Selecting and Planting Trees in Your Landscape
The information provided on our Tree Advisory Board Web Site about the Selecting and Planting Trees in Your Landscape can be download as a Microsoft Power Point Presentation file also. You can download a free Microsoft Power Point Presentation viewer to view the presentation if you do not own Microsoft Power Point.Matching the right tree to your site is the most important aspect of tree selection. A tree that is not suited to its planting site will perform poorly, require more maintenance, and ultimately die before its time.
Cultural Requirements
1. How much light does the site receive?
- Full Sun
- Shade
- Sandy
- Loam
- Clay
- Drought
- Flood
5. Will the tree tolerate pollution, salt spray?
6. Is the plant Hardy in your area? Zone 6
Space / Site Restrictions
1. How much space is available?
2. Are there any utilities near?
- Overhead wires
- Underground pipes, wires
- Foot traffic
- Invasive roots
- Roots in foundations
- Sight lines
- Messy fruits
- Fall leaf drop
What is the desired Function of your tree?
- Shade Screen / Windbreak
- Ornamental / Accent Flower
- Fruit
- Foliage
Where To Plant
Sketch Out Your Plans - First, draw a rough diagram of your lot, including the houseand any existing landscaping.Consider The Benefits Of Shading - After completing the diagram of your lot,consider placing your shade trees on the side of the housethat receives the most direct sun during the day.
Plan For Growth hen Evaluating Locations - Make sure you give your tree adequate room to grow. Try to envision it 5,10, oreven 50 years into the future. know what a tree will look like at maturity and consider height, crown spread and root space when planting. For reference, theTree Species Selection Chart lists average mature sizes for recommended trees.
Other Design Considerations
Splitting - Try to locate your tree in a position where it will not split your lot or view into equal halves.Framing - To give your lot the appearance of greater depth, plant on a diagonal line outward from the corners of the house.
Background - Plant trees on the side or back of your home.
Accent - Small flowering trees can beautify and accent patios, pools or play areas.
Utilities - Consider the tree’s mature size in relation to overhead and underground utilities.
Things To Avoid
- Enclosing the root zone in concrete.
- Planting over or too near buried utilities or sprinkler system
- Planting tall trees under utility lines.
- Spreading branches that may tangle with wires or roof leaves.
- Shading gardens or other desirable sunny spots.
- Blocking windows or scenic views.
- Interfering with outdoor lighting.
- Covering chimneys.
- Encroaching on your neighbor’s property.
- Covering traffic signs or blocking views at street corners.
Choosing nursery stock
- Trees are generally available in three forms
- Containerized
- Balled and Burlapped ( B & B )
- Bare Root
What to look for in nursery stock
- Inspect Trees for Quality and Health
- Vigorous plant Good twig extension - growth
- Good branch spacing and trunk taper
- Evenly distributed, healthy foliage
- Solid, moist root ball
- Abundant roots, light in color
What to avoid in nursery stock
- Inspect for Poor quality plants
- Missing or damaged central leader
- Mechanical injury, damage to bark, trunk or branches
- Desiccated, discolored or shriveled leaves
- Girdled, circling, or kinked roots
What to avoid in nursery stock
- Soft, brown or black non-woody roots
- Presence of insects or disease
- Discolored, sunken, or swollen areas of trunk