches as that prevents rainwater from reaching the roots. Check the mulch every year and add more as necessary.

Read more: Ask the Experts: Tree Care Tips from the Pros