Planting trees is an easy and effective way to beautify your property, provide shade in summer and wind protection in winter, and enhance privacy while simultaneously increasing real estate values. Because there is so much variation in size, shape, growth habits, and care requirements, the type of tree you choose for your landscape must meet specific needs.
Understand what’s appropriate for your location
You need to figure out what kind of tree would do well where you live and what tree you need. The climate and the type of soil in an area are important factors. For example, a date palm might not survive a cold winter in St. Louis. Ensure that the tree species you are considering can grow well in your local climate and soil conditions (designated hardiness zone). And don’t forget about some other important factors:
Size of the area to be planted in
When choosing a tree, it is important to consider how big it will be when it is fully grown. It would help if you also thought about how big the space is where you will plant the tree. For example, if you have a small front lawn in a city, you might want to choose something other than a large tree, like an oak or a willow. But if you have a large suburban lot, a single small tree or bush might get lost in all that space.
What’s the proximity to buildings and other structures?
When you pick a tree, one important thing to consider is its proximity to buildings, sidewalks, driveways, powerlines and other things. Trees have roots that grow laterally underground and branches that grow outwards. If a tree is too close to something, it can cause damage with its roots or branches. This can be expensive to fix. So, when choosing where to plant the tree, consider whether it is close to any buildings or other structures.
What’s your soil like?
Drainage is an important issue to consider when planting trees. Trees do best in good-quality, well-drained soil. If the soil is poorly drained, it can cause problems for many species of trees, though there are certain species that can handle it. To test for soil drainage, dig a hole in the planting area and fill it with water. Drainage may be an issue if the water hasn’t drained away in a couple of hours.
pH is another important factor within the soil and can dictate how nutrients in the soil are used by plants. There are kits you can purchase to test the pH level of your soil.
With Hansen’s Tree Service, we are dedicated to the health of your trees with comprehensive plant health care solutions. No matter your budget, we will always find a way to work with you to get you the care your trees need.