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Selecting Trees

WHEN SELECTING TREES to plant, moderation and common sense have to meet. Choose varieties that will not negatively impact property lines and power lines when fully mature. Very simply: do the math. Find out what the tree’s mature size (height and width) will be and work backwards. Remember not to plant on the east or southeast sites where shade from the tree will ultimately cause problems. Before digging, be sure to contact your local utility company to mark gas lines, water pipes, or underground cables. The wrong tree species in the wrong location is a recipe for disaster. Future tree removal is problematic and expensive.

When purchasing new trees, disregard the end-of-the-season closeout offerings from local nurseries. There usually is a reason no one else purchased these leftover trees: a poor condition, a deformed shape, an ultra-common type, or a species not hardy to the area. Making that extra effort to purchase and plant high-quality, desirable trees for a location will benefit all involved immensely. Select the tree based on your criteria and use the plant usage guides in this book to recommend viable options for you.

Form and habit should be considered before making a decision for your property or garden. Architectural structure is important, especially during the winter months. Trees exhibiting an interesting shape or outline may still be appreciated when other plants are either dormant or dead. They may have weeping, arching, or sculpted branching. They may have dramatic or rounded canopies. They may be vase-shaped, pyramidal, or cascading. The appealing characteristic simply may be the massive trunk of the tree.

When selecting a tree to plant, habit is a wonderful characteristic to consider before making a decision. It is great to have all of the ornamental features, but a tree with appealing form and structure is appreciated throughout all four seasons; such a tree usually improves with age.

When properly selected, planted, and maintained, trees can add a needed dimension architecturally. Great properties and gardens have reputations for their tree plantings. But, comprehensive programs designed to care for existing trees and to plan properly for new plantings as they become necessary are vital.