Choosing a Tree To Plant - By: Azlan

Planting trees is an easy and effective way to beautify your property. Trees can provide shade in summer and wind protection in winter. Aside from these, they can enhance privacy all while increasing real estate values at the same time. There are plenty of choices if you’re planning to plant a tree. These depend on the size, shape, growth habits and care needed, so choose carefully, because the tree you pick will have long-lasting consequences.

When selecting a tree, the first step is to decide what kind of tree is suitable for your property and your needs. Climate and soil play big roles. A date palm might have a tough time surviving a Minneapolis winter. And a water-hungry willow would starve if you’re living in a perennially dry climate. The tree species you are planning to get can flourish in your local climate and soil conditions (designated hardiness zone).

Another important factor in selecting a tree is matching it to the surrounding locality. Think about the size of the area within which your new tree will be situated. Will that spindly sapling you just bought still be able to fit after 20 or 30 years? Conversely, a willow or an oak tree, both of which grow very large when mature, may be not the best tree to plant in a small front lawn in the city. The proximity of the tree to the surrounding houses, buildings, sidewalks, driveways, utility lines, and septic systems should also be considered. 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. Poorly-drained planting sites will give you problems, since many tree species, including firs, beeches, yellowwoods, oaks and yews will not be able to handle “wet feet”. In all cases, stagnant water pooling around roots can lead to ‘root rot’ caused by lack of available oxygen. To test the drainage of a planting area, dig a hole and fill 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.

Tree planters in new subdivisions will oftentimes meet soil quality 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.

One of the critical factors to consider, of course, is your personal taste. Think of how different kinds of new trees can enhance the attractiveness of your property. Make a list of the kinds of trees you admire, 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.

About the Author

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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