Choosing a Tree To Plant
Planting trees is one of the easiest yet effective means of giving your garden or your yard a face-lift. Trees can provide shade in summer and protect you from harsh, chilly winds in the winter. Aside from these, they can enhance privacy all while increasing real estate values at the same time. Because there is so much variation in size, shape, growth habits and care requirements, the type of tree you choose for your landscape will have repercussions for years to come.
The first step in tree selection is to determine the type of tree appropriate for your property and your needs. Climate and soil play big roles. For example, if you plant a date palm, it might have difficulty surviving the winter season in Chicago. And a water-hungry willow would starve in the desert sands. The tree species you are planning to get can flourish in your local climate and soil conditions (designated hardiness zone).
Matching tree to site is a key part of the tree selection process. What is the size of the site on which your new tree or trees will be situated? How big will that spindly three-foot sapling be in 30 or 40 years? Is an oak or a willow, either very large when fully grown, the best tree for a small front lawn in a city? A crucial factor to consider is proximity to buildings, sidewalks, driveways, streets, utility lines, overhead and buried, and septic systems. If a tree is not planted in an appropriate area, the overhanging branches and extensive root growth may cause damage to nearby adjacent properties and utility lines, and incur you sizeable expenses in the bargain.
Drainage is yet another issue to consider. Good quality, well-drained loam soil is best for planting young trees. Heavy clays in poorly-drained sites present particular problems, as many species of trees including white firs, yellowwoods, beeches, red oaks and yews will not tolerate ?wet feet?. In all cases, stagnant water pooling around roots can lead to ?root rot? caused by lack of available oxygen. You can do a general test for soil drainage by digging a hole in the planting area and filling it with water. If the water hasn?t drained away in a couple of hours, drainage may be an issue. If this is the case, you can plant trees in raised beds of 12 to 18 inches of good quality topsoil to solve the problem.
Soil quality in new subdivisions often presents tree-planting problems. The PH level of the soil, and therefore its fertility, is often affected by construction materials and the resulting rubble. Chemical and petroleum spills, which often occur during building construction, pose additional concerns. In cases where soil contamination is severe, the only solution may be to scrape away the contaminated soil and replace it with good quality topsoil.
Personal taste is another key consideration. Think of how different kinds of new trees can enhance the attractiveness of your property. It?s recommended to create a list of all the trees you want or like, and think about how they would look in your yard or garden. Think about how the tree you selected will fill in to the planting area over time. You can make some sketches to help you decide, or if you don?t trust your own artistic talent, consult available landscape design software, or a landscape designer.
Tom Higgins is a researcher and writer working for http://www.plantnurserysupplies.com, where you can get all the nursery supplies at the best prices. Visit us for all your nursery needs.
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