Planting the Right Tree for Your Landscape

When planting a tree in your landscape, it is essential to ensure that the tree you choose is well suited to your climate and soil conditions. If the tree doesn’t have the right conditions to thrive, it may develop weak growth and potentially fail to survive. The goal is to plant a tree that not only survives but thrives. The tree should remain healthy, enhance your landscape’s beauty and will survive for a long time. 

There are several determining factors when it comes to the best tree species for your landscape. Including the tree’s size, height, shape and function within your landscape. By considering these factors, you can select a tree that will be best suited for your yard.

Considerations for Tree Selection

When planning and designing your landscape, it's important to factor in the following; 

• Form and shape. What type of appearance and structure are you wanting?

• Height and canopy spread. How tall and wide will the tree grow? How much space do you have?

• Soil, sun and moisture. Does your yard provide the correct conditions for the desired species? 

• Growth. How quickly will the tree mature?

• Hardiness zone. Will this tree be well suited to the climate?

• Fruit. Do you want a tree that provides fruit?

• Evergreen or Deciduous tree. Do you want the tree to have year round coverage or have seasonal variety? 

Importance of Quality Trees

Choosing a high quality tree is an important step to take to ensure long term success in your landscape. High quality trees are more likely to survive and live for many years. While low quality trees can develop serious and costly issues, resulting in frequent maintenance and reducing the tree’s benefits to you and nature.

Quality Characteristics

A low quality tree has the following;

• A wounded or damaged trunk due to poor handling or improper pruning techniques.

• Weak structure, with branches growing into each other, or from the same spot on the trunk.

• Circling, crushed or poorly developed roots from being confined in an undersized container or root ball.

A High quality tree has the following; 

• A healthy trunk with no visible wounds or damage. 

• Proper structural form with correctly spaced branches and a straight trunk.

• A well developed and strong root system which naturally extends from the trunk.

Before buying a tree, always inspect it for any potential issues or damage with its form, roots, or previous injuries. 

Tree Function - Evergreen, Deciduous or Fruit Trees

Different species of trees can provide varying functions in your landscape. 

• Evergreens: These can provide year round privacy, acting as a natural screen or windbreakers which protects your property from wind.

• Deciduous: In summer, deciduous trees offer shade and cooling benefits to your home and yard. During winter, their bare branches allow the sun to heat your home.

• Fruit Trees: These trees will add beauty to your yard while providing food for your family and wildlife.

Form and Size 

There are hundreds of sizes and forms to choose from. Selecting the right tree is crucial.

Some trees are low spreading, making them a good choice for planting under overhead utility lines. Tall and narrow evergreens can act like privacy fences. It's important to select the right shape of tree for your desired function within your landscape. Having the right size and shape can help limit maintenance cost. 

Condition of Your Site

The success of your tree depends on selecting the correct tree for your specific site conditions. Consider these key points when selecting a tree;

• Soil conditions: Does the soil have correct drainage and nutrients to support a tree?

• The amount of exposure to sun and wind: Is it being planted in a sunny or shaded area? Check to make sure the tree of choice can handle the amount of sunlight it will receive.

• Space requirement: How much room does your yard have for the tree to grow without overcrowding?

• Temperature Tolerance: Will the tree be able to handle the extremes of your climate such as; cold snowy winters or very hot summers.

• Drainage: Does your yard have correct water drainage, or does your yard retain water?

• Disease and Pest Resistance: Some trees have more susceptibility to pests or diseases. It's important to select a tree that is resistant to pests and diseases in your area.  

  
  

Choosing the correct tree for your landscape involves lots of consideration of your site's conditions. The trees’ needs for certain climates and weather, size and shape, soil, and moisture. Personal preferences will play a part in the selection process as well.

If you need more assistance with selecting the perfect tree for your yard or have further questions about this process, don’t hesitate to Contact us Today. We are here to ensure your tree planting is a success!