Six Tips on Tree Selection and Placement
You don’t need to plant just any tree in your yard. You need to plant the right tree in your yard. That’s easier said than done. While you have a wide selection of trees out there, there’s no one “best tree” for all purposes.
In fact, you have several considerations when selecting a tree. Once you’ve selected that tree, you must place it in the right spot in your yard. These two activities go hand-in-hand to find the best tree for your yard.
The benefits of planting a tree in the right spot are numerous. Environmental benefits include air purification, soil health, water conservation, and habitat creation, while aesthetic benefits include beauty and visual interest, privacy and screening, noise reduction, and creating a peaceful environment.
- Pinpoint your climate zone
Start by determining your plant hardiness zone, which indicates your area’s average minimum winter temperature. This step narrows down the trees that can survive the cold in your site. Next, consider the area’s rainfall patterns and its sun exposure. How much sun does your yard get—full, partial, or complete shade? Will you need additional watering for the tree you pick to survive?
2. Determine your needs and preferences
Using the information discovered in step one, you must consider other vital factors, like maintenance, aesthetics, and functions. Do you want shade, privacy, wind protection, vibrant fall foliage, or blossoms? Choose trees that fulfill your priorities and maintenance needs. Do you want a mature tree with size, shape, and foliage color? What about a flowering tree to complement your existing landscape?
3. Choose the right area
You must select the right tree for the site under consideration. That includes matching the mature size of the tree to the site. For example, avoid planting a towering tree under power lines or close to your house. Growth rate, soil type, and drainage are also considerations. You want a tree with suitable growth for your desired timeline. Also, know your tree’s light needs and place it accordingly. Consider its future shade impact on buildings, walkways, or gardens.
4. Set goals for your tree
Setting goals is a must when selecting and placing trees on a site. Do you want the tree to provide shade or privacy? Or maybe you want it to attract birds or add color to your yard. Whatever your goal, you may need to exceed aesthetics to achieve it. Lifestyle is also a consideration. You want a tree that fits your lifestyle. Some trees require more pruning, watering, maintenance, or pest control. Also, stay away from invasive tree species that can harm native ecosystems.
5. Plant at the right time
Research the tree you want to plant to find the best time to plant it. Fall and spring are typically the best time to plant, but not always. Dig a hole two to three times wider than the tree’s root ball and plant the tree at the same depth as the soil line on the root ball. Straighten the tree in the hole. Once planted, a tree is difficult to reposition. Fill the hole gently but firmly. Avoid fertilizing the tree at this time. Stake the tree only when planting bare root stock or when planting at windy sites. Remove the stakes after a year of growth.
Studies also show that homes with mature trees generally sell for more than those without trees, have lower groundwater fees, and save energy. Below are six tips on how to select the perfect tree for you:
- Provide the proper care
Having planted the tree at the right spot, you need to water deeply and regularly. New trees need plenty of water during the first year and in dry periods and hot weather. Gradually reduce watering as the tree becomes established. Also, apply a layer of mulch around the tree’s base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Avoid filling in mulch to the tree’s base. Prune young trees for proper structure and remove dead or diseased branches as needed.
Selecting and planting a tree in the right place in your yard can be a challenge. But if you follow the tips we provided above, you’ll simplify the process. If you’re still unsure about planting a tree in an area, consult a professional! Consulting a certified arborist, qualified nursery professional, or one of RITree’s technical specialists can provide valuable guidance for selecting and caring for your trees.