Aurora Arborist on 2 Considerations to Keep in Mind When Planting a Tree
Planting the wrong tree, or the right one in the wrong place, will lead to difficulties in years to come. By the time the mistake becomes apparent, you\’ve already invested years of your time, and removing it will be a difficult decision. This is why you should consider carefully the purpose of the tree as well as its location on your property.
Know the Purpose of Your Tree
If the tree\’s purpose is blocking your view of neighbors or their view of you, a tree with low-lying branches, such as an evergreen is a solution. Perhaps you want to shade your home from the sun in the summer but allow its warmth in the winter. A deciduous shade tree, which loses its leaves in the fall, performs this function well.
Perhaps your home is on a small lot. If so, then you should plant small rather than large trees. If you\’re in a rush to get shade or have flowering, a fast growing tree is the right pick. However, you should be aware of the downsides of your choice as well. A fast growing tree, for example, will have a shorter life span and tends to have weaker joints where their branches join with the trunk. This increases the risk of storm damage from fallen branches.
Plant Your Tree in the Right Location
Know the full size that your tree will reach and plant it in an area with sufficient room. The adult tree should not impinge on other trees, power lines, sidewalks, driveways, or your house. Consider that the roots of some trees grow three times their adult height in an outward direction. Trees too close to your home can drop large limbs on it and may cause sidewalk or even foundation problems with its roots.
Plant trees well away from buried utility lines, piping, and plumbing. If you want a large hardwood tree, your property should have enough space for its future size, both above ground and under ground. You will want to locate large trees as far as possible from your house and infrastructure.
For assistance or advice from a professional arborist with planting new trees or coping with problem trees, please contact us. You can follow along on Facebook and Instagram, or you can contact us here if you have any questions.
