I was out working in the yard the other day when one of the neighbors from down the street stopped by to chat. The conversation quickly turned into some mild grousing by my neighbor about having to deal with “all these blasted trees and the mess they leave on the lawn.” Since our houses are built next to a large stretch of woods, having big
trees and dealing with sticks and leaves is not an entirely unexpected task.
I do have to agree with my neighbor though, that not all trees are created equal and not all serve the same purpose. Some trees have more to offer in terms of appearance or strength, lifespan or disease resistance. Since fall is the prime time to plant most trees, it seems like a good time to learn what to consider before you begin your fall planting.
Over the years, I have found that tree planting can be impulsive. People see a tree that they like and decide that they want to plant one just like it. They buy one at the local box store, bring it home and then find a spot to plant it. Ten years later they may sincerely regret their decision as they figure out it was the wrong tree in the wrong place. The designers at Embassy Landscape Group agree that there is a better way to add trees to the landscape. Future problems and dissatisfaction can be avoided by answering two equally important and interrelated questions before you purchase and plant.
What is the tree’s purpose?
Thinking about why the tree is being planted helps a designer identify the type of tree that will best fulfill the client’s needs and wishes.
- Is it for shade? Deciduous trees, if placed correctly, can reduce up to 20% of a
building’s energy cost in the summer. When the branches are bare in the winter,
then the tree can allow the sun to warm the space, reducing heating costs by up
to 30%. Professional landscape designers can help determine the best location
for each property. - Is it for privacy? Trees can effectively block unappealing views, but can also be
security risks if planted where they will block building entrances when fully grown.
The tree’s shape at maturity is an important consideration. - Is it for aesthetics? As the old saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Knowing the preferred size, shape, color and density allows the designer to
suggest suitable varieties. - Is it part of a windbreak? Although evergreen provide more protection from winter
winds, most windbreaks also include taller deciduous trees to reduce the actual
velocity of the wind. Upright hardwood trees with columnar or pyramidal are
usually preferred. - Is it part of a sound barrier? Dense, staggered stands of trees and evergreens
can muffle up to 40% of the environmental noise. Sound barriers can increase
the value of properties located near major thoroughfares. - Will it define an area? Strategic placement of trees can be used to both separate
and create spaces for outdoor activities. - Is it to attract birds and wildlife? Trees, especially native ones, provide food and
refuge for birds and other wildlife. - Is it for a sense of tranquility and peacefulness? Trees, as part of nature, can
help reduce stress and boost the immune system.
Where is it going?
On the surface, this seems like a single direct question with a single direct answer. Actually it is more complex than pointing to a spot and saying “It goes there.” In using this question to narrow the possibilities, designers are really doing a site evaluation.
- Is this an urban or rural site? A tree in an urban area will have to withstand more
pollution than that of a rural site. On the other hand, a tree in a rural area may
have to withstand more wind. - What is the planting zone? Knowing the average high and low temperatures as
well as the average rainfall in an area allows designers to choose species that
will not only tolerate the weather conditions but thrive in them. A tree that is
planted in its optimal growing conditions will be hardier and less susceptible to
insect damage and disease. - Is it for residential or commercial use? Trees that are surrounded by the reflected
heat of concrete or asphalt face harsher conditions than those surrounded by the
more moderating surrounds of soil. - What are soil conditions? Soil composition affects growth. Knowing the ph also
helps choose an appropriate species. - Is this a wet, dry or normal area? Both too much water and too little water can
put a tree under stress. A stressed tree is more prone to disease.
- Are there overhead or underground lines or septic tanks that will interfere with
growth? As trees grow, both branches and roots spread. Branches will need to
be trimmed to avoid power outages. Repairs to sceptic systems can be costly. - How close will it be to a driveway or sidewalk? Trees provide needed shade for
pedestrian walkways. If planted too close however, sidewalks and driveways
can buckle from root damage within five years, creating an unsightly and
hazardous condition. - How close is it to the house? Planting a tree too close to a house can add to roof
problems later. - Where is the property line? In order to prevent questions as to whose
responsibility the tree really is, they should be planted several feet from the
property line. - Will the location create a traffic hazard? Improperly positioned trees can cause
hazardous blind spots at driveways and corners. - What other types of trees are close by? Too many of the same species of tree in
an area can promote disease and insect infestation.
Once these questions have been considered, then it is time to find and install the perfect tree. Professional designers, like those at Embassy Landscape Group, can help.
They not only understand the local environmental conditions, but they also have the experience to know what really does thrive and what doesn’t in an area. Give them a call. They’d love to help.
By: Sandy Nelson
