Trees growing too close to a home can present multiple challenges and potential hazards. Choosing the wrong tree can either cause extensive damage to the surrounding landscape or never grow and develop as it should.
The information given in this newsletter aims to guide you in making an informed decision from the outset, preventing the need to redo efforts after a significant investment.
Remember, while trees add beauty and value to a property, their placement and health are crucial to ensure the safety and longevity of your home.
How To Choose The Right Tree To Plant
We frequently get hired to remove trees that have outgrown their spaces, causing damage to the hardscape or home foundation. Additionally, we replace trees that have died due to inadequate sunlight or water. Typically, when helping clients select a tree, I begin by asking a few initial questions:
- How big do you want it to get?
- Do you want flowers or a particular leaf color?
- Evergreen or deciduous?
- High or low water needs?
- What size container do you want to start with?
- Pest and disease resistance or susceptibility is discussed!
Then based on those answers we will come up with a list of trees that work for the location being considered. It can be a simple task to choose the right tree when asking the correct questions and using the best resources for your area.
Here are some simple tips to consider when choosing a tree to plant.
Here are some areas we research to come up with a list of the best trees for our clients. Towards
the end, we’ll offer a selection of useful resources to guide you in choosing the appropriate tree.
1. Size
Lots of trees appear cute when small but taking into consideration the size of the tree at maturity is important. Typically the larger the tree, the larger the roots. And large roots can crack driveways, sidewalks, or foundations. Additionally, a tree that naturally grows large will be challenging to maintain at a smaller size.
Consistent pruning will be needed to keep the tree small and this becomes expensive if your trying to keep it from reaching its full potential. Its best to choose a tree that doesn’t grow beyond the available width or height so that minimal maintenance is needed.
2. Light
Taking into consideration how much light the tree receives in the proposed location. Some trees require full sun, some shade, and some do well in either. Trees often will not die in the wrong light condition but it will never grow to thrive or reach its full potential. Often fruit trees are planted in the shade and they never produce fruit. Planting the right tree in the right place will maximize its beauty and growing potential.
3. Water Needs
Following the first 2 steps will serve to be pointless if the tree planted receives too much or too little water. Oftentimes water-loving trees are planted in drought tolerant landscapes and the tree either dies or never grows. Or drought tolerant trees are planted in high water areas. When this occurs the trees can acquire more diseases, fungus, and always appear stressed.
This can be avoided when planting trees in areas where they will receive the correct amount of water with the existing or newly installed irrigation system.
4. Soil
Choosing a tree that can thrive in the soil that is present on site is important. Attempting to amend the soil to create an environment that mimics what the tree is accustomed too often is short lived. The tree needs to adapt or enjoy the native soil it is planted in.
Certain trees are well-suited for clay soils, and it’s more efficient to choose them rather than struggling to get a tree that favors well-drained soil to thrive in that environment.
Choosing the tree that appreciates your type of soil is always the best approach.
5. Growth Rate
Oftentimes trees are chosen for a specific function. Some want privacy but do not want to wait ten years for it to grow to the correct size. Choosing a tree that provides privacy or the shade you want within a reasonable timeframe is important to consider. Often clients want to enjoy the tree now and don’t want to wait 20 years to begin enjoying the shade or beauty.
We can choose a tree that reaches a maximum height of 25 ft but purchase it when it is already 10 ft tall. Rather than purchasing it at 5 ft and waiting 3-5 years to grow a few ft. This often comes down to budget and space for equipment. Realistically, we can get a tree as large as desired if there is budget and room to work.
Opting for the right tree can cut down on costs associated with frequent pruning to prevent obstructions to views or solar panels. This decision not only ensures that the tree bears healthy and vibrant fruit but also prevents potential damage to a freshly installed driveway. Every week, we encounter these significant challenges, which can be avoided by investing extra time in selecting the appropriate tree for its intended location.