A general rule of thumb is to select trees that fit in the available spaces of your property without being less than 30 percent of their height from any of these objects. For example, a tree that grows to 100 feet tall must be at least 30 feet from either of these. Trees thrive when planted in the right place. Find your hardiness zone to see what trees can be planted in your area.
Earth's climate is changing rapidly. Some areas will experience more intense droughts. Others will weather more severe storms. Some tree experts now recommend planting trees that are adapted to the weather conditions your area will experience in 30 or 50 years.
Make sure your tree doesn't cause problems as it grows. Plant trees at least 15 feet away from buildings so there is enough room for roots and branches to reach full size. Make sure the tree doesn't disrupt power lines, sidewalks, and other infrastructure as it grows. Trees need more water when they have just been planted than when they are established.
For the first two weeks after planting, water the tree every day. For three to 12 weeks after sowing, water every two to three days. After that, give the tree plenty of water once a week until it is established, which usually takes three years. There is no need to water if there has been enough rainfall.
In general, you want the soil to be moist but not soggy. American Forests is a nonprofit charitable organization, tax-exempt under Section 501 (c) (of the U.S. Donations are tax-deductible as permitted by law. Different trees serve many different functions.
For example, deciduous trees that provide shade cool houses in summer and allow the winter sun to warm houses when they lose their leaves, while evergreens can provide a windbreak or screen for privacy, and fruit trees or shrubs provide food for the owner or wildlife. An arborist can help owners select the right tree depending on the landscape and desired function. First, consider your hardiness zone, which will help you narrow down your options to trees that can survive the winters in your area. Then take stock of the growing conditions of your planting site, especially the amount of light it receives, the type of soil, and the natural amounts of moisture.
For example, some trees thrive on loose sandy soils, while others tolerate heavier clay soils. Many trees demand sun all day long for better growth and some bloom in the mottled shade. Think about your long-term plan for both the tree and your garden. Do you want to put up a shed or play structure in the future? How big will the surrounding trees grow? Do you plan to eventually put in a driveway or garage? How much will the tree shade your garden in 10 or 15 years?.
This is probably one of the most important factors to consider when choosing trees to plant. Soil, drainage, sunlight, access to water, and location will determine which plants will work best. You might think that selecting a tree to plant is quite easy. Just choose the one with the leaves or flowers you like and it will be fine.
But you actually have quite a few things to think about to make sure your planting is successful. No one wants to invest in a new tree just to make it fail. Choosing the right tree to match your site conditions is the key to lower maintenance, better results and tree longevity. When considering what kind of tree to plant, walk as far as you go and look up.
Are there power lines up high? Are there other tall trees that the new tree may conflict with as it grows? If there are no problems, think about how the tree will affect the view as it grows to its full size. Most shade trees have an extended canopy on top of a much narrower trunk, so views are not as affected at ground level. However, many evergreens have branches to the ground, which may mean that everything behind them disappears. While it may seem an attractive option if you are trying to provide a barrier to an unsightly area or create privacy, it is less desirable if you want to keep an open look inside the landscape or if you want to admire the entire expanse of your lawn.
Choosing a tree based on USDA hardiness zone recommendations can help ensure that your choice of tree matches your climate. Decide if you want a shade tree, a small tree with flowers to light up a shady corner, a tree that attracts wildlife or something else. Some species of trees can grow very quickly, and what was once a beautiful shade tree near the back porch can become a danger and a headache in the future. Your goal here is to choose a tree that fits the soil of your planting site or improve the planting site to the point where the selected tree variety thrives.
Planting trees helps control the level of rainfall that reaches the ground and tree roots help reduce the amount of soil that crawls. Although you may have seen trees with thick applications of mulch against the truck and root flare, so-called “mulch volcanoes”, this can actually kill a tree. When in doubt about how to choose a tree to plant, remember that native trees are always great options. When in doubt, ask your tree supplier or local nursery how much space (vertical and horizontal) is needed to keep your tree healthy and its structures safe.
If you are just looking to add a touch of exterior appeal to your property, consider the shape of the tree, the colors or flowers that the trees will have when they bloom or in the fall. You will need to carefully select a tree that fits the existing conditions or do what you can to make your site better suited to the tree you want to grow. When in doubt, ask a gardening professional for help and use the following four factors to help you choose the right tree for the right location in your garden. .
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